Review of Cosmopolis (2012) by David U — 30 Sep 2012

Like Cronenberg's previous film, A Dangerous Method, Cosmopolis' most compelling feature is the dialogue. By compelling in this film, though, I also mean cold and close to robotic and absurd. These are not necessarily bad things, and because of the type of atmosphere that Cronenberg creates, it is more appropriate. The film takes place in the near future and a good portion is shot directly from Eric Packer's (Robert Pattinson) limousine, a really cool limousine I may add. There is a lot of business talk that may go over people's heads (admittedly, some of it went over my head) but there is also a great deal of talk about one of the Cronenberg staples... sex. the psychology of sex has always been a fascinating thing to Cronenberg. It can be seen in the little known Cronenberg film eXistenZ, where sexual urges are a part of the reality video game concept that the film presents. It can be seen in A History of Violence when Viggo Mortenson and Maria Bello partake in a most disturbing piece of sexual action. And, of course, it can be seen throughout A Dangerous Method being that the film is in large part about Freudian psychosexuality. Gruesome violence is another staple of Cronenberg films. These are quick moments in Cosmopolis but shocking nonetheless.

Looking past all of the Cronenberg essentials, I was never really completely taken into the world that is seen on screen. The actual futuristic aspects drew me in, but it was difficult to really care for any person in the film in this near future. The overarching story line sounds more exciting than the film allows it to actually be: Packer is the king of Wall Street but sees that he is losing his empire. He is chauffeured across town in his limo while wild activity erupts on the streets. As his paranoia intensifies, Packer learns that his assassination is imminent. Again, dialogue rules the film, even in a world where so much chaos is ensuing and this was slightly disappointing.

The performances in the film were obviously completely influenced by Cronenberg's direction so it is hard to slight any of the actors for it. Pattinson tries his best and I thought he did pretty well with it. Then comes along Paul Giamatti, right at the very end, who never seems to do wrong. He plays his part very well in the film so stick around to the very end if you can't make it through the rest of the film.

Cosmopolis is a film that can be boring. It certainly would not qualify as one of my favorite Cronenbergs. It may exist better as a book rather than a film. It would be difficult to think of a better director for the type of material the book presents than Cronenberg, however. I certainly wouldn't recommend this as a first time Cronenberg film. A History of Violence and The Fly top that list. But, if you ever do become infatuated with Cronenberg's work, try out this one down the line.