DRAMA; MA, 1hr 48min

STARRING: Robert Pattinson, Juliette Binoche, Sarah Gadon

Eric Packer (Pattinson) is a sleek streak of moneymaking smarts whose vice-like grip on “the interaction between technology and capital” has netted him tons of moolah, which doesn’t seem to make him happy, surprise surprise. Capitalism is teeter-tottering, however, and while cruising an imploding Manhattan in his ultra-luxe stretch limo (with marble floors, yet!), in obstinate pursuit of an unnecessary haircut, 28-year-old Eric continues to lose millions.

He doesn’t look especially rattled by this dismaying development as he holds court with a stream of uniquely annoying associates; then again, emoting isn’t Eric’s strong suit. He’s as dispassionate with the unenthused wife (Gadon) who denies him sex as he is with the lover (Binoche, holding up where most would not) who zestfully doesn’t. Obsidian and unwavering, Eric is the fishy eye of a swirling storm.
Adapted by director David Cronenberg (A Dangerous Method) from Don DeLillo’s 2003 novel, Cosmopolis is a verbose, yawn-friendly rumination on the craft—and the frailty—of living above and beyond the frame. Potentially intriguing, yes, but this monotonous, oblique and pretension-puffed hammering won’t be everyone’s idea of a transfixing must-see. Mine included.

Andiee's Rating: **

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