The reviews for Cosmopolis are trickling in...and they're...REALLY good!
COSMOPOLIS Review: Robert Pattinson Brave, David Cronenberg Back
Mathieu Carratier has written a highly positive Cosmopolis film review for Premiere magazine, praising the movie itself, director-writer David Cronenberg, and star Robert Pattinson. Cosmopolis is in competition for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. It’ll be screened at Cannes on May 25.
Carratier begins his Cosmopolis commentary by remarking that whether or not he appreciates David Cronenberg’s recent work — one assumes he means more accessible fare such as the Viggo Mortensen trilogy: A History of Violence, Eastern Promises, and A Dangerous Method — he was "seriously missing" the Cronenberg of (no-holds-barred) movies such as Crash and Videodrome.
But not to worry. "Pop open the champagne," exults Carratier, "because he’s back in every Cosmopolis shot."
Cronenberg himself wrote the Cosmopolis screenplay — reportedly in six days, and his first for a feature film since eXistenZ (1999). The plot is based on Don DeLillo’s novel about a fateful day in the life of a young New York City multibillionaire, Eric Packer (Robert Pattinson). As described by Carratier, Packer is "haunted by a question that is never formulated: Can someone who has everything still desire something else?" (A haircut, maybe?)
Carratier continues: "Cronenberg has made sure that all his obsessions mark out the route, be they intellectual (the search for "another" reality) or physical (at the end of a scene that will make people talk, Packer learns that his prostate is asymmetrical). Enthroned in the back seat of his limousine, Robert Pattinson reveals a depth increasingly more fascinating as his character approaches the abyss. In the last moments, the fear that takes over his face isn’t only that of an anti-hero arriving at the point of no return; it’s also the fear of an actor testing his limits with unsuspected bravery. A feverish and decadent ride through hell, Cosmopolis proves he’s not yet close to reaching them."
Source
Robsessed also posted some quotes from reviews in the French press:
An actor is born - Télérama.
Unsettling - Studio Ciné Live
Pattinson is mind-blowing - Positif
Cronenberg chose Pattinson. A brilliant idea on both counts. - Les Inrockuptibles
Robert Pattinson reveals a depth more and more fascinating. - Première
So...do such reviews and comments change your perception of Rob's acting ability? Or will you reserve judgement until after the film is screened in Cannes on May 25? Or until you've seen the film yourself?
ETA: We need tags for "Eric Packer" and maybe "A world citizen with a New York pair o' balls!"