Megalopolis time stands still int this film. Francis Ford Coppola always discussed making time stand still. Laurence Fisher (Fundi Romaine) speaks on time, “Francis would say I could stop time. I can stop time. . . It’s so wonderful to see it, on the screen. The way it’s depicted in this great film that we saw last night. I am so proud of you.” Artist do control time Nathalie Emmanuel states, “Adam said, ‘you taught me, all artists control time.'” Francis states, “painters freeze it, dancers move in space with it. Gerta said ‘architecture is frozen in it.’”
Synopsis Megalopolis
Megalopolis is a Roman Epic set in an imagined Modern America. The City of New Rome must change, causing conflict between Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver), a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian, idealistic future, and his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero, who remains committed to a regressive status quo, perpetuating greed, special interests, and partisan warfare. Torn between them is socialite Julia Cicero, the mayor’s daughter, whose love for Cesar has divided her loyalties, forcing her to discover what she truly believes humanity deserves.
Francis Ford Coppola
Francis known for film such as Apocalypse Now, The Godfather (first 3 films), and many more. He is the recipient of 5 Academy Awards, 6 Golden Globe Awards, 2 Palmes d’Or, and a British Academy Film Award. Presents Megalopolis world premier at 77th Cannes Film Festival.
Francis started this film, Megalopolis 40-years ago. Francis states, “I want to do a Roman Epic but set in modern America. A lot of people said well why and I would say because America was founded on the ideas of the Roman Republic.”
This dream project screened at 77th Cannes Film Festival to a 10-min standing ovation. Francis stated about the ovation, “It was a beautiful feeling. . . It was joy and relief after abandoning the project and then realizing I shouldn’t abandon the film.”
Francis speech after the film premiere and standing ovation he dedicates this to his wife and family. Francis talks about “hope/speranza” during his speech. Giancarlo Esposito (Mayor Franklin) state regarding hope, “There was a sense of hope on set. . .It’s supposed to inspire us to a new way of thinking and in the end that inspiration is supposed to allow us to have hope for our world and believe me, I do because of you.”
Esposito read for this film 37-years ago. He states “Francis explained to me what my character represented and that is the old guard. . . And as I walked myself through the movie in my dreams last night. I realized the genius of what Francis does is, is allows me to be a channel and to channel what he’s shared with me. He allowed for us to be free and then gave us directive. . . I am not suppose to know the answers.”
The cast shared what it is like working on set with Francis. Talia Shire (Coppola’s sister) States, “He is creative courage. . . he is a visionary. . . When you’re with Francis you go forward.” Aubrey Plaza says, “For me it was a dream come true. . . Francis really likes actors. His method, my takeaway was that he like to inspire actors and he’s very playful, and he trusts the people that he’s cast.”
The end of the film discusses problem solving. Jon Vaight(Hamilton Crassus) states, “human beings are capable of solving every problem we get ourselves, into we can do it. That’s what the last moment of the film with Cesar beautifully saying it.”
Megalopolis Future
When asked about financing the film himself, Coppola states, “The money doesn’t matter. What’s important? Our friends. Because a friend will never let you down money may evaporate.” This film has mixed reviews. There is no American distributor for the film at this time. Recently IMAX will show this. film 20 U.S. cities in late September with or without a distributor.
This film my bring thought provoking ideas on time, utopia, and hope, if the film can find a distributor or streaming service to present the story in America.
This year The Academy Awards® is celebrating 90 years. The Governors Ball is pulling out the very best for the years celebrity party. Wolfgang Puck, his 24th year catering this party, and his catering company will bring the best in food, entertainment, and ascetics for the best in the film industry. His goal with each event he caters is, “revolutionized the dining landscape with a singular focus: to exceed expectations whenever our guests gather for a meal.”
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This year’s menu brings some favorites back and new experiences. His menu is set to meet everyone’s pallet and needs. You can recreate some of the items for your own party click here and here. The menu includes:
The staff of 300 hundred begins preparing days in advance to serve the large crowd with the best food that remains the same from guest to guest. Just a few of the items used to create this massive menu includes:
1,000 hibiscus flowers
2,600-pound sculpted ice bar
100 pounds Snake River Farms 0/0 Gold Grade New York steak
125 pounds aged Vermont Cheddar cheese
250 pounds Parmesan Reggiano
100 pounds five-year aged white Cheddar
1,500 Yukon gold potatoes
35 pounds winter black truffles from Burgundy
1,000 pounds Pasturebird chicken
3,500 pieces housemade seeded lavash
5 gallons homemade pimento cheese
2,375 housemade pretzel bites
3,500 Fleur de Sel breadsticks
6,000 pieces mini brioche buns
4,500 pieces handmade “agnolotti” ravioli
3,000 pounds of hand-carved ice cubes
2,000 edible flowers
The Academy’s® Governors Ball will be held in the Ray Dolby Ballroom
Mark Held, of MARK’S GARDEN®, is the exclusive florist for the 2018 Governors Ball. MARK’S GARDEN® is celebrated for innovative floral designs for large-scale events He will be preparing 5000 succulents with thousands of roses and ranunculus a week in advance. These flowers are from California, Holland, and South America. Keeping with the concept of reduce, reuse, and recycle the succulents and floral arrangements are going to be planted at the Motion Picture Television Fund following the event.
Governors Ball 2018 Oscars®
Sequoia Production is overseeing all the details. This company has produced 29 consecutive Governors Balls. The philosophy according to Cheryl Cecchetto is, “People celebrating life, that’s what it’s all about.”
The Academy’s Governors Ball will be held in the Ray Dolby Ballroom
The evening is a celebration that includes extensive cocktails, wine, and champagne. Francis Ford Coppola wine has produced an exclusive wine for the 90th Oscars® celebration. The red wine is a classic Alexander Valley Cabernet with black fruit berries. The white wine is a Chardonnay with aromatic notes of spiced pears, tangerine, honey, and hazelnut brioche. Each label is specific to this celebratory time. You can recreate the cocktails and non-alcoholic with the recipes by clicking the recipes links above and one is at the end of this article. The wine list includes 2014 Archimedes Cabernet Sauvignon. If you are serving this remember to start decanting several hours prior to serving.
The Academy’s® Governors Ball will be held in the Ray Dolby Ballroom
There is not a celebration without champagne. This year as in years past it is Piper-Heidsieck that will be flowing throughout the evening. This limited edition is 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier and 15% Chardonnay. It has notes of almond and fresh hazelnut accompany the precise ascent of bubbles. They will be pouring this at the ceremony as well as the Governors Ball.
The Academy’s® Governors Ball will be held in the Ray Dolby Ballroom
The Governors Ball is committed to making sure that is they do not go to waste on memories, celebration, and trash. They are ensuring the following:
Unused prepared food will be recovered to support our local community by Chefs to End Hunger, an organization established to create awareness, educate and offer ways to contribute to end hunger.
Recycle plastics, metals, glass, paper and cardboard.
Floral arrangements will be delivered to and planted at the Motion Picture & Television Fund residential community for the aging.
Use energy efficient LEDs for event lighting.
The plywood used in the design has been and will be repurposed.
Carpet will be recycled into carpet padding.
Service ware is reusable.
All lighting, audio, rigging equipment and furniture are rentals and will be repurposed for future events.
The event production office employs energy-saving practices.
The night is filled with exceptional food, decor, and memories. A few of the stats for the night include:
1,500 guests
Team of 10 maitre d’ staff
850 service and support staff
13,000 glasses for beverages
More than 4 miles of cabling to support
6,000 cocktail forks
Lighting and video prep in ShowPro’s 100% solar powered, carbon-neutral facility.
The night includes The Protagonist, starring Tequila Don Julio Blanco, is the hero of the evening. The inspiration for the cocktail is a refreshing, complex, elegant and celebratory all wrapped up in one beautiful cocktail. The pure essence of the tequila lays the foundation for bright citrus, herbal botanicals and subtle floral notes. Each ingredient plays a special role, painting a complete and balanced picture to be enjoyed responsibly throughout the night.
The Trilogy
Here is one last recipe that the celebrities will enjoy this evening:
1. Combine Don Julio Blanco, Pimm’s, lemon juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Gently shake and roll in tonic water.
2. Pour over fresh ice in a Collins glass.
3. Garnish: Wrap thin cucumber slice around inside of glass and top with borage flowers.
This evening is one of the most watched and celebrated in the world. Entertaining your own guest is a thrill. We would love to hear about your evening photos from the menu, planning tips, food, decor, and selfies. Please post your Oscar® party photos here using #OscarParty #4ChionStyle. Have a wonderful Oscar® evening!
Jimmy Kimmel 90th Oscars’® Host
The 90th Oscars®, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will be held on Sunday, March 4, 2018, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.
