Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: A Passion Project with Mixed Reviews
Despite receiving a range of opinions from critics, Francis Ford Coppola has awarded his film, Megalopolis, a perfect score. This self-financed epic, featuring Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina—an architect set on rebuilding New York City into a utopia after a catastrophic event—marks a significant venture for Coppola. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Shia LaBeouf, Laurence Fishburne, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Aubrey Plaza, among others. Although it premiered to mixed reviews at Cannes and received a similar reception at TIFF, Coppola remains steadfast in his support.
Currently holding a modest 51% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Coppola has given Megalopolis a five-star review on Letterboxd, a popular movie-tracking platform. As illustrated in the screenshot below, the film appears on the director’s recent watchlist, alongside another five-star rating for The Last Showgirl (2024), a film directed by his granddaughter, Gia Coppola. Coppola also awarded both movies a heart, indicating his appreciation beyond a mere star rating.
What Coppola’s Letterboxd Review Implies for Megalopolis
Coppola’s Investment in His Vision
The reception of Megalopolis has been notably divisive. Opinions range from dismissing the film as overly self-indulgent to praising it as a masterpiece. Some reviewers, taking a more balanced stance, acknowledge the film’s ambitious and unconventional approach, even if it doesn’t fully succeed. Consequently, the film’s ratings on Letterboxd vary widely. Nevertheless, Coppola seems pleased with the final product.
7 Francis Ford Coppola Movies To Watch Before Megalopolis
Having largely self-financed the film’s $120 million budget, Coppola appears confident in his artistic creation. However, its commercial viability remains uncertain. Reviews and trailers suggest the film’s eccentric nature might not appeal to mainstream audiences. Coppola’s perfect rating for Megalopolis follows a series of controversies, including issues with casting, the dismissal of the entire VFX team, harassment claims, and a trailer featuring AI-generated quotes from critics. The casting of actors like Shia LaBeouf, who faces a sexual assault lawsuit, and Jon Voight, a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, has also stirred controversy.
Our Perspective on Coppola’s 5-Star Rating
Celebrating the Unique Vision
While some may find it unusual for Coppola to award his film a perfect rating, it would be equally strange if he rated it otherwise. This paradox likely explains why few filmmakers rate their own works on platforms like Letterboxd.
Coppola has invested considerable time and resources into realizing Megalopolis, and even if it underperforms at the box office—which seems likely—it is worth celebrating that such an iconic director is satisfied with what could be among his final films. In a cinematic landscape dominated by reboots and sequels, Coppola’s commitment to releasing an entirely original work is both refreshing and commendable.
Source: Letterboxd
Megalopolis
- Drama
- Sci-Fi
Megalopolis, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is a visionary 2024 film exploring the ambitious dream of reconstructing New York City into a utopia, following a devastating disaster. The narrative delves into the clash between the architect's utopian vision and the political and personal turmoil that ensues. With a star-studded cast, the film examines themes of ambition, power, and the human spirit's resilience against the backdrop of a futuristic metropolis.
