Shotgun Critic Reviews Cosmopolis
When I read the opening few lines of Patrick Kolan’s review at Shotgun Critic, for a minute there I thought this was going to be a negative review. I kept reading however & realised that wasn’t exactly the case. Although Patrick may tell us we “probably won’t like” Â the movie (which I, myself disagree with), he does praise the movie & Â has some FANTASTIC words about Rob – LOVE. Â Here are some excerpts, highlighted parts my emphasis:
You probably won’t like David Cronenberg’s ‘Cosmopolis’. It’s a hard movie to enjoy. Two people walked out of this screening—and these guys get paid to watch movies. It’s dense, verbose and discusses capitalism through use of obtuse metaphors and, frankly, those are all big barriers if you’re not tuned in, caffeinated and invested (so to speak) in what’s going on. There’s also an inherent ugliness and unpleasantness to lead character, billionaire Eric Packer, offset by the angular and all-too-perfect Robert Pattinson – itself a brilliant bit of casting.
So yeah, you probably won’t like this movie – and I wouldn’t blame you. It’s a bitter pill and it knows it. David Cronenberg (Videodrome, eXistenZ), however, is in fine form here—and if you’re braced for the kind of experience he generally provides (that is, brooding and introspective examinations and taut, sometimes horrific, suspense), Cosmopolis is actually a fine film and utterly fascinating.
…As an adaptation of the equally unapproachable novel by Don DeLillo, Cronenberg made a few very wise decisions early on. One, this is Robert Pattinson’s hands-down best role. In the hands of a very capable director and a punishing script, Pattinson turns in a performance that channels a young Robert De Niro, New York twang and all. His performance is so understated and brilliant that, during moments where he breaks through this Wall Street gloss, he comes across as truly unhinged and monstrous. This is a frightening performance in the best ways and points towards a hell of a career ahead for Pattinson.
…Cosmopolis isn’t a humourless film, however. Amidst the bleak, there’s also levity – usually in the form of obtuse one-liners and a hilariously morbid slapstick attack late in the movie – and these moments are deeply appreciated to help counterbalance the dark core of the narrative.
…For one of the smartest films I’ve seen in a while, Cosmopolis is also one of the least outwardly enjoyable. That by no means makes it anything less than a great film however. But if you can stomach the loose poetry of the dialogue, heavy use of metaphor and occasionally lax pace, this will leave you thinking about its cultural commentary long after the curtains close.
4 Stars
To read the review in full, click on the link at the top of the post. Â We are sooooooo close now to seeing Eric with our very own eyes!!!!!! 😀
Thanks Jules for the link.
10 comments on “Shotgun Critic Reviews Cosmopolis”
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Sue
This sounds like the kind of review that Rob himself would love. Calling Cosmopolis “a fine film and utterly fascinating”, at the same time suggesting Rob’s performance channels a young Robert De Niro …… wow. High praise indeed.
Thanks Michelle.
ephie
Wow! Just wow! What a great reviewer!!! I liked everything he wrote about it. The fact that he thinks we won’t like it and gives good arguments to back this up but also goes on to praise the film, the director and Rob. And by George does he praise Rob!!! Loved every word of it.
Thank you so much for posting this tonight Michelle…God knows I needed it. xx
Vertigo
2 more sleeps!
Interesting review, thanks for posting and for the link Jules.
Maria
Well Michelle – see what happens when you walk out of a film you think you won’t like – same as starting to read a review and assuming you know how it ends.
Aren’t you glad you kept reading 🙂
Michelle
LOL Maria, lucky I’m not someone who assumes & acts upon it, unlike the people that walked out. They sure did miss out!
I cannot believe how close Eric is now!!! 😀 😀 😀
Carmel
OMG! Did he just compare Rob to a young De Niro??? I have butterflies in my stomach. That is awesome!
Trish
Can’t wait to see Rob play ‘unhinged’ and ‘monstrous’. This man’s talent needs more recognition like this – great review! Nice to see no references to the usual Twi-schlock they dig up whenever Rob is mentioned. Thanks for posting!
Bee Kaye
God, I love an intelligent critique. Thanks Michelle, for posting. So looking forward to seeing this film.
Vicky
What an impressive review!!! Not long to wait now!! Thanks for posting Michelle.
Jules
Thanks for posting Michelle, his praise of Rob is wonderful and I love the comments about the movie too….particularly about making you think long after its finished. Cronenberg is brilliant. 🙂 so excited for you Aussie girls!! 🙂