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Pop Culture Happy Hour

Megalopolis And What's Making Us Happy

Sep 27, 2024
Legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola discusses his ambitious new film, 'Megalopolis,' which reimagines the fall of Rome in a futuristic setting. Alongside stars Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, and Aubrey Plaza, they dive into complex themes of civilization and human experience. The conversation also touches on the film's troubled journey and muddled execution. Plus, the guests share personal sources of joy, recommend delightful media, and reflect humorously on quirky trends like partners thinking about the Roman Empire.
25:38

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Megalopolis grapples with the dichotomy of utopia versus dystopia, illustrating the tensions between ambitious ideals and societal realities.
  • Despite criticisms of its coherence, Coppola’s film is acknowledged for its potential to become a cult classic due to its ambitious artistic vision.

Deep dives

The Vision and Challenges of 'Megalopolis'

The film 'Megalopolis' represents Francis Ford Coppola's long-standing vision to explore the fall of Rome through a futuristic city that bears a resemblance to New York. The narrative revolves around two powerful characters with opposing ideologies—Caesar, played by Adam Driver, reflects a mad genius seeking to build a utopia, while Mayor Cicero, portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito, emphasizes preserving the status quo. This dichotomy sets the stage for a battle of ideals within the richly constructed yet chaotic backdrop of the fictional New Rome. However, the film's execution has been criticized for its lack of coherence and overindulgence, leading to a perception that it struggles to effectively communicate its ambitious themes.

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