Francis Ford Coppola's $120 Million Self-Financed 'Megalopolis' Premieres at Cannes Amid Controversy

May 16, 2024, 07:30 PM

Francis Ford Coppola's long-awaited film 'Megalopolis' has premiered at the Cannes Film Festival amid significant controversy and mixed reviews. The film, which has been a passion project for Coppola since 1977 and self-financed with a $120 million budget, has faced allegations of chaotic set behavior and misconduct, including accusations that Coppola attempted to kiss female extras. Despite these controversies, the film has garnered both praise and criticism. Some reviews highlight its ambitious and artistic nature, while others describe it as a disjointed and muddled work. The film stars Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, Nathalie Emmanuel, Giancarlo Esposito, and Shia LaBeouf, and has secured an IMAX release following divisive screenings. Coppola, 85, remains a polarizing figure as he attempts to defy skeptics with this epic, which explores themes of time, history, and civilization, influenced by the Roman Empire.