I haven’t read Don DeLillo’s “Cosmopolis” but based on David Cronenberg’s adaptation I can understand those who have called it unfilmable. After all, it follows a yuppie on his quest for a haircut aboard a limousine and his multiple encounters with people who seem to speak in dark and obscure semi-philosophical tirades (the film features cameos from Juliette Binoche, Samantha Morton and Paul Giamatti, among others). Not much happens in the movie and the motivations get lost in a miasma of unpenetrable dialogues and slick visuals (this is apparently some futuristic landscape that doesn’t differ much from our own).
Cronenberg is a fascinating director and I can see what attracted him to this material. There’s an underlying eroticism, sporadic violence, some awkward moments (as seen in the "prostate examination inside the limo" scene) and a bunch of characters who seem to wander aimlessly. So, why did I enjoy this movie?
First of all, it’s because of Robert Pattinson's performance. I confess myself one of those incredulous to Mr. Pattinson acting abilities after watching him in the “Twilight” series. He usually plays dark and brooding (an almost James Dean wannabe) but actually comes out more like awkward and constipated. Much like Edward, his character here is also a mysterious vacuum of emotions but Cronenberg takes advantage of his Twilight persona y creates a nuanced effect that compliments the story (what little there is of it), much like what PT Anderson did with Adam Sandler on “Punch-Drunk Love”. Pattinson is hypnotic and reveals layers previously unseen (there might be a future for him beyond teenage fodder). I also liked the cold and detached direction that doesn’t offer any kind of arch or even explanations (the movie might need multiple viewings to fully understand its purpose but few will venture to watch it more than once).
“Cosmopolis” isn’t for everyone; even for Cronenberg fans it remains somewhat impenetrable. But it’s an interesting work from a fascinating filmmaker and proof that Pattinson can really act. I might go watch it again one of these days.
