Two more reactions about Francis Coppola‘s “Megalopolis”, which was screened last Thursday to a private audience of 300 at Universal City IMAX (via Hollywood Elsewhere). “
One thing I’ve noticed, that I’m sure you have as well, is how perplexed by it people seem to be. What has Coppola created here, exactly? We have people calling it “batsh*t crazy,” “baffling,” “confounding,” “startling.” Those who have seen it aren’t necessarily willing to call it a great film, but have instead praised it for its bold and experimental nature.
As we speak, the film might or might not be premiering at Cannes. It was definitely screened for the festival, but Coppola has said that he’s waiting for a distributor to pick up “Megalopolis” before he screens it anywhere. I say, f*ck it, just bring it to Cannes and polarize the Croisette. This is the exact type of film that can cause a stir of excitement and puzzlement. It will certainly have people talking about it.
Commercial prospects seem to be nil to none for “Megalopolis.” I don’t see any other option but to just take the chance and screen this film as soon as possible, while people are still talking about it, and, come what may, reap some of the benefits of this buzz.
With that said, here are the two latest reactions …
Observer #1: “Megalopoplis is about as non-Joe Popcorn a movie as one can imagine. But it is so startling, so original and sometimes downright confounding that there is a certain strata of moviegoer who will see it out of raw curiosity…especially if critics get behind it and if there is a major PR campaign.”
“I don’t know if the print we saw [last Thursday] is finished or not. I hope Francis clarifies the story so audiences have something to hang onto. The first approximately 50 to 60 per cent of the film is much better than the last part because you lose track of the story and become bored. It is nonetheless a bold and utterly original film, and for that Francis will get tons of credit from some quarters.”
Observer #2: “There will be many and varied responses to this film. Those who love it for its boldness will be right. and those who dismiss it for the same reason will, if you insist, also be correct. And perhaps the film’s natural, eventual home will be in art museums. “Megalopolis” will require careful and loving handling, which may turn out to be an impossible task in today’s market. But here’s hoping otherwise.”