In a reflective blog post, city planner Noah Harper shares his disappointments with the film Megalopolis, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Harper had hoped the film would explore the tensions between change and preservation, particularly in relation to urban planning. Instead, he found the film to be a confusing narrative lacking a meaningful dialogue about the real-world housing crises and urban development challenges that cities face today.
Harper, who works in the Boston area, is all too familiar with the struggles of balancing the urgent need for housing against a desire to preserve historic spaces. Through his profession, he often contemplates whether to maintain the existing built environment or to embrace transformative change. In the film, Adam Driver’s character, an architect, proposes sweeping plans for a new neighborhood meant to address these issues. However, despite the character’s lofty rhetoric about democratic participation, Harper notes that the execution falls flat. The architect is portrayed as an out-of-touch figure making decisions from an “ivory tower,” rather than collaborating with the community.
Harper criticizes the film for sidelining the voices of everyday citizens, depicting them merely as a chaotic backdrop rather than as active participants in shaping their environment. He highlights that effective urban planning relies on community engagement and consensus-building, which are vital in ensuring that developments reflect the needs and desires of the people who inhabit those spaces.
Ultimately, Harper suggests that, much like the film’s failed vision, many real-world planning efforts often neglect to involve the very communities they are meant to serve. He expresses hope for a future where planners prioritize genuine dialogue with residents to create inclusive and responsive urban environments.
This critique sheds light on the urgent need for more inclusive urban planning practices and encourages active involvement from communities, paving the way for more effective and representative city development. By advocating for a participatory approach, the future of urban design can reflect the diverse voices and needs of its residents, leading to healthier, more vibrant cities for all.