Review of Cosmopolis (2012) by James K — 31 Mar 2013

Maybe I just didn't get it.

"Cosmopolis" is an expertly directed film by David Cronenberg, who has made few films that I don't like. That being said, despite the fantastic direction (and the lovely, yet brief, appearance by Juliette Binoche), I didn't like "Cosmopolis." To sum it up, I didn't like it because there was so much dialogue that went over my head. Either that, or it wasn't even meant to be fully understood. Regardless, I found the plot interesting on paper, but stoic and lifeless in execution. And speaking of stoic, Robert Pattinson (I still can't tell if he's a bad actor or not -- I was hoping this film would help me figure that out) plays his unlikable character as stoic and unengaging as possible. Was that the point? Is that a deliberate acting choice by Pattinson and Cronenberg to fit the style of the film and/or novel? Perhaps, but I didn't care for it. If you see this film and aren't engaged within the first fifteen minutes, I doubt anything will change. I remained open-minded and focused throughout, but found nothing. I just didn't care. It's very hard to care when the characters are trying to be so insightful that it feels forced and pretentious.

Oh well, at least I tried. Maybe I just didn't get it. Cronenberg is still a great director, but the jury is still out on Pattinson.