What's happened
Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis' debuted on September 27, 2024, with disappointing ticket sales of approximately $4 million, far below its $120 million budget. The film received mixed reviews, with audiences giving it a D+ CinemaScore, raising questions about its future in theaters.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Brooks Barnes of the New York Times, 'Megalopolis' earned roughly $4 million in its opening weekend, falling short of even the worst-case projections. Critics have been divided, with some praising its artistic risks while others, like Kyle Smith from the Wall Street Journal, called it a 'spectacular catastrophe.' Business Insider UK reported that Coppola self-financed the film, leveraging his wine business, which adds to the stakes of its box office performance. The Independent noted that the film's mixed reviews and low audience scores could lead to a swift exit from theaters, contrasting sharply with the success of other releases like 'Wild Robot.'
How we got here
Coppola's 'Megalopolis' has been in development for decades, with the director self-financing the project after studios declined to distribute it. The film, which explores themes of art and society, faced controversy and mixed critical reception following its premiere at Cannes.
Common question
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Why Did Coppola's 'Megalopolis' Perform Poorly at the Box Office?
Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis' has sparked significant discussion following its disappointing box office performance. With a budget of over $120 million and an opening weekend gross of only $4 million, many are left wondering what went wrong. This page explores the reasons behind its lackluster reception, compares it to the success of 'Wild Robot,' and delves into the critical responses to both films.
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How Do Films Like 'Megalopolis' Reflect Societal Issues?
Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis' has sparked discussions about its portrayal of societal issues, particularly in the context of its troubled production and mixed reviews. This raises questions about the role of cinema in reflecting and influencing social change. Below, we explore various aspects of how films engage with pressing social topics.
More on these topics
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Francis Ford Coppola is an American retired film director, producer, and screenwriter. He was a central figure in the New Hollywood filmmaking movement of the 1960s and 1970s, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest filmmakers of all time.
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The Cannes Festival, until 2003 called the International Film Festival and known in English as the Cannes Film Festival, is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films of all genres, including documentaries, from all around th
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Megalopolis is a 2024 American epic science fiction drama film written, directed, and produced by Francis Ford Coppola. The film stars Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, Talia...