Francis Ford Coppola’s megalopolis receives a 10-minute ovation in Cannes

Francis Ford Coppola’s long-running and much-discussed sci-fi epic Megalopolis had its world premiere Thursday night at the Cannes Film Festival and was greeted with a 10-minute standing ovation inside the Théâtre Grand Lumière, as it hugged each of its cast members – including Nathalie Emmanuel, Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza and Giancarlo Esposito – and threw his hat in front of the enthusiastic crowd.

Coppola interrupted the applause to take a microphone and introduce his family, including his son, Roman Coppola, and his sister, Talia Shire, who both worked on the film. He noted that they were his family, but added of his other collaborators on the film: “They were all my family. And in fact, as (Driver’s character) Caesar says (in the film), “We’re all one family.”

The filmmaker added: “The most important thing we have, the most beautiful word I can think of in any language, which is — speranza — hope! – and that’s what I dedicate this film to. Hope and children. Make the world for children.

The build-up to Thursday’s unveiling of the film was epic. First, Imax said earlier today that it would give Megalopolis a worldwide theatrical release, the schedule of which remains to be determined. Next, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” played as Coppola and Co. approached the Palace on their way to the premiere – a fitting song given that the filmmaker made his last film outside the Hollywood system, keeping total control. This was followed by applause inside the theater as Coppola’s arrival was projected on the big screen. The anticipation was further heightened when the theme of The Godfather played – and people cheered – inside the cinema as Coppola was shown walking the red carpet with his cane.

Driver then helped the legendary director up the steps of the Palais to greet festival patron Thierry Frémaux. Finally, there was a huge ovation when Coppola entered the room.

Among the famous faces present at the Megalopolis the world premieres were Challengers stars Mike Faist and Hans Zimmer. Coppola was also seen hugging Richard Gere before the screening.

Coppola, 85, had his last film in competition at Cannes 45 years ago — Apocalypse nowfor which he received the Palme d’Or for the second time, five years later The conversation won.

As Apocalypse now, Megalopolis entered the festival under a microscope: Coppola has been talking about the project for decades; invested a staggering $120 million of his own money; and I carried out a shoot rich in visual effects in Atlanta which THR reported was chaotic in many ways.

Much depends on the film’s reception at Cannes, particularly following the March 28 private screening in Los Angeles, after which potential buyers were skeptical about the film’s commercial prospects. This week at the festival, the film’s distribution rights for several European territories were sold. But it has yet to find a distributor in the United States.

Whatever happens, Coppola can say he did things his way. As The Hollywood Reporter Chief film critic David Rooney opened his review to the film “The character of Megalopolis Played by Adam Driver with idealistic passion, Cesar Catilina is a visionary genius determined to save New York City by building a utopian future, thereby dislodging the ruling class elite. In many ways, Cesar’s mission, both noble and self-centered, seems to be a direct reflection of Francis Ford Coppola’s dogged determination to get this film made at all costs.”