Francis Ford Coppola's highly anticipated comeback film, "Megalopolis," is generating buzz and skepticism in equal measure as the search for a distribution deal proves challenging. After a screening for buyers in late March, reports emerged that Coppola struggled to secure a splashy distribution agreement for his 135-minute epic. However, the director has taken a bold step by booking a spot in competition at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival, hoping to reshape the narrative surrounding his ambitious project.

Similar to the initial skepticism surrounding Coppola's passion project "Apocalypse Now," which later received critical acclaim and won the Palme d'Or at Cannes, the fate of "Megalopolis" remains uncertain. The film, which delves into themes of dystopia and an energy revolution, reportedly tackles ambiguous moral codes, sex, drugs, violence, and reflections on America's uncertain future.

Featuring a star-studded cast including Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, Nathalie Emmanuel, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, Dustin Hoffman, Giancarlo Esposito, and Chloe Fineman, "Megalopolis" has already generated a wide range of reactions. Some viewers were put off and baffled, describing the film as "batshit" and faulting it for its unconventional storytelling. Others were euphoric and attempted to reconcile the film's buzz with Coppola's extensive body of work.

Sexual themes in the film have also sparked conversation, with a particular scene between Plaza and LaBeouf drawing attention. While the details remain undisclosed, viewers likened it to the intense urination scene in the 2012 film "The Paperboy," emphasizing Plaza's character's demands for female pleasure. The film reportedly explores other orgiastic elements, set in decadent party scenarios, providing a cautionary tale about America's future.

In addition to its unconventional storyline, "Megalopolis" includes audacious and at times absurd moments, creating a mixture of high art and meme-worthy content. One particular sequence involving Jon Voight stood out to viewers, starting with a hospital bed erection and leading to the reveal of an unusual weapon on screen. Coppola's defiance in pursuing his vision has been hailed as noble, with industry insiders describing "Megalopolis" as a film tearing down the conventions of contemporary Hollywood.

However, securing a distribution deal for "Megalopolis" presents challenges. Reports suggest that Coppola's expectations, including a $140 million global marketing commitment from the studio, have made it difficult to find a prominent distributor. Barry Hirsch, a long-time collaborator of Coppola, is directly selling the film rather than involving top agencies. Speculation suggests that risk-taking labels like Neon, or prestigious players such as Searchlight or Focus, may take on the unconventional movie. Despite its setbacks, the film has already received offers to be screened at major film festivals in 2024, which could boost its marketing and awards season prospects.

The performances in "Megalopolis" have also garnered attention, with Nathalie Emmanuel praised for her remarkable commitment to her role. Adam Driver, playing the inventor central to the film's mysterious substance, delivers a compelling performance. The ensemble cast, featuring outsize personalities, has been described as dialled up to 11.

However, potential obstacles for promoting the film globally include the controversial reputations of Shia LaBeouf and Dustin Hoffman. LaBeouf has faced accusations of sexual battery, harassment, and emotional abuse, which he vehemently denies. Hoffman has also faced allegations of sexual harassment during the MeToo era. While Hoffman's limited screen time might not make a lasting impression, there are doubts about LaBeouf's ability to make a triumphant comeback, with his appearance in the film's distinctive shaved eyebrows and physicality being described as more distracting than artful.

As "Megalopolis" prepares to compete at the Cannes Film Festival, the industry eagerly awaits its fate. Will Coppola's visionary project find its audience and capture critical acclaim, or will it be remembered as a controversial and divisive experiment? Only time will tell.