Cosmopolis

Cosmopolis, released in 2012, is a thought-provoking and bold Canadian drama with underlying thriller elements. The movie successfully explores complex themes of capitalism, personal identity and technological connectivity in the modern world. Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker David Cronenberg, based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Don DeLillo, Cosmopolis features an intriguing narrative that unfolds in an unusual setting. In this case, the majority of the movie occurs within the confines of a luxurious stretch limousine – a visual metaphor for the world that the lead character, Eric Packer, has isolated himself in.

Robert Pattinson of Twilight fame takes on the role of Eric Packer with a convincing performance. Packer is a young and excessively wealthy currency trader who has created a monumental empire in the world of finance. On a seemingly normal day, he embarks on a trip across Manhattan in his hi-tech limo in an uncompromising pursuit to get a haircut from his favorite barber. This seemingly trivial mission makes up the core narrative of the movie, turning into an existential journey in which his life is dramatically compacted into a single day. As the city is plunged into chaos due to a presidential visit, his progress gets slower and slower, resulting in a series of encounters with characters from his life and some unexpected adventures.

The filmmakers use these encounters to explore the inherent contradictions in modern life, driven by technological advancements and globalized businesses. Packer's interactions vary from the mundane to the philosophical. Some are personal in nature, such as his rendezvous with his wife, played by Sarah Gadon, or his secret tryst with his mistress, and sometimes an art dealer, played by Juliette Binoche. In other instances, he's engaged in professional or philosophical discussions about the nature of world markets, currency fluctuations, the concept of time, and much more, remarkably reflecting the polarities within his own existence.

Throughout the film, Packer is portrayed as a man who seemingly appears to be in control of his life. Still, gradually as his fortune dwindles and chaos envelops the city, he appears far less composed, experiencing solitude, anxiety, and an intense sense of vulnerability. Robert Pattinson gracefully handles the role of Packer and uses his surface attractiveness to mask a deeply troubled and manipulative persona.

What makes Cosmopolis an engaging watch is its idiosyncratic narrative style, vivid characters and the noteworthy performances. The movie navigates its story through philosophical dialogues, nonlinear storytelling, and the impersonality of the character's high-tech world, sometimes pushing the boundaries of viewer's comfort zones. It leverages juxtaposition, contrasts, and paradoxes to create a symbolic exploration of the absurdities and contradictions of modern life.

Besides the riveting performance of Robert Pattinson, the film benefits from the supporting acts of a diverse ensemble of actors who give depth to their characters and help in enriching the narrative. Notable performers include Juliette Binoche, Sarah Gadon, Samantha Morton, and Paul Giamatti. Their interactions with Pattinson's character, albeit brief, are striking and serve as the catalyst for many of the movie's meditative discourses.

Cosmopolis isn't a typical feature film. It's a social critique, a dialogue-driven piece of art, and a unique exploration of themes that are central to our society today. It is sophisticated and undeniably obscure at times, requiring the audience to digest and interpret what is being presented. It's a thought-heavy film that embraces its ambiguity and favors the cerebral over the purely sensory.

In conclusion, Cosmopolis is an intriguing blend of drama and thriller, fueled by a masterful performance by Robert Pattinson and bolstered by a strong supporting cast. It's a daring work of cinematic art that excavates the heart of our technologically driven society. It traverses through existential themes and lays bare the stark realities of a modern capitalist man's life. The movie manages to engage viewers through its rich and profound narrative, exploring the drama and tension of the mundane through intense and often esoteric dialogues. Viewers who appreciate philosophical musings, unconventional narratives, and character studies will find Cosmopolis compelling and rewarding.