Review of Cosmopolis (2012) by Eero V — 26 Sep 2014

There's no denying that David Cronenberg's adaptation of Don DeLillo's 2003 novel has potential; capitalism, the power of money and economic complexities are always topical themes. But the film's execution is beyond irritating, resulting to a shallow, dull and completely empty film.

Cronenberg's direction is typically masterful; though we're inside a limousine most of the time, it never feels claustrophobic. But Cosmopolis is so loyal to his cold and distant style this time that the film leaves your teeth clattering - and not in a good way.

The plot is nonexistent, characters talking heads and the dialogue unbelievably stupid (Cronenberg reportedly adapted the dialogue straight from the novel, and completed the script in six days). The film may have interesting ideas beneath it, but there are much better ways to express them and make the audience think about them than slow, episodic, numbing and flatulent storytelling.

It only works as a showcase for Robert Pattinson's talent - props to him for having the balls to do something this unconventional after cementing his teen idol status with the Twilight film series.

Pattinson and the always terrific Paul Giamatti are a joy to watch, and Sarah Gadon is pretty - those are the only good things I can find from this huggermugger. Other than that, Cosmopolis is just a pathetic exercise in monotony and pseudo-intellectuality that falls flat on its face.

I like Cronenberg's older work, but this is his most vacuous, self-indulgent and emptiest film since Spider.