Anna Daniels
Megalopolis, the much-anticipated project from filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, has made its debut in cinemas. Despite a substantial budget of $136 million, the film only managed to generate $4 million in its opening weekend. Audience reactions have been mixed, reflecting a D+ CinemaScore and a 5.6/10 rating on IMDb, along with a 45% positive score on PostTrak. Yet, Coppola appears unbothered by the film’s initial ratings, drawing parallels to his acclaimed work, Apocalypse Now.
In an interview with Forbes, Coppola expressed that the initial mixed reception of Megalopolis parallels how audiences reacted to Apocalypse Now: “There was an ambivalent confusion because it was clearly a film not made with any rules,” he noted. He anticipates that, like his previous film, Megalopolis will gain appreciation over time through repeated viewings: “I believe viewers will find it worthwhile to watch again… with each viewing, it reveals something different.”
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This viewpoint holds true as Megalopolis presents an unprecedented cinematic experience. Its 130-minute duration is filled with rich thematic content, detailed visuals, and captivating moments categorized by Coppola as “not boring.” Featuring a stellar cast that includes Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, Forest Whitaker, and Laurence Fishburne, the film explores grand themes, and each viewing likely uncovers deeper insights. It seems poised for cult status.
Demonstrating his commitment, Coppola has invested $136 million of his own finances into the project, a decision he stands by: “I put the risk in the movie… One day, I’ll reflect, ‘I got to do that.’” Although it may not be performing well at the box office presently, its cultural significance could mature over time, similar to Apocalypse Now.
As the years go by, Megalopolis could transform into a cherished classic, rediscovered and applauded by audiences in the future. For now, it stands as a bold and audacious cinematic endeavor.
