Entertainment

Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis

Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious films in recent memory, and it represents a culmination of decades of work and vision from the legendary director. Originally conceived in the 1980s, the project has faced numerous delays, but it is finally nearing completion, with a highly anticipated release set for 2024.

Plot and Themes

“Megalopolis” is set in a futuristic, utopian version of New York City, reimagined as “New Rome.” The story revolves around a brilliant architect named Cesar Catilina, played by Adam Driver, who envisions a society free from the burdens of the past, in contrast to the conservative mayor of New Rome, Franklyn Cicero, portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito. The film explores deep philosophical questions about the nature of society, governance, and human ambition, all through the lens of a love story that pits two competing ideologies against each other. The themes draw heavily from Roman history and philosophy, echoing Coppola’s long-standing interest in these subjects.

Stellar Cast

The cast of “Megalopolis” is nothing short of spectacular, featuring a blend of seasoned actors and rising stars. Adam Driver leads the ensemble as the protagonist, joined by:

Forest Whitaker as a key character.

Nathalie Emmanuel as Julia Cicero, the love interest caught between two worlds.
Jon Voight plays Hamilton Crassus III, a wealthy figurehead in New Rome.

Laurence Fishburne serves as the film’s narrator and the assistant to Cesar.
Aubrey Plaza portrays Wow Platinum, a television presenter with an interest in the protagonist.
Shia LaBeouf, Jason Schwartzman, Talia Shire, Grace VanderWaal, Kathryn Hunter, James Remar, Chloe Fineman, Dustin Hoffman, and several others round out the cast, ensuring a diverse range of performances.

Production Journey

The production of “Megalopolis” has been a long and winding road, reflective of Coppola’s meticulous approach to filmmaking. Despite financial setbacks and logistical challenges, Coppola has self-financed much of the film, underscoring his commitment to bringing this passion project to life. Filming took place primarily in Georgia, and the film is said to blend elements of classical epics with modern, cutting-edge filmmaking techniques. Cinematographer Mihai Malaimare Jr., who previously worked with Coppola on films like Tetro and Youth Without Youth, has been confirmed as part of the production team, adding another layer of visual excellence to the project.

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Legacy and Anticipation

“Megalopolis” is not just another film; it is potentially a capstone to Coppola’s illustrious career. Fans and critics alike are eager to see how this film will stand alongside his other masterpieces. The release of the film has been eagerly awaited, and with a cast of this caliber, combined with Coppola’s visionary direction, “Megalopolis” is poised to be a defining film of the decade.

Given Coppola’s track record and the profound themes that “Megalopolis” promises to explore, the film is expected to make a significant impact on the film industry and is likely to be analyzed and discussed for years to come.

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‘Waltzing With Brando’: Billy Zane’s Transformation Into Marlon Brando

The first trailer for the anticipated biopic Waltzing With Brando has been released, giving viewers an early look at Billy Zane’s remarkable transformation into legendary actor Marlon Brando. This film explores Brando’s life and vision between 1969 and 1974—a defining period that saw him preparing for roles in The Godfather and Last Tango in Paris. Directed by Bill Fishman and adapted from architect Bernard Judge’s memoir, Waltzing With Brando reveals a side of Brando the public has rarely seen, showcasing his desire for a sustainable, private sanctuary away from Hollywood.

The Story Behind the Biopic

Based on Judge’s book Waltzing With Brando: Planning a Paradise in Tahiti, the film follows the Los Angeles-based architect’s journey in working with Brando to create an eco-friendly retreat on a remote Tahitian atoll named Tetiaroa. This uninhabited island, purchased by Brando during his filming of Mutiny on the Bounty, was meant to embody an ecological haven, illustrating sustainable living through minimal environmental impact.

Waltzing With Brando takes audiences through Brando’s intense partnership with Judge (played by Napoleon Dynamite’s Jon Heder), bringing to light the complex process of bringing Brando’s unconventional dream to life. Known for his big ideas and reclusive lifestyle, Brando’s vision for Tetiaroa included creative, sometimes extreme approaches to sustainability. Judge’s daughter, reflecting on her time on the atoll, described it as a “Robinson Crusoe experience” where they had to fish for dinner, living an isolated, natural lifestyle on the island.

Billy Zane as Marlon Brando

Billy Zane’s portrayal of Brando is a performance to be reckoned with. The trailer showcases Zane fully immersing himself in Brando’s character, capturing his physical mannerisms and iconic charisma. Viewers will see Zane’s nuanced take on Brando’s intense personality, which elevates the film by making it both authentic and immersive. The trailer’s initial reception highlights Zane’s potential to bring depth to a complex figure known as much for his off-screen mystique as for his cinematic achievements.

A Strong Supporting Cast

Waltzing With Brando also features a robust cast, with Richard Dreyfuss, Camille Razat (Emily in Paris), Alaina Huffman (Smallville), Tia Carrere (Wayne’s World), and James Jagger (Vinyl). The ensemble cast supports the film’s ambitious narrative, bringing a balance of diverse talent that enriches the story and expands the film’s reach to a global audience.

A Festival Favourite with Strong Anticipation

Scheduled to premiere at prestigious festivals including the Tahoe Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, and Torino Film Festival, Waltzing With Brando is already drawing significant interest. These early showings provide a fitting launch pad for a film that delves into the personal ambitions of one of Hollywood’s most enigmatic stars. Selected as the closing night feature at several festivals, it’s evident that Waltzing With Brando has captured the attention of film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, foreshadowing a strong reception when it releases to wider audiences.

Brando’s Vision for Sustainability

Set in the breathtaking scenery of Tahiti’s Tetiaroa atoll, the film does more than depict Brando’s eccentricities; it illustrates his forward-thinking approach to sustainable living. This vision was grounded in the idea that luxury and environmental consciousness could coexist. Brando saw Tetiaroa as a sanctuary where he could escape the Hollywood limelight, immerse himself in nature, and challenge the world’s ideas of ecological responsibility. Judge, an obscure architect at the time, was handpicked to turn this vision into reality, marking a unique chapter in both men’s lives.

In a pivotal scene, Brando explores inventive ways to conserve resources, showing a deep commitment to sustainability. These aspirations align with the real-life efforts of Tetiaroa today, where environmental sustainability is a key priority in protecting the natural ecosystem and promoting eco-tourism.

Looking Ahead

Waltzing With Brando is being sold internationally by VMI Worldwide and is slated for wider release in 2025. By delving into the lesser-known aspects of Brando’s life, the film offers a fresh take on a Hollywood legend who often challenged the status quo. With Billy Zane’s portrayal of Brando, audiences can expect a compelling blend of dramatic tension, ecological themes, and Hollywood history, providing an inside look into the mind of a star determined to leave his mark far beyond the screen.

Entertainment

How John Wick Saved the Movie Studios

In a time when Hollywood seems to be struggling with fresh ideas, John Wick stands out as an unexpected playbook for creating original movie franchises. As John Wick celebrates its 10th anniversary, it’s remarkable how this $25 million film about a hitman’s journey to avenge his dog managed to build a billion-dollar empire—one that Hollywood surprisingly failed to replicate. This is how John Wick saved the movie studios.

The industry continues to churn out costly, often repetitive IPs, which has led to the downfall of once surefire hits, from Marvel and DC projects to prestige films like Killers of the Flower Moon. But John Wick presented a solution for Hollywood: creating lower-budget, high-quality films with a unique premise that can grow organically. Here’s how John Wick redefined what it takes to build a profitable franchise.

A Simple Idea That Worked

In his book They Shouldn’t Have Killed His Dog, John Wick producer Basil Iwanyk explains his philosophy, “Action movies you could make for $25 million plus or minus five. It’s the most obvious thing in the world, but nobody seems to understand that.” Iwanyk’s strategy proved successful—four films later, the John Wick franchise has surpassed $1 billion in box office revenue. By keeping budgets manageable, John Wick demonstrated that modestly priced films could deliver impressive returns, offering both box-office revenue and potential for expansion through sequels and spin-offs.

However, it wasn’t just the budget that contributed to John Wick‘s success. A few crucial elements had to fall into place.

The Slump Breaker: Casting Keanu Reeves

John Wick was released when Keanu Reeves was in need of a hit. His career was in a lull, with films like 47 Ronin and The Day the Earth Stood Still failing to resonate with audiences. When John Wick came along, it was the perfect project for Reeves—a disciplined actor experienced in action roles. Basil Iwanyk recalls sending Reeves a script originally written for a 75-year-old hitman, with a note: “Clearly, you’re not 75.” This role gave Reeves the opportunity to show off his martial arts and weapons training skills, which ultimately reinvigorated his career.

The 87Eleven Method: A Frugal Approach to Production

To make John Wick within budget, the filmmakers had to cut back elsewhere. Enter Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, the film’s directors, who had backgrounds in stunt work and founded 87Eleven Action Design, an action choreography company. They had a cost-effective method: choreographing and designing complex fight scenes in a gym using pre-visualization. This approach allowed them to plan every camera angle, movement, and sequence beforehand, reducing on-set expenses. By the time filming began, the entire cast and crew knew the fight sequences inside and out, minimizing wasted time and keeping costs low.

The 87Eleven method enabled them to focus the limited budget on making every scene dynamic. With Stahelski and Leitch, John Wick established a new model for cost-efficient action films, effectively prioritizing quality over quantity.

The Visual Aesthetic: Limitations Breed Innovation

John Wick also set itself apart by embracing stylistic choices born out of necessity. The long, unbroken takes in the action sequences weren’t just a creative choice—they were a budget-friendly necessity. At the time, the production couldn’t afford multiple cameras, so Stahelski and Leitch opted for single, continuous shots that not only saved money but also became a signature style of the franchise. This creative workaround ultimately made the film’s fight scenes more visceral, a refreshing contrast to the rapid cuts typically seen in Hollywood action.

Car Chases on a Budget

The final act of John Wick features an iconic car chase that might look like a big-budget set piece, but it was actually produced on a tight budget. The team chose a single location—the Brooklyn Navy Yard—and filmed at night, saving money on securing multiple locations and permitting. Using everyday cars like Dodge Challengers and Chevy Tahoes, they avoided the expense of high-end vehicles while delivering a thrilling sequence that didn’t break the bank.

The Success Formula: Budget-Friendly with a Clear Focus

When John Wick hit theatres in 2014, it generated $86 million on its $25 million budget, a 4x return that guaranteed a follow-up. The formula was simple yet effective: prioritize action, keep the plot straightforward, and deliver everything with a stylized touch. This formula allowed the filmmakers to take the franchise forward, focusing more on creativity than financial constraints.

The Sequels: Doubling Down on Action and World-Building

With each new film, the John Wick series expanded in scope without losing sight of what made it work.

John Wick: Chapter 2: With a $40 million budget, the filmmakers introduced more sophisticated fight choreography and innovative sets, including the iconic House of Mirrors. This sequel generated $171 million, proving that audiences were still hooked.

John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum: This time, the budget jumped to $75 million, which brought the franchise’s most impressive set pieces yet, including a scene with Belgian Malinois dogs attacking villains alongside Halle Berry. The film raked in $327 million, showcasing the franchise’s continued popularity.
John Wick: Chapter 4: Boasting a $100 million budget, this film pushed the limits with an almost three-hour runtime packed with intense action scenes. The “car fu” fight sequence near the Arc de Triomphe demonstrated the franchise’s commitment to real stunts, even as CGI was sparingly used to enhance the visuals. The franchise peaked, delivering action that had grown in complexity without losing its gritty, grounded feel.

Lessons for Hollywood: Why Didn’t Anyone Follow Suit?

The John Wick series is a rare example of an original franchise succeeding in an era where reboots, sequels, and superhero films dominate. Its success shows that Hollywood can still produce profitable franchises without relying on established IPs or massive budgets. Yet, few studios have taken note.

Hollywood’s resistance to lower-budget original action films, despite John Wick’s success, could stem from the appeal of high-budget productions or the certainty that established franchises bring. However, John Wick exemplifies that well-crafted, lower-budget films with a unique vision can yield incredible returns.

The Franchise’s Influence and the Future of Action Cinema

John Wick not only sparked sequels but also influenced a wave of similar films, from Sisu to Nobody. These films emulated John Wick’s aesthetic and approach, though few replicated its success. By emphasizing choreography, stylized visuals, and character-driven storytelling, John Wick paved the way for a new era in action cinema.

If Hollywood could heed the lessons of John Wick, it might be able to navigate a landscape where audiences increasingly seek originality and high-quality storytelling. As audiences grow tired of over-budgeted, underwhelming blockbusters, John Wick reminds us that a modestly priced, carefully crafted film can achieve both critical and commercial success.

What’s Next for the John Wick Franchise?

While John Wick: Chapter 4 marked the supposed end of the titular character’s journey, the franchise’s universe is far from over. With a spin-off TV series, The Continental, and a planned film focusing on Ana de Armas’ character from Parabellum, the John Wick universe continues to expand.

This success story highlights that with the right mix of vision, budget-consciousness, and dedication, Hollywood can create new franchises without relying solely on familiar faces and concepts. Ultimately, John Wick’s journey from a humble $25 million film to a billion-dollar franchise is a blueprint that Hollywood can’t afford to ignore if it hopes to evolve.

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Entertainment

Venom: The Last Dance – The Rise of Knull, The King in Black

Prepare yourself for the epic conclusion of the Venom trilogy with Venom: The Last Dance, where Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Eddie Brock, a journalist entangled with the alien symbiote Venom, faces its most formidable enemy yet—Knull, the King in Black. The film’s introduction of Knull, a cosmic entity older than the universe itself, sets the stage for a gripping finale filled with intense action, suspense, and the dark origins of the symbiote race.

For comic book followers, Knull is a familiar name, synonymous with destruction and darkness. But for those new to his story, this film offers the perfect entry point to understand the true scale of the evil deity who once ruled over the symbiotes. This final chapter in the Venom saga is sure to be one of the most talked-about films of the year, and we’re here to give you everything you need to know about Knull, his history, and the role he plays in this cinematic masterpiece.

Who is Knull?

Knull is more than just a villain—he is the embodiment of darkness, an Eldritch God who predates the cosmos itself. Created long before the birth of the universe, Knull was content to exist in the endless void, ruling over a kingdom of darkness. However, the Celestials, cosmic beings responsible for creation, unknowingly awakened him when they began shaping the universe with their light. Furious that the “Light of Creation” destroyed his realm of darkness, Knull declared war on the Celestials.

Knull crafted All-Black the Necrosword, a weapon forged from his own shadow and hatred, and used it to kill the Celestials. He then created the Symbiote Hive, creatures that could be controlled telepathically, and sent them across the universe, spreading his reign of darkness.

Knull’s Connection to the Symbiotes

The symbiotes, as we’ve come to know them through Venom and Carnage, are directly tied to Knull. In fact, Knull is the original creator of the symbiote race, and his connection to them is integral to the mythology of the Venom universe. When Knull created the Symbiote Hive, he also instilled a part of his consciousness into every symbiote, allowing him to control them.

However, when Thor intercepted one of Knull’s creations on Earth, it broke the telepathic link between Knull and the symbiotes, freeing them from his control. In retaliation, the symbiotes, led by their newfound sense of autonomy, revolted against Knull. They imprisoned him on a synthetic planet made from billions of symbiotes, called Klyntar. This “planet” is actually a prison, designed to keep Knull trapped for eternity, but in Venom: The Last Dance, we see the weakening of this prison and Knull’s imminent return.

What is the Codex?

A key element in Venom: The Last Dance is the concept of the Codex. In the comic books, the Codex refers to a genetic imprint that remains within anyone who has ever bonded with a symbiote. Cletus Kasady (Carnage) discovers that by collecting these codices from other symbiote hosts, he can gather enough power to fully awaken Knull from his imprisonment in Klyntar.

In the Venom cinematic universe, Eddie Brock is revealed to retain the Codex after briefly dying in Venom: Let There Be Carnage. This makes Eddie a crucial piece in Knull’s escape from his imprisonment. As the final film progresses, Knull’s awakening hinges on Venom’s connection to the Codex, making Eddie and Venom his ultimate key to freedom.

The Role of Knull in Venom: The Last Dance

In Venom: The Last Dance, Knull is introduced right at the beginning, creating intrigue and excitement for both comic book fans and casual viewers. He is portrayed by Andy Serkis, who, despite stepping down as the director after Let There Be Carnage, returns to the franchise in this powerful role. Serkis brings his signature motion-capture brilliance to the character, giving Knull an otherworldly, menacing presence that will undoubtedly stand out as one of the highlights of the film.

Knull’s appearance is not just about one final showdown—it’s about bringing the entire symbiote saga full circle. He is the origin of all symbiotes, the true king they once served. As the film unfolds, viewers will see Knull’s terrifying powers as he controls alien species like the Xenophage, hunting Venom and Eddie across the universe.

Who Plays Knull?

Fans of Venom will be thrilled to know that Andy Serkis plays the role of Knull in Venom: The Last Dance. Known for his exceptional work in motion-capture performances as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and Caesar in Planet of the Apes, Serkis was the perfect choice to bring the dark, ominous presence of Knull to life. His portrayal is expected to add a new level of depth to the Venom universe, blending his expertise in creating monstrous yet emotionally complex characters.

The Final Battle and What’s Next

With Knull freed from his prison, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Eddie Brock and Venom. They face off against the dark god in a battle that could determine the fate of the symbiote race and potentially the universe itself. The final film in the Venom trilogy promises to deliver high-octane action and emotional depth, as Eddie and Venom grapple with their shared fate.

While Venom: The Last Dance is set to be Tom Hardy’s final outing as Eddie Brock, the introduction of Knull leaves the door open for potential future stories within the Marvel universe. Whether Knull will make appearances in other Marvel projects remains to be seen, but his impact on the Venom storyline is undeniable.

When and Where to Watch

Mark your calendars—Venom: The Last Dance hits theaters on October 25, 2024. As the concluding chapter of the Venom trilogy, this film is bound to captivate audiences with its dark, thrilling storyline and the explosive final showdown between Venom and Knull.

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