Review of Cosmopolis (2012) by Bradley K — 17 Apr 2014

This is a very specific film, for a very specific moment, for a very specific type of person. Be warned, this film is not the dark neo thriller that the trailer lets on it is, this is not a pretty boy Robert Pattinson all glowing and digestable semi erotic drama, oh no, this is one piece of extremely difficult and intellectual film that at points is so impossible to follow on the first watch through, enjoyment shall only come by watching it multiple times.

The story revolves around Eric, Pattinson, who lives in the not too distant future of new york, multi millionaire, married and littered with security, he decides one day to take his office/limoseane to a barbers across town to get a hair cut.

His security warn him that not only are the roads blockaded due to the presidental rally taking place but that word on the street is that anarchy is about to break out and this could lead to trouble for eric, despite this warning he couldnt care less and insists on making the journey.

As he does so, he picks up a barrage of workers and friends and has multi layered conversations with them about the yuen, a currencey which he has invested a lot of money into in order to watch himself self destruct.

Every so often, Eric is side tracked, weither its having lunch with his wife, or watching a game of basket ball. But eventually he is warned that a direct hit has been made on his life, and that he should digress back to saftey.

Which by this point of course he doesnt. This film is completely and utterly stunningly choreographed and shot, Cronenbergs obscure angles and imagery is laid on thickly here, we are under no illusion of who is in control here, equally there are some very grand performances, notably from Giamatti, Pattinson and Almeric.

The effects work is spot on and the music, when it happens is brooding and effective. So what makes this film so difficult to rate higher. the script is for even the most intellectual human close to undigestable for over an hour and a half.

this would be ok if it were given to us in small doses, but this entire structure revolves around Pattinsons golden boy having meeting after meeting with associates. If you sneeze or take your mind off this film for one second, you will be lost and gain no return by its finally.

Its a super difficult watch and one that cannot be reccomended to everyone. Strong pollictical and scientific psycho babble is thrown about like champagne at a wedding, it makes this film a chore on first watch.

However sticking with this film and digesting over time, there is much to enjoy and revel in. Pattinson for example plays his character so alienating and bizarre but by the end has made such a life changing leap to gain the feeling of excitement that slurs of emotion fly out him, its a very retained performance and one worth watching.

Slow, full on and difficult, this film is for die hard Cronenberg fans or well people with an interest in politics, a severe interest, other than that, most audience will shudder, fall asleep or walk away from this like a disease.

Repeated views are a must for enjoyment.