What is the live interaction scene from Megalopolis? Explained

A scene from the movie Megalopolis | Image source: Lionsgate Movies
A scene from the movie Megalopolis | Image source: Lionsgate Movies

The American science fiction movie Megalopolis, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, caught viewers' attention owing to its live interaction with a person in the theatres when it premiered. The unique style of filmmaking has left fans looking for further explanation.

The movie's cast is a thoughtful ensemble led by Copolla, who has reportedly experimented extensively and devised an out-of-the-ordinary method of storytelling. Megalopolis was theatrically released on September 27, 2024, across the United States, with limited screenings that delivered a live-interaction experience.

Francis Copolla, already known for his notable work in The Godfather, has subtly designed the small interactive session between the movie's lead star, Adam Douglas Driver, and an individual present live in the theatre. Follow this article to learn more about this interaction across the fourth wall.


What happens in the live interaction scene in Megalopolis?

Nathalie Emmanuel, Adam Driver, and Francis Ford Coppola at a press conference of the Cannes Film Festival 2024 | Image source: Variety on YouTube
Nathalie Emmanuel, Adam Driver, and Francis Ford Coppola at a press conference of the Cannes Film Festival 2024 | Image source: Variety on YouTube

At its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival 2024, Megalopolis revealed this live interaction sequence, which reportedly resulted in quick responses and reactions from critics. In this scene, we witness Adam Driver (playing the role of Cesar) interacting directly with the audience. At the same time, someone present physically in the theatre appears with a scripted question for the male star. The script 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 asked here is pertinent to the theme of the movie, where Cesar, a powerful architect, tries to find his ways of building a better future—what we can call a new-age Rome, purely fictional. This scripted question reportedly lasts for 15 seconds until Adam Driver's character answers the audience by breaking the fourth wall.


What is the best way to experience Megalopolis?

The best way to experience Francis' unique storytelling in Megalopolis is to locate screenings that have the label Megalopolis: Enhanced IMAX Experience. Viewers can also find the movie on AMC, where it has been labelled Megalopolis: The Ultimate Experience.

So far, limited screenings have been held for fans to experience the live interactive sequence—the Lincoln Square Theatre of New York is one of the few. Moreover, the line has already been pre-recorded in the film (lip-synced by the actor), so screenings without this live interaction won't let the audience miss out on anything.


What is Megalopolis about?

A still from Megalopolis 2024 | Image source: Lionsgate Movies
A still from Megalopolis 2024 | Image source: Lionsgate Movies

The movie starts with futuristic architect Cesar Catilina clashing with the mayor of New Rome, Franklyn Cicero, as he tries to build a better world through his visionary invention, Megalon. This biotechnological method can help Cesar erect the city of Megalopolis, a utopian concept.

After Cesar sets on his path to achieve his dreams, the political turmoil with Cicero turns personal following the untimely death of his wife. Cesar gets involved with Wow Platinum, but she leaves him soon after, leading him to marry Cicero's daughter, Julia. They get close to each other, and during events, Cesar finds himself involved in scandals that strip him of his power to halt time.

With all the social turmoil going on in the background, an unprecedented satellite crash in the city of New Rome destroyed major parts of it, leaving the place in a disaster. Cesar finds the best opportunity to materialize his plan and begins the construction of Megalopolis. As Julia expects his child, Cesar faces problems from the opposition and survives a near-death situation, only to accomplish his dream of Megalopolis.

Who is on the cast of the movie?

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Adam Driver plays the lead role in Megalopolis as Cesar Catilina, a modern-minded architect with a solution for a better future. Giancarlo Esposito plays Mayor Cicero, while the role of Julia Cicero is played by Nathalie Emmanuel, known for her work in Game of Thrones. Among others in the cast, we have:

  • Aubrey Plaza as Wow Platinum
  • Shia LaBeouf as Clodio Pulcher
  • Jon Voight as hamilton Crassus III
  • Lorence Fishburne as Fundi Romaine
  • Talia Shire as Constance Crassus Catilina
  • Kathryn Hunter as Teresa Cicero
  • Jason Schwartzman as Jason Zanderz
  • Grace VanderWaal as Vesta Sweetwater
  • Chloe Fineman as Clodia Pulcher
  • D.B. Sweeney as Commissioner Stanley Hart
  • James Remar as Charles Cothope
  • Isabelle Kusman as Claudine Pulcher
  • Bailey Ives as Huey Wilkes
  • Madeleine Gardella as Claudette Pulcher
  • Balthazar Getty as Aram Kazanjian

According to reports, the film has received mixed reviews from various critics and the audience. Its debut at the box office was $4 million, and the unique filmmaking of Megalopolis drew a lot of attention at its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.

For further updates and more information, stay tuned to Soap Central.

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Edited by pshmueni