Coppola’s divisive “Megalopolis” hits US theaters

Francis Ford Coppola, film- and- wine- maker extraordinaire, has an important weekend ahead: his self-financed film, Megalopolis, is hitting US theaters.

Quick reminder: Coppola sold part of his wine estate and shelled out $120 million to make the film, which is set in a futuristic America and follows an architect (Adam Driver) who clashes with the corrupt mayor (Giancarlo Esposito) in determining how to rebuild the metropolis of New Rome after a disaster.

Reviews are divisive: The film currently holds a ~50% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics’ reactions ranging from adoration to hate to indifference.

Box office outlook = not so good. According to surveys that track audience interest, the film is projected to bring in $5 million–$7 million across its opening weekend. However, Lionsgate, who’s handling marketing and distribution for the film, staged a preview earlier this week at IMAX theaters across the country, selling out locations in New York, California, Massachusetts, Utah, and Florida, the NY Times reports.

In the know: Coppola, who’s responsible for classics like The Godfather, is no stranger to self-financing films. When he couldn’t find a studio willing to fund Apocalypse Now, he scraped the money together himself. The film, after adjusting for inflation, ended up generating $500 million at the box office vs. a $145 million budget, and still makes bank on home video.

👀 Looking ahead… We’ll soon find out if Megalopolis has more in common with Apocalypse Now – or J Lo’s This is Me Now.