Megalopolis

Hollywood has delved into films that has centered on utopian situations and its resistance thereof through the years. It's not exactly an uncommon premise, however "Megalopolis" has put an odd, bizarre twist on that premise. Utopian societies typically and ultimately end in a dystopian situation and therefore doesn't work as this film outlays. 

The city of New Rome is the main conflict between Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver), a brilliant artist in favor of a Utopian future, and the greedy mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito). Between them is Julia Cicero (Nathalie Emmanuel), her loyalty divided between her father and her beloved. Catilina's uncle Hamilton Crassus III (Jon Voight) and Catilina's brother, Clodio Pulcher (Shia LaBeouf) attempt to help Catilina in his intense struggle with the mayor, but it clearly becomes more and more difficult as even others are thrown into the mix of this overblown soap opera.

Others to round out the cast are Aubrey Plaza as Wow Platinum, Laurence Fishburne as Fundi Romaine, Talia Shire as Constance Crassus Catilina, Jason Schwartzman as Jason Zanderz, Kathryn Hunter as Teresa Cicero, Grace VanderWaal as Vesta Sweetwater, Chloe Fineman as Clodia Pulcher, James Remar as Charles Cothope and D.B. Sweeney as Commissioner Stanley Hart. 

This was directed by the incomparable, seasoned Francis Ford Coppola ("The Bellboy and the Playgirls" '62, "Finian's Rainbow" '68, "The Godfather" '72, "The Conversation" '74, "The Godfather Part II" '74, "Apocalypse Now" '79, "One from the Heart" '81, "The Outsiders" '83, "The Cotton Club" '84, "Peggy Sue Got Married" '86, "Tucker: The Man and His Dream" '88, "The Godfather Part III" '90, "Bram Stoker's Dracula" '92, "Jack" '96, "Twixt" '11, "Distant Vision" '15) plus other films, a TV movie, TV, shorts and a video. By his very resume, this filmmaker is a legend in Hollywood and has proved it many times. This film, as with his other projects, is no exception of the talent this man has demonstrated. His ability to bring the characters to life through these actors is pure genius, as well as his ;pacing. Not sure if he has any more films he'll be able to direct since he is 85 years old, but who knows. It was also written by Coppola ("Tonight for Sure" '62, "Is Paris Burning?" '66, "Patton" '70, "The Godfather" '72, "The Great Gatsby" '74, "The Conversation" '74, "Apocalypse Now" '79, "Rumble Fish" '83, "The Rainmaker" '97, "Twixt" '11, "Distant Vision" '15) plus other films, TV, a short and a video. This is where the issues arise with this film, because his writing, although an interesting premise, was convoluded, choppy, and was attempting to find a film when approaching each scene, however couldn't light anywhere with specificity. It has a running time of 139 minutes and clearly was too long, so I believe he would've been able to get to the story quicker if the running time had been a bit shorter. The last 45 minutes of the film became more interesting and, after enough 'searching', found the film and it then took off. I realize that these characters in this film have extreme issues, however it was next to impossible to feel sorry for any character in this. The acting by Driver, LaBeouf, Esposito and Plaza were all meaty and deserve praise. It was beautifully shot by Mihai Malaimare Jr. asc utilizing warm tones to give it that futuristic feel of it and could possibly be nominated come Oscar time. Oh, and it is rated 'R' for a reason--it's basically gratuitous throughout.

Certainly if you are a Coppola fan, you'll be right at home with this film, however if you're searching for a well scripted screenplay, you might want to pass. Coppola is usually better with his writing--bad day at the laptop? Not sure, but this does scream to view on the large screen for the grandiose of it. It is also presented in an IMAX format if you like. 

Out of 4 Stars: 2                                             Rated: R                                        139mins.