Cosmopolis

David Cronenberg's pretentious contemporary thriller touches on numerous topics: power, money, control, information, technology, violence, sex, mortality, revolution, destruction and, ultimately, redemption—all within the claustrophobic confines of a white stretch limo. Being driven through midtown Manhattan en route to his father's old barbershop for a haircut, hotshot investment tycoon Eric Packer (Robert Pattinson) encounters infuriating traffic gridlock. The President is in town with his motorcade, anti-capitalist demonstrations are erupting, and a funeral is underway for a rapper. Despite warnings from his security specialist, 28-year-old billionaire Packer insists on proceeding, holding mobile meetings about his company's massive asset wager against the Chinese currency (the yuan). As his limo inches forward, suave, soulless, self-destructive Packer indulges in sexual encounters on the plush leather upholstery and endures a rectal exam which reveals that his prostate is asymmetrical. Twilight star Pattinson maintains a detached, expressionless façade as the impassive, inscrutable Packer, while receiving support from a cast that includes Samantha Morton, Paul Giamatti, and Juliette Binoche. Adapted from Don DeLillo's 2003 short novel, Cosmopolis is a cynical, bizarrely stylized, often incomprehensible absurdist comedy. Optional. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director David Cronenberg, a “Citizens of Cosmopolis” behind-the-scenes documentary (110 min.), interviews with Cronenberg and star Robert Pattinson (27 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a disappointing film.] (S. Granger)