- Francis Ford Coppola has made a stir at Cannes
- His film is indicative of a new trend in filmmaking
- THIS could be the future of cinema according to him
The film, costing a whopping $120 million from Coppola's own pocket, has ignited discussions on the future of traditional studios, political commentary in art, and has divided audiences with its bold content. We'll dive right into the whirlwind of reactions, from a seven-minute standing ovation to mixed reviews and controversial scenes that have everyone talking!
Francis has always been an innovator
Francis Ford Coppola didn't hold back at the Cannes press conference, predicting a bleak future for traditional film studios. "The film industry has become more about meeting debt obligations than making good movies," Coppola lamented. With tech giants like Amazon and Apple entering the fray, could this be the end of an era for Hollywood as we know it?
"I fear that the film industry has become more of a matter of people being hired to meet their debt obligations because the studios are in great, great debt. And the job is not so much to make good movies, the job is to make sure they pay their debt obligations," Coppola told 'Variety' magazine.
"Obviously, new companies like Amazon and Apple and Microsoft, they have plenty of money, so it might be that the studios we knew for so long, some wonderful ones, are not to be here in the future anymore."
Coppola's 'Megalopolis' isn't just a visual spectacle; it's a political statement. Addressing queries on whether the film comments on Donald Trump and the rise of neo-right movements, Coppola expressed his concerns about the world's political direction.
Yet, the conference wasn't all serious – a light-hearted exchange with actor Jon Voight about differing political views brought laughter, showcasing the diverse opinions within the cast.
A success
'Megalopolis' had Cannes buzzing with its premiere.
"Men like Donald Trump are not at the moment in charge, but there is a trend happening in the world toward the more neo-right, even fascist tradition, which is frightening because anyone who was alive during World War II saw the horrors that took place and we don’t want a repeat of that," Coppola said.
"So again, I think it’s the role of the artist, the films, to shine light on what’s happening in the world."
The film, featuring shocking scenes including a deepfake sex tape and a Trumpian character played by Shia LaBeouf, received a mixed reception. Some praised its ambition, while others were left puzzled.
The absence of LaBeouf from the press conference added to the intrigue.
The road to Cannes was not smooth for 'Megalopolis.' Reports of chaos on set and Coppola's controversial behavior have shadowed the film's release. Despite these challenges, Coppola's passion project, decades in the making, showcases his commitment to his vision, even if it means shaking up the industry.
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'Megalopolis' is a testament to Coppola's enduring influence in cinema, blending ambitious storytelling with a reflective look at our society's political and cultural divides.
Whether you're drawn to its political commentary, intrigued by its controversial content, or curious about the future of cinema, 'Megalopolis' is a conversation starter.