First look at Megalopolis shows a journey that will stop time

At the beginning of the year it was reported that Francis Ford Coppola long-awaited science fiction movie Megalopolis could finally see the light of day. That day seems to be very soon, because Coppola’s production company, American Zoetrope, released the first ever footage of him. from the film that gives an idea of ​​the scope of it.

In the clip, Adam Driver’s Caesar heads to the roof of a New York skyscraper. Absolutely terrified, he finally works. he mustered the courage to take a step off the ledge, only to nearly plummet to his death before shouting, “Time, stop!” In fact, he stops, along with gravity, it seems, allowing him to get back on his feet and not end up like a pancake. With a snap of his fingers, time resumes once more and Caesar is amazed by his own power, whatever it may be.

Megalopolis has previously been described as a science fiction love story between Caesar and Julia Cicero (Nathalie Emmanuel). Trapped between Caesar and his father Frank. (Giancarlo Esposito) with opposing visions for New York, embarks on a journey to discover his own path as the two men fight for the city. Screenings were recently held for studio executives and some pressand impressions were reportedly mixed across the board: some respected how imaginative and “resolutely crazy” it was, others thought it was all over the place and probably a box office flop.

At the time of writing this article, Megalopolis Does not have a North American distributor—Amazon MGM and Apple Both have reportedly shown interest, but it is scheduled to premiere in Cannes on May 17. Coppola proud of it: the film is dedicated to his late wife Eleanor Neil, who died last month, and considers the above “gift in her name.”

Want more io9 news? Check when to expect the latest Wonderful, star Warsand trip to the stars releases, what’s next for the DC Universe in film and TVand everything you need to know about the future of doctor who.