How Did This Get Made? – Megalopolis LIVE! Summary

Episode Information:

• Title: Megalopolis LIVE!
• Release Date: January 24, 2025
• Hosts: Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, Jason Mantzoukas
• Description: The trio delves into the intricacies of Francis Ford Coppola’s long-gestating film, Megalopolis, dissecting its plot, characters, themes, and production challenges.

1. Introduction to Megalopolis

The episode kicks off with the hosts expressing their perplexity and fascination with Coppola's latest endeavor, Megalopolis. They've invested significant time and money into understanding the film, setting the stage for a deep dive into its convoluted narrative.

• Paul Scheer [03:10]: "I don't know."
• Jason Mantzoukas [03:14]: "It seems like so much happens, but yet so little, but yet so long. And yet I couldn't turn my eyes away."

2. Plot Breakdown and Initial Impressions

The hosts attempt to unravel the plot of Megalopolis, highlighting the film's non-linear storytelling and dreamscape-like sequences that challenge traditional narrative structures.

• June Diane Raphael [05:03]: "This is your movie. And let's break it down with my two co-hosts."
• Paul Scheer [05:15]: "It is cryptic at best. It is a series of dreamscapes, ladies and gentlemen."

3. Characters and Performances

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Adam Driver's portrayal of the protagonist, Caesar, and the supporting cast including Jon Voight, Jason Schwartzman, and Laurence Fishburne. The hosts commend Driver's ability to anchor the film amidst its chaotic elements.

• June Diane Raphael [11:25]: "I thought Adam Driver did a wonderful job."
• Paul Scheer [29:56]: "Adam Driver, I think, is he's in all of this movie. He's in every frame."

4. Themes and Symbolism

Megalopolis is analyzed for its underlying themes such as legacy, time, art, and the corruption of the Roman Empire juxtaposed with modern political undertones resembling contemporary issues like those surrounding events similar to J6.

• Jason Mantzoukas [14:20]: "It's about New York, and it's about every life..."
• Paul Scheer [15:22]: "So much of it is about. Is analogous to the Roman Empire and all this stuff."

5. Production Challenges and Improvisation

The hosts delve into the tumultuous production history of Megalopolis, noting Coppola’s experimental approach that involved significant improvisation and last-minute script additions. They discuss how this led to inconsistencies and a disjointed narrative.

• Jason Mantzoukas [13:04]: "Coppola adopted an experimental style, encouraging his actors to improvise..."
• Paul Scheer [17:59]: "The fetus scene where the fetus turns into dancers. I was like fucking Plobolus dancers."

6. Visual and Architectural Elements

The unique architectural designs and visual effects of the film are a focal point, with the hosts debating the plausibility and artistic merit of the moving walkways and the influence of Megalon, an alien technology central to the plot.

• Jason Mantzoukas [53:09]: "The Megalon was a tool of an alien world."
• Paul Scheer [54:22]: "Yes, Vesta Sweetwater is her name."

7. Critical Reception and Audience Interaction

Towards the end of the discussion, the hosts reflect on the mixed critical reception of Megalopolis, referencing Amazon and Letterboxd reviews that range from high praise to harsh criticism. They emphasize the film's polarizing nature.

• Paul Scheer [71:19]: "Everyone deserves second opinions."
• Jason Mantzoukas [75:19]: "I was in an active blackout for much of watching."

8. Key Moments and Memorable Scenes

The hosts highlight several standout scenes, such as Caesar’s soliloquy, the interactive movie moments at Cannes, and the climactic speeches that attempt to bring coherence to the film's fragmented plot.

• Jason Mantzoukas [32:29]: "And here's the thing. It's also not interested in being like European art house tone poem."
• June Diane Raphael [35:09]: "Everything okay, buddy?"

9. Final Thoughts and Conclusions

Concluding the episode, the hosts express a mix of admiration and frustration with Megalopolis. They acknowledge Coppola’s ambitious vision while critiquing the execution, ultimately recommending the film as a polarizing masterpiece worth watching for its audacious attempt at redefining cinematic storytelling.

• Jason Mantzoukas [75:40]: "It is now time for second opinions."
• June Diane Raphael [75:42]: "Yeah. It's something to see."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [03:14] Jason Mantzoukas: "It seems like so much happens, but yet so little, but yet so long. And yet I couldn't turn my eyes away."
• [11:25] June Diane Raphael: "I thought Adam Driver did a wonderful job."
• [14:20] Jason Mantzoukas: "It's about New York, and it's about every life..."
• [53:09] Jason Mantzoukas: "The Megalon was a tool of an alien world."
• [75:40] Jason Mantzoukas: "It is now time for second opinions."

Conclusion

Megalopolis serves as a testament to Francis Ford Coppola’s enduring quest to push cinematic boundaries. While the film's ambitious blend of political commentary, architectural fantasy, and non-linear storytelling offers a unique viewing experience, it simultaneously confronts audiences with its perplexing narrative and fragmented execution. The hosts of How Did This Get Made? provide a comprehensive yet bewildered exploration of the film, encapsulating the mixture of awe and confusion that Megalopolis evokes.