Francis Ford Coppola Takes “Megalopolis” on Tour: A Journey into America’s Future
Introduction to the Tour
Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary filmmaker known for classics like "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," is embarking on a nationwide tour with his latest project, Megalopolis. This tour is not just about screening the film; it aims to stimulate discussions about America’s future. Titled “An Evening With Francis Ford Coppola and ‘Megalopolis,’” the series of events will unfold across six cities, allowing audiences to engage with the director in an interactive dialogue about the film’s pressing themes.
The Story of Megalopolis
At the heart of Megalopolis is architect Cesar Catilina, portrayed by Adam Driver. Catilina is a visionary striving to build a utopian city but faces significant challenges from the pragmatic Mayor Franklyn Cicero, played by Giancarlo Esposito. The film also features an impressive ensemble cast, including Nathalie Emmanuel, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, and Aubrey Plaza. With a staggering budget of $120 million, Coppola self-funded this ambitious project, emphasizing his commitment to a vision he considers essential.
Film as Commentary on Society
Coppola has been vocal about the political undertones in Megalopolis. He likens the film to a metaphorical reflection on the fall of Rome, suggesting that the parallels between ancient Rome and present-day America are striking. During a livestream discussion with fellow filmmakers Robert De Niro and Spike Lee, Coppola shared, “Today America is Rome… we’re about to go through the same experience, for the same reasons, that Rome lost its republic and ended up with an emperor.” These statements reveal Coppola’s perspective on the erosion of democratic values and the escalating concentration of power among a privileged few.
Engagement with the Audience
The tour presents a unique opportunity for fans and cinema-goers to engage directly with Coppola. Each screening will be followed by an interactive discussion where Coppola will delve deeper into the narrative and themes of Megalopolis, particularly focusing on “How to Change Our Future.” This format not only promotes greater understanding of the film but also encourages audience participation, fostering a space for collective reflection and dialogue.
Coppola’s Political Stance
Coppola’s political activism is well-documented, particularly his outspoken opposition to former President Trump. His concerns about contemporary American politics are intricately woven into Megalopolis, a film he believes resonates with current societal dilemmas. He critiques politicians who prioritize personal gain over public welfare, echoing sentiments about Senators in ancient Rome who lost sight of their responsibilities to the state. Through Megalopolis, Coppola hopes to inspire critical thinking about governance and civic duty among audiences.
Film’s Distribution and Future Formats
As of now, Megalopolis is not available on any streaming platforms, making the tour the film’s first public showcase since its completion. Coppola expressed his vision for the film: “This is the way Megalopolis was meant to be seen, in a large venue, with a crowd and followed by intense interactive discussions about the future.” The filmmaker’s intent underscores the importance of communal viewing experiences, particularly when discussing impactful narratives.
Upcoming Tour Dates
Fans eager to witness this cinematic experience can catch Coppola’s tour, with screenings scheduled in the following cities:
- Sun, July 20 – Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Center for the Arts
- Wed, July 23 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
- Fri, July 25 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
- Sun, July 27 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre
- Tues, July 29 – Dallas, TX – The Texas Theatre (*Not a Live Nation Date, Tickets Available Here)
- Fri, Aug 1 – San Francisco, CA – Palace of Fine Arts
This timely tour promises not only to showcase a groundbreaking film but also to provoke introspection about the societal issues that permeate our lives today.
