Cosmopolis Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A rich guy wants a haircut so bad, he’s willing to let his entire financial empire crumble while riding in a very long car.

🍿 Cosmopolis: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Billionaire’s Journey

Eric Packer, a young billionaire, embarks on a journey across Manhattan in his limousine, ostensibly to get a haircut. The city is in chaos due to protests and a presidential visit, creating gridlock. This sets the stage for a descent into a bizarre and self-destructive odyssey.

Encounters and Collapsing Fortune

Throughout his journey, Eric meets with various associates, including his wife, mistresses, and advisors. His financial empire begins to crumble due to a bad bet on the Yuan. The film explores themes of capitalism, alienation, and the detachment of the wealthy from reality.

Descent into Chaos

As Eric’s fortune dwindles, his behavior becomes increasingly erratic. He engages in self-destructive acts, and becomes the target of an assassin. The limousine becomes a microcosm of a decaying society, reflecting the protagonist’s internal turmoil.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Eric Packer (Robert Pattinson): A young billionaire asset manager whose carefully constructed world unravels during a journey across Manhattan for a haircut.
• Elise Shifrin (Sarah Gadon): Eric’s detached and intellectual wife, who maintains a distant relationship with him.
• Benno Levin (Paul Giamatti): A former employee turned philosophical assassin who confronts Eric about the consequences of his actions.
• Didi Fancher (Juliette Binoche): Eric’s art consultant and mistress, representing a fleeting and transactional relationship.
• Torval (Kevin Durand): Eric’s head of security, who struggles to maintain order as Eric’s life spirals out of control.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Didi Fancher: “Talent is more erotic when it’s wasted.” – Didi says this to Eric, commenting on the allure of potential unfulfilled, highlighting the themes of decay and wasted potential.
• Eric Packer: “A specter is haunting the world. The specter of capitalism.” – Eric says this, echoing Karl Marx. He is acknowledging the revolutionary forces at play while trapped in his capitalist lifestyle.
• Benno Levin: “When he died, he would not end. The world would end.” – Benno tells Eric this, explaining his radicalized worldview and linking Eric’s fate to the fate of the capitalist system.
• Eric Packer: “I need a haircut.” – Eric repeats this throughout the film. It underscores his detachment from the chaos around him and his desperate desire for control.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $763,556
• Worldwide Gross: $7,029,095

💥 Cosmopolis Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing this when it came out, and I was so confused but also fascinated. The movie felt like a fever dream, with all the weird encounters Eric has in his limo. Robert Pattinson’s performance was mesmerizing; he really captured the coldness and emptiness of a billionaire. The scene where he’s getting his prostate examined while discussing finances is burned into my brain. I get why people didn’t like it, it’s definitely not a feel-good movie, but it’s stuck with me for years.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of David Cronenberg’s films”
  • “Viewers interested in philosophical dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate character studies”
  • “Viewers interested in commentaries on capitalism”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Cronenberg’s ‘Cosmopolis’ offers a cold, clinical look at wealth and its discontents, but the philosophical musings often feel hollow. Pattinson’s performance is intriguing, though ultimately limited by the script’s detached tone. A thought-provoking but ultimately frustrating experience.
• The Guardian: “A visually striking film, ‘Cosmopolis’ delves into the emptiness of extreme wealth and the decay of modern society. While the dialogue can be dense and challenging, the film offers a unique and unsettling viewing experience. Pattinson delivers a compelling performance as the detached Eric Packer.
• RogerEbert.com: “While visually interesting, ‘Cosmopolis’ is ultimately weighed down by its pretentious dialogue and lack of emotional connection. Pattinson’s stoic portrayal of Eric Packer captures the character’s detachment, but the film fails to engage on a deeper level. A stylish but ultimately empty exercise.

Audience Reactions

Robert Pattinson’s performance was a standout, showcasing his range beyond teen heartthrob roles.: Many viewers appreciated the film’s thought-provoking themes and its critique of capitalism, even if they found it difficult to follow at times.

The surreal and dreamlike atmosphere created a unique and unsettling viewing experience.: Cronenberg’s distinct visual style and the film’s overall sense of unease were praised by fans of his work.

Overall Consensus: Cosmopolis is a divisive film, praised by some for its intellectual depth and Cronenberg’s signature style, while criticized by others for its pretentious dialogue and lack of emotional engagement.

Awards

1. Sitges Film Festival (Best Makeup)- 2012

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “David Cronenberg adapted the screenplay from Don DeLillo’s novel of the same name, marking Cronenberg’s first time writing a screenplay since ‘eXistenZ’ (1999).”
• “Colin Farrell was originally intended to play Eric Packer but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts, leading to Robert Pattinson’s casting.”
• “The film’s depiction of financial markets and societal unrest was seen by some as prescient, given the global financial crisis that occurred shortly after the book was published.”

🖥️ How to Watch Cosmopolis?

Cosmopolis is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential availability on streaming services with subscriptions. Physical copies (DVD and Blu-ray) are also sold through major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Cosmopolis, you might like these similar films:

• American Psycho (2000): Both films explore the themes of wealth, alienation, and the disturbing underbelly of capitalism through a detached protagonist.
• Margin Call (2011): This film offers a more grounded look at the financial crisis, focusing on the human cost of decisions made in trading rooms.
• Taxi Driver (1976): Shares a sense of urban decay and the protagonist’s descent into a personal crisis amidst societal turmoil.
• Crash (1996): Another Cronenberg film that explores transgressive behavior, societal decay, and the intersection of technology and humanity.

🛒 Cosmopolis Related Products

• Cosmopolis (Don DeLillo) Paperback: Dive deeper into the source material with Don DeLillo’s acclaimed novel. Experience the rich prose and complex themes that inspired the film.
• Cosmopolis (Blu-ray): Own the film and experience Cronenberg’s vision in high definition. Includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Anarchy Symbol Dead Rat Patch: The wandering anarchist protest use dead rats as their symbol of protest. Wear this symbol of anti-capitalism.
• The Cinema of David Cronenberg: From Alienated Body to Social Body: A critical analysis of director David Cronenberg’s films. Featuring detailed analysis of Cosmopolis as a later career movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

Cosmopolis features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I Don’t Want to Wake Up” – performed by Metric
• “Cosmopolis Main Theme” – performed by Howard Shore
• “White Limos” – performed by Howard Shore

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Robert Pattinson & David Cronenberg – Cosmopolis Interview with Tribute.ca

Ever wondered what it was like for Robert Pattinson to work with David Cronenberg? This interview spills the beans on their collaboration and Pattinson’s initial nervousness. Honestly, it’s fascinating to hear them talk about the film!

Cosmopolis – Movie Review by Chris Stuckmann

Thinking about watching Cosmopolis but not sure what to expect? Chris Stuckmann breaks down the film’s good and bad points in his review. It’s a pretty balanced take, which I appreciate!

White Noise, Don DeLillo BOOK REVIEW

Want to get inside the mind of the author who wrote Cosmopolis? This review of Don DeLillo’s ‘White Noise’ offers a great peek into his writing style and the kinds of themes he explores. Super insightful!

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