Discover the first dizzying images of “Megalopolis”, the highly anticipated science fiction film by Francis Ford Coppola

This Saturday, Le Pacte broadcast a first extract, nearly two minutes long, from the American filmmaker’s next film, with Adam Driver in the cast.

The first images of Megalopolis, the science fiction film that Francis Ford Coppola will present in competition at the next Cannes Film Festival, was unveiled on Saturday May 4. The extract lasts almost two minutes but it is electrifying. The images are splendid: they show a boldly shaped metal and glass building in an orange twilight, a megalopolis stretching out on the horizon.

Adam Driver appears on top of the building. He positions himself at the very edge of the precipice, contemplates the abyss, puts one foot forward and leans, ready to dive. Then suddenly shouts: “Time, stop!”, covering his eyes with his arms, as if he did not believe his own injunction. But obviously, it works! Everything stopped below. The street and time have stopped.

Trembling, Adam Driver stands up, then snaps his fingers and time resumes its course, as shown by the ballet of cars. A breathtaking scene which makes you want to know the sequel to this film which is one of the most anticipated on the Croisette.

Touching detail, Francis Ford Coppola unveiled this first extract from this film which has been close to his heart for so long on the birthday of his wife Eleanor, who died on April 12. “Megalopolis has always been dedicated to my wife Eleanorexplains the director on Instagram. I had really hoped to celebrate her birthday with her on May 4th. But alas this is not the case, so allow me to share this gift on his behalf.”

A film in competition for the Palme d’Or

Megalopolis, a project several decades in the making, was financed by Coppola himself. Filmed over five months in Atlanta and New York, this 2h13 long anticipation film recounts the reconstruction of the New York megalopolis after a cataclysm. Two architects oppose each other. On the one hand, the idealistic Caesar, played by Adam Driver (Star Wars, BlacKkKlansman, Ferrari…), who wishes to develop a utopian city, imagining rebuilding it with renewable materials.

On the other, Mayor Frank Cicero, played by Giancarlo Esposito (Usual Suspects, Breaking Bad, The Mandalorian), which foments a corrupt public procurement strategy. Third character in the story, Julia, played by Nathalie Emmanuel (Fast and Furious, Game of Thrones), the daughter of the city councilor who is looking for meaning in her life, torn between loyalty to her father and the love she has for the idealistic architect.

With Megalopolis, Francis Ford Coppola finds himself at 85 years old in competition for the Palme d’Or at the next Cannes Film Festival. If he wins, it would be his third since he has already obtained two Palmes, the first for Secret conversation in 1974, the second for Apocalypse Now in 1979.