Megalopolis

Dragging, pretentious, overly vague in theme and character development. A self-indulgent mess.

Everything you have read or will read about Francis Ford Coppola's latest, and potentially final film, Megalopolis, is true. For the 85-year-old filmmaker, this is the culmination of a 40-year-long obsession with Roman fables, Randian iconoclastic megalomaniacs, and sweeping gestures of cinematic idiosyncrasy, one final big swing before he can rest, drink his best-selling wine, and spend the rest of his days looking down on the fools attempting to riff on his career. For the audience to whom he has left this strange parting gift, it may be the beginning of something brand new - something with the promise of a Megalopolis, but with the end result of a Megalopolis. Full review on Substack: https://benpatten.substack.com/

I give one point for the cast and because visually it’s impressive. But otherwise, what did I just watch? I can’t even summarize it.

It has been some years since I saw a new release that felt so original, unrestrained, ambitious and large in thematic/visual scope. 'Megalopolis' is an indie film make no mistake. This film in a sense is reminiscent of George Lucas' first Star Wars prequel. The work of an unbridled genuine auteur independently financing the realization of their vision.

Megalopolis is a too long mishmash of Roman and contemporary tropes which promises to challenge movie and societal norms and fails. It's got a white male protagonist, a white female love interest and no chemistry between them, a cross dressing major villain, amoral lesbians, corrupt politicians who somehow resolve their differences with the 'hero', a slap at street protest, and a vision of the future remarkably like the past, whether Roman or contemporary New York and US. For the amount of money spent, many more interesting films could have been made.

I know lots of people didn't like this movie. Maybe they just didn't get it? It was different, visually amazing and thought provoking. People should at least watch it.

Had to stop watching it mid movie The story is all over the place had my brain confused at all moments 2 out of 10

Will not chase down a movie while Copola shops a for more cash. Sorry, hubris killed the movie before I’d care to spend that much time on.

I can't understand how this film was boycotted so much, a dream of Coppola coming true, and a masterpiece we weren't ready for. Maybe in 30 years it will be understood.

Walked out but still found elements of it. Fascinating. Wished I had stayed to the end after a day or two.