Summary
Megalopoliscompares itself withFrancis Ford Coppola’s other movies in its new trailer, but it already seems significantly different from them. After over four decades of stalling and delays, Francis Ford Coppola’sMegalopolisis finally seeing the light of day. However, even before its worldwide release, the film has already been surrounded by controversies and drama. The controversies first began when behind-the-scenes reports of the film suggested its production had descended into chaos.
The drama continued when, as per reports, major production companies refused to buy the distribution rights for the film because it seemed too risky and unconventional. Close to a month before its premiere,Megalopolishas found itself wrapped in another controversy after its new trailer’s release, which compared it to Francis Ford Coppola’s other films' initial critical reception. While this strategy could have effectively marketed the film, it seems to have caused more harm than good.
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Megalopolis' Trailer Compares Its Critical Reception To The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, & Bram Stoker’s Dracula
The Trailer Tries To Establish The Film’s Reception Will Get Better With Time
Megalopolis' early reviewsdo not favor the film. With over 60 critical reviews,the movie has a rotten Tomatometer score of 53%, which suggests that most critics, so far, do not consider it to be at par with Francis Ford Coppola’s previous works. Owing to this,Megalopolis' new traileradopts a unique marketing strategy, comparing the film’s early reception with that of Coppola’s most beloved films, includingThe Godfather,Apocalypse Now, and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The trailer walks through all the reviews that initially criticized all three films before they attained classic status.
Through this approach,Megalopolisseemingly attempts to establish that Coppola’s work is often initially misunderstoodand that its true value is only revealed over time. To some extent, this is true sinceApocalypse Nowgarnered mixed reviews when it first premiered in 1979 but now boasts an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 97%. However, the fact that the trailer is now being accused of using fake negative review quotes about Coppola’s classics' early reactions makes it hard not to wonder whether this strategy will work.
Megalopolis Already Has Way More Negative Reviews Than Francis Ford Coppola’s Previous Movies
The Marketing Strategy In The Trailer Seems Flawed
In its opening moments, the trailer features a voice-over from Laurence Fishburne, who quotes, “True genius is often misunderstood.” WhileMegalopolismay be ahead of its time like some other Francis Ford Coppola movies and even reflect the auteur’s brilliance as a filmmaker, it seems to have way too many negative reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Of the 63 critics who have reviewed the film after its early screening,more than 30 have given it negative reviews. This alone suggests thatMegalopolisis nothing like the director’s previous works.
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WhileThe Godfather,Apocalypse Now, andBram Stoker’s Draculahave also garnered negative reception from some critics, their reviews have always been far less polarizing thanMegalopolis'. Unlike other Coppola classics,Megalopolisseems to be facing a significant uphill battle in overcoming its initial reception. Understandably, the trailer is trying to reverse the hefty damage caused by the early negative reviews by fostering a sense of optimism in audiences. However, the comparisons to other Coppola films almost mean nothing if the film does not back up the promise of matching the high standards set byThe GodfatherandApocalypse Now.
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Megalopolis' Rotten Tomatoes Score Reflects A Wider Range Of Critical Opinions
Its Rotten Tomatoes Score Already Gives A Well-Rounded View Of What Critics Think
Coppola’sBram Stoker’s Draculaonly has 70 critical reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, whileApocalypse Nowhas 98. Given howMegalopolisalready has almost the same number of reviews as the two films a month before its theatrical release, it will likely have more reviews than both once it premieres. The fact that 68 critics have already reviewed it suggestsits final Rotten Tomatoes score will likely not be different from what it is right now. Owing to this, one can only hopeMegalopoliswill turn out to be as brilliant as otherFrancis Ford Coppolamovies it compares itself with.
Megalopolis
Megalopolis, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is a visionary 2024 film exploring the ambitious dream of reconstructing New York City into a utopia, following a devastating disaster. The narrative delves into the clash between the architect’s utopian vision and the political and personal turmoil that ensues. With a star-studded cast, the film examines themes of ambition, power, and the human spirit’s resilience against the backdrop of a futuristic metropolis.
