Critics slammed Megalopolis’ premiere at Cannes, but its run in theaters is assured.

Megalopolis, Francis Ford Coppola’s latest creation, already shines at its world premiere in Cannes, in a mix that resonates with the renaissance of Metropolis and the unrelenting controversy. From the pocket of the legendary Godfather director, this project has confirmed its worldwide release in IMAX format, a bold move that promises to take the cinema experience to a new level.

Coppola and the IMAX commitment

IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond expressed his excitement at the collaboration with Coppola, noting the company’s commitment to filmmakers and its decision to support this ambitious project despite recent controversies surrounding its productions. The confirmation comes at a crucial time, just as rumors are circulating of difficulty finding a distributor due to the chaos behind the scenes.

The challenges weren’t few for Coppola, his vision for Megalopolis was just as great as the controversy that followed. Recent reports suggest chaotic days and questionable decisions during filming. However, despite the setbacks, the film has made its way to IMAX screens, providing an unprecedented viewing experience.

Megalopolis: A History of Competing Visions

The plot of Megalopolis brings us to a city at the crossroads of two conflicting visions after being damaged by an accident. On the one hand, we have Caesar, who dreams of turning the ruins into a lasting utopia. Mayor Frank Cicero, on the other hand, said his ambitions could steer the city’s renaissance down less charitable paths. Between these two men is the mayor’s daughter, Julia, who, exhausted by the power and attention to her power, seeks new meaning in her life.

With a cast that includes the likes of Adam Driver, Natalie Emanuel, and Laurence Fishburne, Megalopolis not only promises to be a visual and thematic odyssey, but also a showcase of stellar performances that define the work of its stars.

First impressions of Megalopolis vary according to its content. Some describe it as a bold mix of influences from Ayn Rand to Caligula, while others call it a fantastical tale that blends the past with the future, perfect for the large IMAX format. Despite the divisions, Coppola’s vision seems to have turned into a visually stunning and imaginatively loaded tale.

The shock of criticism

When Megalopolis debuted at the Cannes Film Festival, its reception reflected director Francis Ford Coppola’s divisive ambitions. While some critics described the film’s boldness as a “visual and narrative whirlwind”, others were less generous in their reviews, questioning the film’s consistency and commercial viability.

At the heart of the argument is Coppola’s ability to combine genres and themes in a revolutionary way, which has always characterized his work. However, the most prominent divide is those who see Megalopolis as a mock attempt to redefine science fiction cinema and celebrate the filmmaker’s triumphant return to grand historical narratives.

Criticism at Cannes focused not only on the film’s narrative or aesthetics, but also on the casting and direction of the actors. While some praised the on-screen chemistry and dedication, especially Adam Driver, others suggested that the direction sometimes lacked the necessary support for the actors to execute such a grand vision.

This clash of critical views ensures that Megalopolis remains an obligatory topic of conversation in film circles, proving that Coppola’s film, regardless of its ultimate success, will leave an indelible mark on the landscape of modern cinema.