321w3b

Megalopolis is a confused and confusing movie. A commentary on how we ought to live in the city, which offers no real answer or even direction that we ought to go in aside from being more holistic. A film that wants to be very serious that is beyond hilarious, I believe largely unintentionally. A denunciation of American populism and fascism that glorifies the exact class that could usher in this very movement.

But beyond its message, there are some things I enjoyed. The 'America is Rome' metaphor and costuming is pretty well done, and the love that went into the project bleeds through in certain parts. But the budgetary restraints really show themselves past the midpoint of the movie, and tore me away from certain scenes. The script is pretty blunt, and the story is, in my opinion, not good enough to justify (or satisfyingly fill) three hours. Somehow, the climax of the film still feels rushed. I really wanted to love Megalopolis, but it may have been better if it had been made 20 years ago.