Film review: Cosmopolis (2 out of 5 stars)

Director: David Cronenberg

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Sarah Gadon, Paul Giamatti

Based on Don DeLillo’s 2003 book of the same name, director David Cronenberg has created an intense cinematic experience that will either capture your concentration for 108 minutes or have you running for the nearest exit after about ten.

It was no surprise that at the screening I went to there were only about a dozen people, half of whom left before the end.

DeLillo’s book was influenced by the equally thoughtful 1922 novel Ulysses by James Joyce and it’s no shock that the 1967 film of that book is forgotten in the mists of time.

Cosmopolis could well be set for a similar fate.

The one factor that might keep its head above water is teen idol Robert Pattinson’s starring role.

The English actor and star of the Twilight movies is certainly good as the brooding young billionaire Eric Packer.

And there are strong back-up roles from the likes of Paul Giamatti, Juliette Binoche and Sarah Gadon, though these are in effect cameos.

The plot, such as it is, sees Packer set off in his stretch limo to the other side of Manhattan to get a haircut.

On the way he meets various people that affect his life which is spiralling down towards self-imposed oblivion.

His progress along the streets is delayed by the President’s visit to the city, a demonstration and a threat against his life.

With typical Cronenberg style, there are one or two shocking moments of violence.

R-Patz fans will get excited by the news that the young man is in just about every shot, but the movie is a million miles away from the Twilight saga.

Although Cronenberg is an acknowledged master of his art - and there are some beautifully crafted scenes, especially in the limo - transposing a book of one man’s thoughts is incredibly difficult.

DeLillo’s novel leads you along by explaining the actions and thought processes.

The film has only action so it’s easy to end up baffled and, I fancy for many, bored to distraction.

2 out of 5 stars

Steve Payne

Screening courtesy of Cineworld Crawley