In a guest blog, city planner Noah Harper reflects on the disconnection between his expectations and the reality of the recent film Megalopolis by Francis Ford Coppola. Harper had hoped for a gripping depiction of the ideological battle between change and preservation, akin to the dramatic storytelling of Coppola’s The Godfather. However, he found the film to be a disorganized narrative with limited exploration of meaningful themes amidst its lengthy runtime.
Harper highlights the real-world challenges he encounters as a community planner in the Boston area, where the ongoing housing crisis necessitates a balance between preserving historical communities and addressing urgent housing needs. The film’s protagonist, played by Adam Driver, envisions a new neighborhood for New York City, emphasizing democratic engagement. Yet, Harper criticizes the lack of genuine participation from the community in shaping the urban landscape depicted in Megalopolis. The film portrays citizens as either passive spectators or disruptive forces rather than active contributors to the planning process.
He expresses concern that this limited representation reflects a broader issue within the urban planning profession, where public engagement often falls short. Harper argues that true urban development should involve collaborative discussions with community members, rather than top-down decisions made by planners in isolation.
Despite the film’s shortcomings, Harper’s commentary underscores a hopeful vision for urban planning. He advocates for the importance of community participation and consensus-building, emphasizing that the need for inclusive planning practices can lead to more vibrant and equitable urban spaces. Instead of viewing the challenges presented in the film as insurmountable, he encourages a shift towards a more collective approach that can ultimately transform urban environments for the better.
This perspective serves as an important reminder that while films can inspire change, it is the responsibility of planners, leaders, and communities to work together to create spaces that reflect the needs and desires of all residents. Collaboration and engagement are key to transforming spaces from mere visions into lived realities.