Francis Ford Coppola’s dystopian epic Megalopolis offers a unique cinematic experience in the form of its interactive scene. The 85-year-old director of cinematic masterpieces like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now is back in 2024 with his first feature film in over a decade. The Megalopolis cast is one of the most impressive ensembles the legendary filmmaker has ever put together, making it one of the most fascinating releases of the year. Part of what makes it so compelling, however, is the divisive response the film has received from various critics and audiences.
Throughout his career, Francis Ford Coppola has built his reputation by going against the curve, fighting to make the films he’s wanted to make, rather than be subjected to studio demands. Megalopolis is no different, with practically every stage of its production finding some sort of resistance, and Coppola having to shell out millions of his own wealth to see it through. Now that it’s finally hit theaters, Megalopolis’ mixed reviews have pointed out one scene in particular for its surprising method of storytelling.
Megalopolis Has An Interactive Scene Done Live In Limited Theaters
A Real-Life Audience Member Speaks To Adam Driver’s Character In The Movie
When Megalopolis premiered at 2024’s Cannes Film Festival, critics got to see one of the film’s most unique scenes for the first time, and it was met with a split response. In the film, there’s a scene where Adam Driver’s character, Cesar, speaks directly to the audience, and a live person in the actual theater audience comes up to deliver a scripted line to him. This is one of the more experimental elements of Megalopolis, which utilizes avant-garde cinema ideas that may be unusual to fans of mainstream movies.
At the original Cannes Film Festival premiere, actor Jason Schwartzman delivered the question to Driver.
The Megalopolis interactive scene isn’t in every screening, though. Most showings of Francis Coppola’s film won’t have this, as it was reserved primarily for premieres and press screenings. However, some movie theaters will be coordinating this part of the movie to make it available to the general public. Delivering Coppola’s authentic vision for Megalopolis is what its production’s tumultuous ride has been all about, and the filmmaker is serious about allowing intrigued audiences to experience the film as he envisioned it. Love or hate this aspect of the movie, it’s fascinating that it’s an available option.
How To Experience Megalopolis’ Live Interactive Scene In Theaters
Look For “Enhanced IMAX Experience” Or “The Ultimate Experience”
In the United States, Megalopolis’ live interactive scene has been differentiated by the term “Megalopolis: Enhanced IMAX Experience.” On the AMC app, it’s listed separately as “Megalopolis: The Ultimate Experience.” These options are available to those who want to see an experimental new technique used in cinematic storytelling or for those who want to see Coppola’s vision in its original form. Tickets for these screenings are very limited, as they typically seem to be only available in peak time slots at grander venues, like AMC’s Lincoln Square Theater in New York City.
For screenings that don’t have the live interactive scene, audiences won’t miss any part of Megalopolis. The line is pre-recorded for the movie regardless, and in some cases, the actor will be lip-syncing the line. So those who aren’t able to attend one of the enhanced screenings won’t miss any part of the film’s narrative. The live interactive scene is purely additional, and not a requirement to seeing or enjoying Megalopolis, though it’s worth checking out for those who have the opportunity.
Megalopolis’ Interactive Scene Has Someone In The Theater Talk To Cesar
The Scene Takes Place During A Press Conference In The Film
Adam Driver’s Cesar Catalina is the lead of Megalopolis. He’s an architect with the power to stop time and hopes to build a brighter future for the fictional city of New Rome. The interactive scene is part of a press conference with Cesar, with the external actor asking him a question from the audience. The question only takes about 15 seconds to be asked before Driver’s character answers it. The question is as follows:
“Mr. Catalina, you said that as we jump into the future, we should do so unafraid. But what if when we do jump into the future and there is something to be afraid of?”
The question seems pretty pertinent to the themes of Megalopolis, so it’s fortunate that it won’t be stripped from the movie for those who haven’t seen the live interactive version. It seems that the audience participants have varied in different screenings, with some being hired actors and others being recognizable members of the press. Audiences will be able to decide whether the scene adds or detracts from the theatrical experience and immersion of Francis Coppola’s Megalopolis.
