The release of “Megalopolis” this week has become one of the most talked-about and controversial film stories of 2024. Director Francis Ford Coppola self-funded the film with $120 million from the sale of his Napa winery after no studios showed interest. However, controversies arose, including reports of erratic behavior on set and an ad campaign marred by inaccurate quotes.
While some critics praised the film’s ambition, many described it as an “absolute mess.” Despite this, San Francisco audiences generally enjoyed the film, with some expressing a desire to rewatch it to appreciate its nuances. Viewers found the film to be absurd, sometimes incoherent, but also fantastical and unlike anything they had seen before.
The setting of the film in a reimagined New York City with references to antiquity was appreciated by some audience members, who also praised the star-studded cast. Overall, the film has sparked diverse reactions, with some finding it worth seeing for its uniqueness, while others warned against it.
