Lionsgate’s ‘Megalopolis’ trailer controversy: A deeper look
A cinematic blunder
In an unexpected turn of events, Lionsgate has found itself in hot water over the latest trailer for Francis Ford Coppola‘s highly anticipated film, Megalopolis. The trailer, which was meant to elevate the film to the status of Coppola’s previous masterpieces like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, instead became a source of controversy due to fabricated quotes from renowned film critics.
The recall and apology
Lionsgate swiftly responded to the backlash by recalling the trailer. A spokesperson for the company issued a heartfelt apology, acknowledging the error in their vetting process. “We offer our sincere apologies to the critics involved and to Francis Ford Coppola and American Zoetrope for this inexcusable error in our vetting process. We screwed up. We are sorry.”
The fabricated quotes
The trailer, released on a Wednesday morning, aimed to position Megalopolis as a timeless work of art. However, it included several quotes from critics that were entirely fabricated. Notably, phrases attributed to legendary critics like Roger Ebert and Pauline Kael were nowhere to be found in their actual reviews.
Misattributed praise
One glaring example was the misattribution of a quote to Variety‘s Owen Gleiberman. The trailer incorrectly cited him as calling the 1992 film Bram Stoker’s Dracula “a beautiful mess” and highlighting its “absurdity.” Gleiberman, who reviewed the film for Entertainment Weekly at the time, expressed his dismay over the falsified quotes. “Even if you’re one of those people who don’t like critics, we hardly deserve to have words put in our mouths,” he remarked. “Critics loved The Godfather. And though Apocalypse Now was divisive, it received a lot of crucial critical support. As far as me calling Bram Stoker’s Dracula ‘a beautiful mess,’ I only wish I’d said that! Regarding that film, it now sounds kind.”
The origins of the quotes
The origins of most of the quotes featured in the trailer remain unclear. However, one exception was Roger Ebert’s comment, “a triumph of style over substance,” which was actually pulled from his 1989 review of Batman, not Dracula as indicated in the trailer.
The impact on ‘Megalopolis’
Despite the controversy, Megalopolis is still set to hit U.S. theaters on September 27. The film, which has been shrouded in mystery, promises to be a cinematic experience that will captivate audiences. For those eager to get a glimpse of the film, you can watch the trailer here.
Reflecting on the incident
As a cinema enthusiast, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity in film promotion. The use of fabricated quotes not only undermines the credibility of the film but also disrespects the critics whose words were misrepresented. It raises questions about the lengths to which studios will go to market their films and the ethical boundaries that should not be crossed.
The legacy of Coppola
Francis Ford Coppola’s legacy in the film industry is undeniable. His works have left an indelible mark on cinema, and his latest project, Megalopolis, is highly anticipated. However, this controversy has cast a shadow over the film’s release. It is crucial for studios to uphold the integrity of their promotional materials to maintain the trust of both critics and audiences.
A call for transparency
In an era where information is readily accessible, transparency is more important than ever. Studios must ensure that their marketing strategies are honest and accurate. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for the industry to prioritize authenticity over sensationalism.
Final thoughts
As we await the release of Megalopolis, it is essential to remember the power of cinema to inspire and provoke thought. Despite the controversy, the film has the potential to be a remarkable addition to Coppola’s illustrious career. Let us hope that this incident serves as a lesson for the industry to uphold the highest standards of integrity in film promotion.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Megalopolis.