‘Megalopolis’ Movie Review: Francis Ford Coppola's Ambitious Opus
- Details
- Category: New Series and Movie Reviews
- Published: Friday, 27 September 2024 22:43
- Written by Lupe R Haas
Francis Ford Coppola's MEGALOPOLIS is a head-scratcher from start to finish, feeling more like a Terrence Malick film than one from the legendary director of APOCALYPSE NOW and THE GODFATHER. While the premise offers an intriguing concept, the muddled storyline and absence of a clear protagonist leave it feeling disjointed. The saving grace, however, comes from the eccentric performances of Shia LaBeouf and Aubrey Plaza, which add a spark of unpredictability to an otherwise chaotic film.
Sometime in the near future, the city of New Rome is the center of conflict between Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver), an eccentric artist who dreams of a utopian society and a corrupt politician, Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito). The Mayor's daughter, Julia Cicero (Nathalie Emmanuel) is torn between both men.
MEGALOPOLIS is initially told from Cesar Catilina's perspective, but we switch our focus to Julia once she becomes involved with Cesar. Many characters are introduced but underdeveloped, leaving little emotional connection to the lead characters. Cesar comes across as neither relatable nor likable, portrayed as an eccentric character whose impulsive and unpredictable actions make it hard to connect with him and his dream. Julia lives a life of excess when we first meet her then suddenly switches sides for no good reason except for falling in love with Cesar.
<However, when Shia LeBeouf and Aubrey Plaza appear, they bring life to the movie as provocateurs and comic relief.
Those familiar with the downfall of the Roman Empire will figure out that Coppola is equating the current political situation in the United States to the Roman Republic. Set in the future, the characters' names derive from famous Roman figures like Julius Caesar and Cicero, and greed and corruption also plague this society.
Written by Coppola, the scenes feel random and don't progress the storyline. The only subplot that pays off is the one involving LaBeouf and Plaza.
Coppola delivers a grandiose spectacle, unfortunately without the substance.
MEGALOPOLIS is now showing in movie theaters.