Adam Driver Stops Time in First-Look Clip for Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’

After a multitude of setbacks, we finally have our first glimpse of Francis Ford Coppola’s self-funded project, Megalopolis. The film has frequently made headlines due to financial challenges and, more significantly, its struggle to secure a distributor.

Coppola hosted a screening for several potential buyers, including Netflix, Universal, and Sony. However, the screening yielded minimal interest, and after a month, it finally secured a French distributor. Now, it’s set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.

According to a source who attended the screening and spoke to The Hollywood Reporter, the film will face significant challenges, with one studio commenting, “It’s so not good, and it was so sad watching it. Anybody who puts P&A [prints and advertising] behind it, you’re going to lose money.”

Coppola initiated work on the film back in 1983 and reportedly self-funded the $120 million project by selling a portion of his wine empire. Amidst the criticism, there were also positive remarks, with one source praising the film, saying, “I liked it enormously,” adding it is a “very big film” that “has a real life.”

Megalopolis unfolds in an alternate modern America, where the city of New Rome stands at a crucial crossroads in history. It’s a city torn between two visions: Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver), dreaming of a utopian future, and the current mayor, Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito) who staunchly clings to the status quo.

Caught in the tug-of-war between these opposing forces is Julia Cicero (played by Nathalie Emmanuel), the mayor’s socialite daughter. Her perspective undergoes a transformation through her love for Cesar, forcing her to confront her own beliefs and determine what she truly believes is best for humanity.

The short teaser shows Driver’s character, Cesar, freezing time just before disaster strikes, sparking speculation that there might be some kind of simulation at play. Alongside Driver, Esposito and Emmanuel there is an excellent cast that includes, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, Jason Schwartzman and Dustin Hoffman.

Megalopolis will premiere at Cannes on May 17.

Watch the clip for ‘Megalopolis’

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