This is my most anticipated film. Ever since it was announced that Francis Ford Coppola was selling everything to make a passion movie, I’ve been strapped in for a weird and wonderful ride. There’s just something to auteur projects that are seemingly based on something more than success. I’ve read the synopsis. There’s no way this film is breaking box office records; it’s unlikely to break even. Yet, I’m looking forward to this. 

Megalopolis began principal photography in November 2022 at Trilith Studios in Georgia. Behind the scenes sounds movie-worthy in itself, with budgets inflating beyond the initial $120 million and negative gossip. Despite these hurdles, filming wrapped relatively smoothly by March 2023. This journey mirrors the storied BTS of Coppola’s 1979 film, “Apocalypse Now,” known for its ambitious scope and complex production.

While we don’t know too much about the film’s story, we know it follows an architect’s dream to rebuild New York City as a utopia in the aftermath of a devastating disaster. This intertwines with the corrupt mayor’s conservative values, setting up a clash between idealism and political machinations. Quite a lot is known about the film’s origins; as we know, the works of late anthropologist David Graeber heavily inspired it.

It’s not hard to be drawn in by Megalopolis’s production; it’s easily becoming my most talked-about film of 2024. It boasts an impressive cast, including Adam Driver, who described his time on the film as one of his best shooting experiences. While it’s too early to speculate on the film’s quality, any film fan will surely be paying attention on release day.

Will this be another case of Francis Ford Coppola being a visionary and one step ahead of the crowd, or will he gamble it all and blow the lot like he’s done before with One from the Heart in 1982, which bankrupted him? 

Release Date: May 23, 2024

Will It Be Any Good?

There’s honestly no way to know. Coppola is clearly one of the most talented filmmakers ever, but he hasn’t made a universally appreciated film in almost three decades (The Rainmaker). Since then, he’s been working in small-budget experimental-tinged films. Now he’s returning to the big budget side of things, and there’s no way to know if he still has ‘it.’

But does that matter? Coppola is selling everything he has for this film. He knows he’s old. He knows he doesn’t have too long left. This will almost certainly be the last film he’ll ever make, and while he still can, he’s mustering up everything to get his dream made. If you can’t get behind that narrative, the film might not be for you. 

Will It Be Worth Watching? Yes, but there’s no quality guarantee.