Megalopolis, Francis Ford Coppola's recent—and ambitious—sci-fi epic is about to find a new home in streaming after disappointing results at the box offices and mixed reviews from both critics and viewers alike.
Even Coppola's Apocalypse Now, which has the status of a legend among the pantheon of cinematic deities, was once deemed "a failure". In a similar pattern to Megalopolis, this movie faced underwhelming results at the box office, and mixed reviews—to the point of some calling them overrated even nowadays—, but eventually, it became known as a classic.
We all know Oppenheimer got instant acclaim, and incredible box office results—but, who remembers the cultural phenomenon of Barbieheimer? But, such meteoric rises are far more an exception than a rule in Hollywood. Now, however, a new page in the life of this megaproject will be turned. Let's find out all the details for Coppola's Megalopolis release.
The plot of Megalopolis is based on confrontation
In the heart of Megalopolis, the plot unfolds with an intense confrontation between two ideological forces represented by Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver) and the mayor, Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito). Cesar is a visionary determined to shape a utopic future, ferociously opposed to Cicero, who defends the status quo in which his own personal interests and conservative values prevail.
The mayor's daughter and socialite, Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel), becomes the human link between these two powerful figures, divided between her passion for Cesar and her loyalty to her family, holding the key to understanding the conflict.
This is the ambitiously multifaceted narrative of Megalopolis, which echoes the legacy of Coppola, with challenges that mirror the ones he faced before when creating his now legendary movies.
When will Megalopolis be released on VOD?
Megalopolis is set to debut on PVOD (premium video on demand) on November 12, 2024, and will be available on VOD platforms such as Prime Video, AppleTV+, and VUDU. The purchase price is US$ 24.99, and one may rent it at US$ 19.99—with a 48-hour window view.
This digital premiere represents another chance for the public to explore Megalopolis in a more intimate and welcoming ambiance.
The cast of Megalopolis
In order to breathe life into his grandiose project, Coppola selected a stellar cast that includes Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Laurence Fishburne, Aubrey Plaza, Jon Voight, Shia LaBeouf, and Dustin Hoffman, who, together bring the intensity and versatility needed to portray the complex and layered plot.
As always, Coppola is at the center of it all, directing and financing the movie with US$120million, showcasing commitment and personal views that evoke the independent spirit of filmmakers such as Orson Welles—who also used to go all in for his works.
With his daring and immersive approach, Coppola has once again taken the front line in an industry increasingly driven by commercial interests—but one that still has such dreamers ready to take risks and produce gems like this.
Final thoughts and our take
My opinion? While we know there is no guaranteed recipe for success, Megapolis contains all of the ingredients needed to become a referential work of cinema, even more, so considering the times in which it was created and released. In an era when digital productions are getting more space, it is palpable that a master in the industry like Coppola might redefine the concept of independent cinema for the streaming generation, with a movie that brings to the screens a call for reflection on ideological struggles that shape our society, now more relevant than ever.
So, will Megalopolis become a future cult—or contemporary—classic? Only time will tell. After all, the way we "consume" movies and TV shows has drastically changed. With the release in VOD, the movie will be out there for the appraisal of a new generation of viewers, who can decide, free from the influence of numbers and criticism, the real value of this narrative.
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As suggested by Coppola himself in interviews all over the years, some stories need time to be fully digested and taken in.
Mark your calendars: Megalopolis is set to premiere in PVOD on November 12. 2024. Pre-order now and join the conversation.
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