Key Takeaways:
– Francis Ford Coppola took 40 years to make his film ‘Megalopolis.’
– Richard Linklater plans to direct a film unfolding over 17 years, shot in real-time.
– Despite mixed reviews, ‘Megalopolis’ was received with a standing ovation at Cannes.
– Linklater’s upcoming movie ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ will star Paul Mescal.
– The US IMAX debut of ‘Megalopolis’ is scheduled for September 2024.
In the rich chronicles of film history, masterpieces are known to take impressive lengths of time to create, translating vision into art. Francis Ford Coppola, the iconic director universally adored for The Godfather trilogy, spent four decades bringing his film ‘Megalopolis’ to life. Hot on his heels is another beloved director, Richard Linklater, planning a film to be shot in real-time over a span of 17 years.
The Epic Journey of Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’
Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’ long gestation didn’t evolve through 40 years of continuous shooting. Various circumstances, including production issues, caused significant delays leading to the film’s exceptionally belated premiere. Despite the film releasing decades after initial conception, the anticipation among cinema devotees remained palpable. The director’s return prevailed in the spotlight with the haunting intrigue and depth reflected in his well-renowned past works.
Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’ evoked a wide range of critiques upon release. Yet, despite the scattered reviews, it held its head high at the Cannes Film Festival, earning a standing ovation and ovation symphonic applause. In a chat with Deadline at Cannes, Coppola admitted he found the reaction somewhat surprising.
The director confessed, “It was a little dream-like. Of course I hope that it would go well. And from my standpoint, it went very well, so I was very appreciative.” Although ‘Megalopolis’ gained significant praise, its performance on popular rating platforms like IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes stood at an average.
‘Merrily We Roll Along’: Linklater’s Seventeen-Year Project
Meanwhile, Richard Linklater, known for his distinctive storytelling arc, is embarking on an unprecedented cinematic pursuit. The director revealed his next project, ‘Merrily We Roll Along,’ an adaptation of a Broadway musical carrying the same name, starring Paul Mescal. The film, targeting a seventeen-year-long production span, promises a genuinely real-time filming experience.
Fans are not unfamiliar with Linklater’s penchant for real-time narrative. His previous works, like the ‘Before’ trilogy, unfolded in real-time, capturing the characters’ evolution and growth. An avid fan noted, “Linklater takes years to release a film but it’s always worth it in the end. His films are great.”
Despite the ambitious plan, the revelation does not seem shocking in context of Linklater’s past work. His dedication to long-term narrative development sets him alongside Coppola as a director ready to push the boundaries of conventional film-making timelines.
Future of Epic Cinematic Creations
Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’ is anticipated to grace the US IMAX screens in September 2024. As for ‘Merrily We Roll Along,’ Linklater’s production timeline naturally delays speculation about its release date. What remains clear is the commitment and passion both directors show, crafting films that may defy standard timelines, offering unique viewing experiences to their audiences across the globe.
In a world increasing its pace exponentially, cinema, in the hands of directors like Coppola and Linklater, finds its opportunity to return to its traditional roots. Taking its sweet time to delve into narratives, it cherishes the value of an unhurried story well-told. Such dedicated endeavors undoubtedly enhance the concept of timelessness in films, painting exciting prospects for the future of cinema.
