Don't get me wrong, I am HUGE fan of David Cronenberg. 'Videodrome' is one of my favorite films, and 'Crash' is definitely a guilty pleasure. On the other hand, 'Cosmopolis' based on Don DeLillo's novel of the same name, is a mess.
'Cosmopolis' is a film that is tough to describe. Robert Pattinson stars as a 28-year old billionaire named Eric Packer. At the beginning of the film, Eric decides he wants a haircut. Eric has his own custom-made stretch limousine. While riding in this limousine he is visited by several different characters that serve as metaphors for greed and corruption. Others are just there to serve Eric's sexual desires. Eric also passes through a full-on protest, a musician's funeral, and a presidential barricade on his way to get a haircut.
Almost the entire film takes place in Eric's limousine. Other locations include a diner, a bookstore, and an abandoned apartment building where we meet Paul Giamatti's character.
To be quite honest, I don't even truly understand what I watched. Going into detail about this film will only further confuse you. What I personally believe is that the book was never truly meant to be translated into film. The film goes nowhere and ends on an ambiguous note.
To be fair, I won't blame any of the actors for this mess. I believe that Pattinson and his co-stars were asked to act like human beings devoid of any personality and / or blood flow. I still feel that Pattinson has potential. This film does not do him any favors.
I do applaud Cronenberg for taking on this material, but the film is an incoherent and pretentious mess. I'll stick to his classics.
