Megalopolis swings big in all aspects, like Grace VanderWaal’s songs [TIFF]

Francis Ford Coppola’s long-standing Megalopolis has made its way through the festival circuit, most recently premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival. Although details were initially scarce about the plot of the cinematic epic, it is now common knowledge that the plot follows Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver) as he seeks to demolish New Rome to pave the way for a revolutionary building project. What sends the film into sci-fi territory is that the Architect uses a new material (“megalon”) that could give him the power to control space and time.

The driver is joined by a strong ensemble cast Megalopolisincluding Giancarlo Esposito as Mayor Franklin Cicero, Nathalie Emmanuel as Julia Cicero, Aubrey Plaza as Wow Platinum, Shia LaBeouf as Clodio Pulcher, Jon Voight as Hamilton Crassus III, Jason Schwartzman as Jason Zanderz, Laurence Fishburne as Fundi Romaine and Dustin Hoffman as Nush” The Fixer” Berman. Coppola has been a cultural icon for decades because of his work on Apocalypse now (1979), The godfather (1972), and The Godfather: Part II (1972), so it’s no wonder that stars young and old clamor to be part of his projects. despite this, Megalopolis has saved its fair share of controversy, leaving audiences to wonder if the content can eclipse the bracket when it has its wide release.

Screen Rant Interviewed singer and actor Grace VanderWaal about her work on MegalopolisSpecifically how her character Vesta Sweetwater uses the power of music. VanderWaal participated in the songwriting for the film, and to do so, he had to access emotions and experiences that were very foreign to her.

Grace VanderWaal’s pop singer Vesta Sweetwater serves the conservative crowd in Megalopolis

“Honestly, I didn’t think that far ahead as to what would happen if I couldn’t write it.”

Screen Rant: What can you tell me about Vesta and her music?

Grace VanderWaal: Vesta is a pop star, and she’s just America’s little sweetheart. She serves the conservative crowd. She does nothing wrong, and she’s like more women should be. That is what she is, and she is a bit of a player of the system, one might say.

Screen Rant: You wrote two songs for the movie. What internal and external resources did you use to get into Vesta’s mind for the songs?

Grace VanderWaal: When they wanted me to write her pledge song… I’m not pledged celibacy. [Laughs]

Honestly, I didn’t think that far ahead, what would happen if I couldn’t write it. We will never know. I’m so glad it’s out. I have no idea what would have happened if it hadn’t worked out. I just was able to do it.

Although not strictly relevant to the movie, VanderWaal also took the time to introduce her friend and costume designer Liam Mackenzie, who crafted a gorgeous and striking outfit for her to wear on the red carpet that is undoubtedly as unique as Megalopolis himself. The two joked with reporters while also cheering each other on, bringing a warmth and lively energy to what could otherwise be a staid affair.

More about Megalopolis (2024)

Francis Ford Coppola has a long history of critical and commercial success.

Grieving over the death of his wife, Cesar Catilina (Driver) pours all his energy into his amazing new invention, maglon, a building material that is infinitely malleable and miraculously strong – and may just imbue its creator with the power to control time and space. . The federal government grants Catiline permission to demolish large parts of New Rome to make way for his colossal building project, Megalopolis, and to upstage the city’s mayor, Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), who sticks to the status quo. Adding insult to injury, Cicero’s daughter Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel) falls in love with Catilina, positioning herself in the center of a great conflict between cynicism and high ideals.

Check out our other TIFF 2024 interviews here:

Megalopolis Hits theaters on September 27.

Source: Screen Rant Plus