Festivals - FCAD 2024 : Francis Ford Coppola Presents Megalopolis at the 50th Deauville American Film Festival

By Mulder, Deauville, Centre International de Deauville, 12 september 2024

In a momentous occasion for cinema lovers, the 50th edition of the Deauville American Film Festival welcomed one of the most anticipated films of the year: Megalopolis. Presented by the legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, this grand epic drew crowds and sparked conversation, reinforcing Francis Ford Coppola's status as one of the true titans of the art form. After decades of development, Megalopolis made its debut, stirring the imagination of audiences with its blend of classical themes and contemporary relevance.

As the festival showcased a range of the finest American films, Megalopolis stood out not only for its star-studded cast and the reputation of its director but also for its profound exploration of power, love, and societal transformation. The film is set in a fictionalized modern-day America, rife with political and social decadence, as it imagines the rise of a new Roman empire, embodied in the city of New Rome. The central conflict pits two towering figures against each other: the visionary Caesar Catilina, played by Adam Driver, and the conservative Mayor Franklyn Cicero, portrayed by Jon Voight.

Francis Ford Coppola’s vision for Megalopolis is both timeless and urgent. The film delves into the age-old struggle between progress and tradition. Caesar, a figure who channels the spirit of both a revolutionary and an artist, possesses a unique gift – the power to stop time. This ability allows him to dream of a utopian future, one where New Rome can rise to its full potential, free from greed and corruption. Yet, standing in his way is Franklyn Cicero, a leader fiercely protective of the old guard, who represents privilege, private militias, and the wealth of the few. At the heart of this tension is Julia Cicero, played by Nathalie Emmanuel, the mayor’s daughter who is deeply in love with Caesar but torn by her loyalty to her father. The emotional stakes rise as Julia navigates the chasm between these two men and their contrasting visions for the future of mankind.

The film’s world is brought to life through the stunning cinematography of Mihai Mălaimare Jr., who creates an immersive landscape of decaying grandeur and futuristic ambition. The score, composed by Osvaldo Golijov, accentuates the sweeping nature of the story, adding depth and nuance to the characters’ emotional journeys. With a running time of 138 minutes, Megalopolis demands attention and rewards those willing to engage with its layered narrative.

Francis Ford Coppola’s ability to attract an impressive cast underscores the weight of this project. Alongside Adam Driver and Jon Voight, Megalopolis boasts performances by Giancarlo Esposito, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Jason Schwartzman, and Laurence Fishburne. This ensemble cast breathes life into a world that feels both ancient and eerily familiar. In particular, Adam Driver’s portrayal of Caesar Catilina has already garnered early praise for his charismatic yet conflicted interpretation of a man caught between his ideals and the realities of power.

The film, produced under Francis Ford Coppola’s own American Zoetrope banner, reflects his long-standing commitment to auteur-driven cinema. For Francis Ford Coppola, Megalopolis is more than just another film; it is the culmination of a lifelong dream, one that began in the 1980s when he first conceived of the idea. Over the years, the project faced numerous challenges, from budget constraints to changes in the cinematic landscape. Yet, in true Francis Ford Coppola fashion, he persevered, ultimately bringing his grand vision to life with the support of a dedicated team, including producers Barry Hirsch, Fred Roos, and Michael Bederman.

During its presentation at Deauville, Megalopolis captivated an audience eager to witness Francis Ford Coppola’s return to the kind of ambitious, large-scale storytelling that defined his earlier works like The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now. As the final credits rolled, the audience erupted in applause, a testament to the enduring power of Francis Ford Coppola’s filmmaking. While some critics will undoubtedly dissect the film’s narrative complexities and philosophical undertones, there is no question that Megalopolis represents a bold and uncompromising statement from a director unafraid to challenge both himself and his audience.

With its upcoming release dates set for September 25, 2024, in France and September 27, 2024, in the United States, Megalopolis is poised to ignite further debate and fascination. Its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024 already set the stage for its global reception, but the warm welcome at Deauville has further cemented its place as one of the year’s must-see films.

As the Deauville American Film Festival continues to celebrate its milestone 50th anniversary, the presentation of Megalopolis by Francis Ford Coppola stands as a high point, not only for the festival but for cinema in general. It is a reminder of the enduring power of film to inspire, provoke, and transport audiences to worlds both distant and hauntingly familiar.

You can discover our photos selection in our Flickr page

Synopsis:
Megalopolis is a Roman epic set in an imaginary modern America in the throes of decadence. The city of New Rome is in urgent need of change, creating a major conflict between Caesar Catiline, a genius artist with the power to stop time, and arch-conservative mayor Franklyn Cicero. The former dreams of an ideal utopian future, while the latter remains committed to a regressive status quo that protects greed, privilege and private militias. The mayor's daughter, Julia Cicero, in love with Caesar Catilina, is torn between the two men and will have to discover what seems best for the future of mankind.

Megalopolis
Written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola
Written by Francis Ford Coppola
Produced by Francis Ford Coppola, Barry Hirsch, Fred Roos, Michael Bederman
Starring Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, Jason Schwartzman, Talia Shire, Grace VanderWaal, Laurence Fishburne, Kathryn Hunterk, Dustin Hoffman
Cinematography : Mihai Mălaimare Jr.
Edited by Cam McLauchlin, Glen Scantlebury
Music by Osvaldo Golijov
Production company : American Zoetrope
Distributed by Lionsgate Films (United States), Le Pacte (France)
Release dates : May 16, 2024 (Cannes), September 25, 2024 (France), September 27, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 138 minutes

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville