Deep Dive
Why did Roman Mars join The Flop House to discuss Megalopolis?
Roman Mars joined The Flop House to talk about Megalopolis as it intersects with urban utopia and city-building ideas, aligning with his work on 99% Invisible. He also saw it as an opportunity to explore the film's connection to Robert Moses and The Power Broker.
What is the central theme of Megalopolis?
Megalopolis explores the idea of urban utopia and the tension between populism and the need for a genius to reshape society. It questions whether the current societal structure is the only one available and explores the concept of utopia through the lens of city planning.
Who are the main characters in Megalopolis?
The main characters include Caesar Catalina (Adam Driver), a city planner loosely based on Robert Moses; Mayor Frank Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), the mayor of New Rome; Julia Cicero (Natalie Emanuel), the mayor's daughter; and Crassus (John Voight), the owner of the largest bank.
What unique abilities does Caesar Catalina possess in Megalopolis?
Caesar Catalina has the ability to stop time and is the inventor of Megalon, a magical super substance. These abilities are not fully explained or utilized in a meaningful way within the plot.
How does the film portray the relationship between Caesar Catalina and Mayor Cicero?
The film portrays a tense relationship between Caesar Catalina and Mayor Cicero, with Cicero opposing Catalina's grand vision for the city. However, the movie ultimately sides with Catalina, portraying him as the genius who should be allowed to reshape the city without opposition.
What is the significance of the Soviet satellite crashing into the city in Megalopolis?
The Soviet satellite crash opens up more land for building, symbolizing the necessary destruction required to create a new utopia. It also reflects the film's themes of great men using destruction to achieve their vision, often at the expense of the people.
What is the most memorable line from John Voight's character in Megalopolis?
John Voight's character, Crassus, delivers the memorable line, 'What do you think of this boner I got?' before revealing a crossbow hidden under a blanket. This line is particularly striking for its unexpected placement in a serious-minded film.
How does the film conclude, and what does it say about the future of New Rome?
The film concludes with Caesar Catalina and Julia Cicero getting married and planning to build a utopia. The city is left in chaos, but Catalina's vision for a new, organic city is presented as the solution. The final scene shows time stopping for everyone except their baby, symbolizing the continuation of their vision into the next generation.
What are the criticisms of Megalopolis's portrayal of society and populism?
Critics argue that Megalopolis has contempt for both the rich and the common people, portraying the masses as easily swayed and in need of a genius to guide them. The film's themes lean toward a fascist ideology, where the genius is always right and the people are merely pawns in the vision of a utopia.
What is the final judgment of Megalopolis by The Flop House hosts?
The Flop House hosts classify Megalopolis as a 'good bad' movie, appreciating its ambitious vision and personal touch despite its flaws. They acknowledge that while it is a mess, it is an experience worth having for those interested in its unique ideas and chaotic execution.
- Roman Mars's connection to the Flop House podcast
- Introduction of Megalopolis and its connection to Robert Moses and urban planning
- Discussion of the movie's challenging nature and the hosts' decision to see it in theaters
Shownotes Transcript