User Reviews

This messages is not a review, but a "review of a review".

I did not see the movie, but the 10/10 user review ("An intellectual triumph" by cdeligia4) of the 4 present at the time I write this, seems to be AI-generated. Its hyper-formal tone intrigued me, so I asked ChatGPT "Does the following text seems to have been written by an AI?"

And the answer was a definite yes.(*)

So, beware. I hope we are not on the verge of a tidal wave of AI-generated reviews... I encourage you to check the suspicious reviews by an AI.

(*) ChatGPT: "Yes, the text does seem like it could have been written by an AI. It uses sophisticated vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and provides a detailed analysis with a consistent tone throughout, which are characteristics often found in AI-generated content. Additionally, the text meticulously covers various aspects of the film with a high degree of coherence and formality, further suggesting an AI origin."

Megalopolis is a cinematic tour de force that unflinchingly dissects the precarious state of contemporary American democracy through a chilling parallel with the fall of the Roman Empire. Directed with audacious vision, the film's chaotic narrative structure mirrors the tumultuous reality it seeks to critique, deftly illustrating how systemic instability can erode even the most resilient of republics.

The screenplay navigates a labyrinth of political intrigue, social unrest, and ideological extremism, echoing the historical disintegration that befell Rome. This intentional disorder in storytelling serves as a profound metaphor for the modern world's volatile dynamics, underscoring the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of rising neo-fascism and pervasive disinformation.

Cinematographically, "Megalopolis is a masterclass in visual storytelling. The stark, fragmented scenes reflect a society on the brink, evoking a visceral sense of urgency and despair. The performances are universally compelling, with the ensemble cast delivering nuanced portrayals that capture the multifaceted threats to democratic governance.

In an era where the specter of authoritarianism looms large, Megalopolis is not just a film but a prescient warning. It implores us to heed the lessons of history and remain vigilant, lest we witness the collapse of our own democratic ideals.

This film is an intellectual triumph, demanding reflection and action from its audience.

Just as the fallen Rome fell, the movie "Megalopolis" is a hopeless story against a dark background. The characters are not fresh, either. There are so many CGs and I don't understand what topics they convey. It feels like many stories are rotten. It's like we're seeing reality in 2024. The ratings for the critics are around 50, so the reviews are divided. It's a long-awaited movie, and I'm personally disappointed. I can understand why the production company opposed this movie when it was produced. I'm even more disappointed that the director is only this good. The narrative is a mess. I can't see the director's intention.

Rome wasn't built in a day as the saying goes, a truism summating that the city (or any city) wasn't built by one person's vision and even less the actual work and efforts of its construction.. It was/is an accretive process, a halting violent wrestling match of many hands (in the case of Rome mostly the hands of slaves) a creative organic growth of paroxysms of births - and deaths. Perhaps FFC at 84 yo is feeling this veil of tears descending on his utopian vineyard(s) catalyzing his desire to address this as his biggest theme yet - how history is constructed, experienced and built upon to progress. But whereas the biggest themes of war, death and rebirth found in Apocalypse Now was based on the genius mind of Joseph Conrad, FFC takes on the mantle of being a genius scriptwriter of the same promethium talents, which is debatable, even with the ability to realize 'mega' themes since the 1970's catalyzed or perhaps more aptly INSPIRED given FFC's purview, to realize the great themes for his Megalopolis germinating since the 80's, via the 'mega' developments of using artifice with CGI. I think he needed to give it more time. But at 84 he's likely feeling that may not be a luxury he has much more of, and as he's been quoted, not hard to understand his hopes and dreams for this film's message as he readies his coins for the boat man. In the end, I'm not sure he even asked the right questions. I'd re-read Thomas More's Utopia (again?) and give it more of a think without the Sword of Damocles in FFC's mind of a camera lens. Another recommendation, E. F Schumacher, Small is Beautiful.