Interview Magazine: Trailer FaceÂOff! 4:44 Last Day on Earth vs. Cosmopolis
Interview Magazine Trailer faceoff compare two similar films. For this they chose 4:44 Last Day on Earth v Cosmopolis. Cosmopolis didn’t win. Not surprising though when you see all the references to *coughEdwardcough* and “coughhipstervampirecough*. I’m not sure why they only posted the teaser too for Cosmo and not the entire trailer to give people a chance to actually compare them.
So why am I posting this – I liked the fact that they gave Cosmo a go I guess – even though they just won’t let Edward die. You can click on the link to watch both trailers, but I have to say even though I personally believe Willem Dafoe is underrated – I watched the trailer and it still doesn’t make me want to see his film. Also, can I just point this out – it’s ironic that Dafoe was nominated for a 2001 Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in “The Shadow of a Vampire” (he did win the 2001 Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films for this role). I think that movie title right there might just turn out to be quite prophetic.
“Welcome to Thursday Trailer Face-Off, a feature in which we cast a critical eye on two similar upcoming film releases, pitting them against each other across a variety of categories to determine which is most deserving of your two hours. This week: 4:44 Last Day on Earth vs. Cosmopolis, two films by cult directors in which too-cool-for-school city slickers must come to terms with their imminent demises.
Premise
4:44 Last Day on Earth chronicles the final hours of a super cool, loft-dwelling actor-painter couple (played by Willem Dafoe and Shanyn Leigh) as they, along with the rest of human civilization, await the inevitable apocalypse set to occur at 4:44 AM. Cosmopolis, on the other hand, is centered on a hotshot young billionaire named Eric Packer (Robert Pattinson). On his way to the barber, Packer, an asset manager, discovers that some financial missteps will cost him his entire fortune. Oh, yeah, he’s destined to be the victim of assassination, as well. Both films revolve around well-off protagonists, a circumstance that could possibly blunt the emotional impact of each. That being said, our own fictional well-being wouldn’t be at risk in the latter; so why should we care what happens to Edward, er, Eric?
Advantage: 4:44 Last Day on Earth Â
Director
Abel Ferrara (4:44) is known for his gritty depictions of New York City and violent, self-destructive characters (he really likes killing off leads). Because of this, Ferrara hasn’t broken through to popular directorial heights despite an impressive list of projects, 1992’s Bad Lieutenant being the director’s cinematic peak. Cosmopolis director David Cronenberg has a similar taste for darker themes but has, unlike his counterpart, been able to establish a niche within the mainstream as an artful provocateur. 1986’s The Fly and A History of Violence, Cronenberg’s 2005 drama starring Viggo Mortensen, stand as masterpieces of modern film.
Advantage: Cosmopolis
Lead Actor
One simple question: who would win in a fight, the Green Goblin or a sparkly hipster vampire? That’s what we thought.
Advantage: 4:44 Last Day on Earth. [Maria: Why not just say – Dafoe nominated for two best supporting Oscars … end of competition LOL)
Protagonist Coolness Factor
Willem Dafoe is a successful actor who lives in Manhattan with his artist wife. That’s cool. Pattinson is a 28-year old billionaire with a sweet limo (which you have to admit this one is, even if you don’t like limos), tons of influence, and just about everything he could ever want at his fingertips. The best part: he takes part in his own self-destruction. One billion tearful Willem Dafoe brow-trembles couldn’t even come close.
Advantage: Cosmopolis
Use of New York City
Ferrara’s film captures New York City on the precipice of destruction, the city etched in unnatural contrast during the daytime shots and cloaked in murky darkness at night. Conversely, Cosmopolis emphasizes interior environments (Packer’s luxury limo is a key physical feature of the plot), and because of the film’s singular focus, the camera stays in close proximity to Pattinson, losing sight of the city at large.
Advantage: 4:44 Last Day on Earth
Verdict
Cosmopolis looks like an intriguing vehicle for the maturing Rob Pattinson, and David Cronenberg is an icon behind the camera. Ferrara’s 4:44 Last Day on Earth, however, seems to have the upper hand with its compelling storyline and a proven lead actor-director combo.
Advantage: 4:44 Last Day on Earth .”
Anyway, I liked that Josh acknowledged “the maturing Rob Pattinson” and at least called him by his proper name and I guess each to his own.
8 comments on “Interview Magazine: Trailer FaceÂOff! 4:44 Last Day on Earth vs. Cosmopolis”
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Michelle
YES stop calling Rob Edward!!! That pic is so perfect. Just a quick comment (as work calls – bleh) & will read more thoroughly tonight but exactly, why didn’t they use the full Cosmo trailer in their post? Wouldn’t that make more sense – how bizarre. The constant Edward references really are getting old, move on peoples, move on!
True what you say Maria, at least he did call Rob by his proper name instead of that other AWFUL one & there was some praise for him – that is at least something I really hope that people go into Cosmopolis with an open mind & leave the vampire crap at the door, truly hope they do. Thanks for posting Maria..
Lisa
Hahaha… I love the pic with “Stop calling me Edward!” That’s great.
I love Rob in the Twilight saga movies. The vamp tag must irritate him – but on the other hand, Twilight boosted him to super-stardom status. I guess it will just take time and more great movie roles for him to shake Edward.
Vicky
I’m so over everyone constantly referring to him as Edward and if I am I can only imagine how Rob feels!!!! Despite people trying to suck him back in, Rob is making choices that move him further and further away from the Saga and that is awesome!!! Time to let it go people and see him for the actor/person he is and not this one bloody character!!!!! Rant over, sorry :).
Glad they are al least putting Cosmopolis out there, it’s a start at least. I agree Michelle, I really hope people give the movie a go and keep their minds open!!!
Ephie
“so why should we care what happens to Edward, er, Eric?”
The above line is to me so condescending and frankly rude on the part of the reviewer.
Forget about Edward already!! Judge him and review him based on this performance!!!
Thanks for posting it @maria, I like to see all reviews.
Maria
@Lisa – I think Goblet of Fire already had put Rob on the map. I don’t deny that Twilight opened some doors for him, but as we’ve said – dual edged sword – because it’s also closed some on him as well. Rob’s said that himself.
Carmel
Most of the review was fair and reasonable except the stupid references to Goblins and Vampires. Why even go there?
Correction required – ‘ and because of the film’s singular focus, the camera stays in close proximity to Pattinson’
MASIVE Advantage: COSMOPOLIS!!!!
Sue
haha @Carmel ! I like your ‘correction’!
lise-lou
Meh, how can they compare a teaser to a full trailer…..the picture says it all really and I know where my vote goes 🙂