The primary theme of this movie appears to be a commentary on the nature of progress, development, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The script explores the tension between innovation and tradition, highlighting the dangers of prioritizing individual vision over collective well-being.
The film’s intention seems to be a critique of unchecked capitalism, corporate interests, and the exploitation of natural resources for personal gain. The narrative critiques the notion that progress is solely defined by technological advancements and economic growth, suggesting that true progress lies in balancing individual ambition with social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
The movie takes place in a fictional city, where a charismatic leader, Caesar Catiline, has gained control and is driving the development of a futuristic city. This context serves as a backdrop for exploring the consequences of unbridled growth, technological advancements, and individual ambition on society and the environment.
As to perspectives, the film seems to be making several points:
- The dangers of unchecked power: Caesar’s character represents the consequences of unchecked power and ambition, highlighting the importance of accountability and transparency in leadership.
- The tension between progress and tradition: The narrative showcases the struggle between embracing innovation and preserving cultural heritage, suggesting that true progress lies in balancing these two aspects.
- The exploitation of natural resources: The script critiques the exploitation of natural resources for personal gain, emphasizing the importance of responsible development and environmental sustainability.
- The need for social responsibility: The story emphasizes the necessity of considering the collective well-being and long-term consequences of individual actions, rather than solely prioritizing personal ambition or economic growth.
The symbolism and metaphor usage in the film is fairly superficial, but occasionally deeper:
- Megalopolis: The city serves as a symbol of human ingenuity and innovation, but also the dangers of unchecked growth and exploitation.
- Caesar’s vision: His character represents the power of individual vision, but also its potential risks when not balanced with social responsibility and accountability.
- The “future” and “past”: The narrative uses these terms to highlight the tension between embracing innovation and preserving cultural heritage.
The movie, clearly an attempt to craft a legacy offering from Coppola, presents what is intended to be a thought-provoking commentary on the consequences of unchecked ambition, technological advancements, and individual power. It encourages viewers to consider the importance of social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and collective well-being in the pursuit of progress.
Unfortunately, the nebulous and often convoluted presentation of both historical references and archaic motifs and symbols likely flies well over the heads of the average movie-goer, and it is entirely possible that Coppola did not intend the film to be a ‘box office’ success so much as a cultural inflection and reference point for future watchers and perhaps even historical review. This seems to support the idea that it is not intended as a commercial offering so much as a cultural one; wherein meaning and clarity of perspective may be revealed over time as future events and world history either bear out its points or rebuke them.
An assessment of the philosophy and logic of the perspectives delivered in the film are intriguing, but ultimately simplistic and often fail to render the nuances required to make the presentation more than a cumbersome morality play.
The script’s philosophical framework is generally a narrative that explores themes of power, morality, and the human condition. The script appears to be influenced by existentialist and absurdist philosophies, as it portrays a world where individuals must confront the futility of their existence and the arbitrary nature of reality. Again, far from unusual and presented much more simplistically than one might expect from Coppola as a work of ‘magnum opus’.
The rationality and logic presented present and then, largely fail to render fully the following points:
- Existential Crisis: The script’s focus on the absurdity and uncertainty of human existence resonates with existentialist philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus. However, the narrative’s treatment of this crisis is somewhat simplistic, as it does not fully explore the complexities and nuances inherent in existential thought.
- Moral Ambiguity: The script’s portrayal of morally ambiguous characters, such as Wow and Frank, raises questions about the nature of morality and ethics. While this ambiguity aligns with absurdist philosophies, which often emphasize the absurdity of moral systems, the narrative could benefit from a more nuanced exploration of these themes.
- Causality and Determinism: The script’s depiction of characters’ actions and motivations raises questions about causality and determinism. Do individuals have control over their choices, or are they predetermined by factors such as social conditioning and circumstance? This aspect of the narrative was weakly conveyed and the film could be much strengthened through a more deliberate exploration of these themes.
- Symbolism and Metaphor: The script’s use of symbols, such as the voodoo altar, and metaphors, like the crumbling structure, adds depth to its philosophical inquiry. These elements, often relegated to overlay or effected presentations, could be further developed to create a richer, more complex narrative.
My overall assessment and conclusions?
While the script exhibits some interesting philosophical themes and allusions, it falls short in fully developing these ideas or in creating a cohesive, rational, and logical narrative. The existential crisis and moral ambiguity are somewhat one-dimensional in portrayal, lacking the nuance and complexity characteristic of genuine philosophical inquiry. Had I the ability to improve this movie, I would have:
- Developed the characters’ motivations and backstories to create more nuanced portrayals.
- Expanded on the themes of existentialism, absurdist philosophy, and moral ambiguity.
- Strengthened the narrative’s focus on causality and determinism through a more deliberate exploration of these themes.
- Further developed the symbolism and metaphors to create a richer, more complex philosophical framework.
The movie presents what is intended to be thought-provoking commentary on consequences of unchecked ambition, technological advancements, and individual power. It encourages viewers to consider importance of social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and collective well-being in pursuit of progress. Unfortunately, the presentation and lack of nuance leaves this watcher/reviewer feeling less prompted to such considerations as it does feeling as if I’ve wandered into someone’s fever-dream.
I expected more from Coppola.