Movies News Talk

Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis': Box Office Bomb or Cinematic Artform?

Francis Ford Coppola is one of the biggest names in cinema! The GodfatherMovies have solidified his spot in Movie history.

Also Read: Megalopolis Movie: Francis Ford Coppola's Ambitious Sci-Fi Epic

Coppola's New Epic- Megalopolis

But his latest film, Megalopolis, has everyone talking! It's his most ambitious movie ever, taking a super crazy sci-fi approach! Coppola had the big vision: to rebuild New York City after a major disaster, turning the city into a Utopia.

You might be wondering- how is Coppola's project a reality?

  • Coppola, wanted to make a big budget movie. The vision was so bold!
  • It turns out $120 million wasn't going to be enough!
  • For anyone who loves wine, Coppola decided to sell off a huge portion of his business and winery! He got the cash!

We're not just talking about a movie with a great concept! The cast was incredibly remarkable! From Adam Driver to Aubrey Plaza and even more huge actors, the lineup for this new Movie, has major potential for excitement!

Also Read: Megalopolis: Controversy Hits Francis Ford Coppola's Visionary Film

Why Hollywood Was So Scared of Megalopolis

Adam Driver in Megalopolis with a backdrop of money Image

It seems, this amazing vision had its problems. That includes a whole lot of trouble with studios who weren't super impressed. No matter what Coppola was doing they weren't sold.

It seems they didn't want to bet a ton of money.

  • In fact, Coppola was thinking about this movie for ages! Even way back in the 1970s!
  • He wanted a giant blockbuster budget!
  • But for everyone at the studio- they wanted a hit, and Megalopolis, just wasn't selling as the best option!

The lack of interest forced Coppola to bank on his own project. It was almost impossible to get anyone to even distribute the movie! Those who got an early look, knew that this movie was going to be a giant flop!

It seems they were right! What Coppola brought to the screens didn't make any major gains, coming in with just $4 million on opening weekend.

Also Read: Megalopolis: Francis Ford Coppola's New Sci-Fi Epic

What it Means for Coppola

Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver) experimenting with light bulbs in Megalopolis (2024) Image

It was almost a lifetime. Over 50 years, Coppola tried to get his Passion Project out into the world.

That vision that was so deeply embedded in his thoughts. Now after all this, there's only a little bit of hope left, as Megalopolis didn't get any real interest!

  • The studios were super hesitant in the past! Now, after a movie, that bombed and didn't generate the big cash everyone had expected. The doors look even more shut.
  • There is an idea that Coppola could fund his next big project!
  • The thing is, to do what he just did. He used up his finances!
  • He might be able to sell more from his winery.

It really isn't an ideal situation, but for a creator, we've all been there- and it's just what you got to do to get a movie made! That also might just make the Future really difficult for him, as there is that chance for a new, unique movie with big stars but how will it be funded?

The chances for success with a blockbuster Budget aren't as big now!

Also Read: Megalopolis: Is Francis Ford Coppola's New Film a Hit or a Miss?

Coppola Made Megalopolis His Way

Adam Driver and Nathalie Emmanuel in Megalopolis Image

This big disappointment has many asking questions about the Future, however!

One thing is for certain - Coppola created something very unique and special that no one will soon forget about!

  • The filmmaker created amazing projects.
  • Movies like "The Godfather", "Apocalypse Now", and more!
  • He is known as a master of the film world, and this was his way of sharing something meaningful to the audience.

The Film is one that Coppola poured all his energy, money, and emotions into, proving the world that a Director who is bold, and committed to a project will not quit!

Maybe it wasn't for everyone. And it wasn't a Box Office hit but, there's no doubt Coppola is one of cinema's greats, even after this major set-back.

Coppola continues to produce new content, and wants to create more.

  • "Distant Vision" might just be a wild card movie, so he might have a big movie coming out in the future, if he can figure out financing.
  • There will be another opportunity as he explained the project, that this will bring a unique take on an Italian-American family that tells a story from the dawn of television.
  • "Distant Vision" may even end up being financed by whatever Megalopolis is able to generate but its not exactly clear at this time!

There's certainly going to be many projects. And a bunch of ideas, for someone with as much talent, that Coppola brings. He really had nothing to prove, and this special movie showed that his love and appreciation of Filmmaking are what drive him to create and it's what has shaped an amazing history in the world of cinema! If there's one lesson for everyone. You just might get the next big idea.

From what was in the past, a list of projects, it's clear that he isn't one who's going to go down easily, as he could dive back in and continue to make some epic stories!

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