“Megalopolis” - Four decades in the making, this visionary project, funded by the sell-off of a wine empire, will leave you dizzy and bewildered.

César Catilina (Adam Driver) is a forward-thinking architect blessed with a remarkable power: the ability to stop time. We encounter this extraordinary ability right at the beginning of the story, as he steps off the rooftop of the Chrysler Building and freezes time. This unique gift sets the stage for a compelling exploration of what’s to come.

As the story unfolds and César occupies more screen time, I couldn’t shake the sense of familiarity in Adam Driver’s performance, reminiscent of his portrayals of Enzo Ferrari and Maurizio Gucci. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a pleasant feeling…

The main issue I had with the film was its lack of clarity, which left me feeling frustrated and confused. Aesthetically, it seemed to draw from a wide range of themes and styles - everything from art deco, my personal favorite, to psychedelic, surreal, and abstract elements. While these choices were visually rich, they ultimately contributed to the confusion and created a sense of distraction and inconsistency.

It was later revealed that Coppola disbanded his VFX team (along with his art department) toward the end of production. Although I learned this afterward, I could still sense a disruption in the creative flow, with the stitching in the film quite evident.

There were several standout moments that captivated me, where all the elements converged to create a delightful sensory overload. My favorite scene featured three different cars traveling in the same direction at night during a rainstorm. The editing, lighting, subtle micro-expressions, and narration were executed flawlessly. This sequence exemplified brilliant composition, showcasing masterful shots paired with exceptional editing skills and stunning color grading. I found myself completely immersed in that moment. Other scenes also stood out, capturing nuances in facial expressions that added layers of emotion and richness to each character.

That said, the film felt long, to be honest. At times, I found myself disengaged, and when I glanced to my right, I noticed an older gentleman dozing off. Several audience members left the theater at various points, and when I asked a couple sitting to my left for their thoughts, they appeared just as confused and uncertain as I was.

The overall concept that Francis Ford Coppola sought to convey was undeniably present throughout the film. Themes of visions, dreams, power, control, money, and betrayal swirled together in a lavish cocktail. However, the price for this experience was steep. I’m left questioning whether investing $120 million of his own money to give us a taste was truly worth it.

Overall Rating 5.0/10