Aubrey Plaza Shines Bright in the Over-the-Top Chaos of ‘Megalopolis’
Francis Ford Coppola’s latest venture, Megalopolis , is one of the fall’s most talked-about films, boasting a staggering $120 million budget and a wildly ambitious premise. Yet, despite the film’s grandeur and the hype surrounding it, the reception has been a mixed bag. The marketing campaign, which attempted to defend Coppola’s vision by suggesting that critics are often wrong about his work, hit a bump when it was revealed that some of the promotional quotes were fabricated by A.I. Instead of creating a buzz, this strategy only amplified skepticism.
Having just witnessed Megalopolis at its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, I can confirm that it is, without a doubt, a lot to process. The film, which envisions a future where New York blends the opulence of Ancient Rome with the nostalgia of the 1940s, is as chaotic as it sounds. The story follows architect Cesar Catalina (played by Adam Driver), who aims to construct a utopian city using a futuristic material called “Megalon” (because “Unobtanium” was already taken). Cesar also possesses the inexplicable ability to stop time, adding yet another layer of complexity to the plot.
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Megalopolis struggles to define itself, feeling at times like a highbrow cinematic masterpiece and at others like a Hallmark-esque holiday rom-com inspired by Ayn Rand. The film shifts dramatically between earnest gravitas and campy absurdity, making it an unconventional viewing experience. Yet, amidst this narrative whirlwind, there is one shining star whose presence consistently steals the show—Aubrey Plaza.
Plaza’s role as Wow Platinum, a flamboyant TV host and Cesar’s lover, is the film’s standout element. Her character, aptly named Wow, is a spectacular amalgamation of Chris Tucker’s Ruby Rhod from The Fifth Element and her own April Ludgate’s alter ego Janet Snakehole from Parks and Recreation . Plaza’s performance is not only a comedic breath of fresh air but also a perfect fit for the film’s eccentric world. Her scenes are infused with a campy humor that contrasts sharply with the film’s more serious moments, proving to be some of the most engaging and entertaining parts of the movie.
In Megalopolis , Plaza shines by embracing the film’s extremes with a comedic flair that elevates the overall experience. Even when the plot veers into bizarre territory, her ability to blend humor with the surreal elements of the story creates moments of genuine delight. One memorable sequence even has her performing what can only be described as magic—an experience that, while puzzling, highlights Plaza’s unique ability to make the absurd utterly captivating.
Ultimately, while Megalopolis may face challenges in reaching a broad audience due to its length, complexity, and unconventional style, it is undeniably home to a standout Aubrey Plaza comedy. Her role as Wow Platinum adds a vibrant and humorous layer to an otherwise bewildering film. If you’re looking for a burst of comedy amidst the chaos, Plaza’s performance in Megalopolis is worth the watch.
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