Judging from the staying power of the Kristen Stewart-Rupert Sanders scandale , Robert Pattinson probably feels like he’s on a Dante-esque limo ride through Hollywood hell right this very minute. Which means it’s a perfect time to look at photos from his upcoming movie, Cosmopolis ! Joblo.com has posted exclusive pictures from the David Cronenberg-directed adaptation of Don DeLillo’s, um, extreme 2003 novel about a billionaire asset manager whose chauffeured ride across Midtown Manhattan to get a haircut turns into a sex-and-death-punctuated journey of self-destruction. Pattinson and his hypnotically vacant stare play Eric Parker, the 28-year-old rich dude who takes that ride. Reviews of the film were mixed after it screened at the Cannes Film Festival, but Pattinson got some really good notices for his performance. For instance, Robbie Collin of London’s The Telegraph wroted that, at the movie’s heart is a “sensational central performance from Robert Pattinson — yes, that Robert Pattinson.” It will be interesting to see whether Twi-hards will check out R-Patz in what, if we know our Cronenberg, will be a much deeper and darker story. One thing is for sure: the press junket will be well attended. Head to Joblo for more images. Follow Frank DiGiacomo on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.
Actor reveals how he prepared for his role in the David Cronenberg film at a Cannes Film Festival press conference. By Fallon Prinzivalli Robert Pattinson at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival Photo: AFP Director David Cronenberg’s “Cosmopolis” received mixed reviews after its debut at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival on Friday (May 25). Critics were split on whether they felt Robert Pattinson was right for the lead role. Some felt his performance was bland, but others thought he nailed the part, fitting well into the director’s vision. During a press conference for the film, Pattinson explained why he and Cronenberg work well together, chalking it up to Cronenberg’s careful direction. “If [a director’s] sitting on the set, a bunch of people will ask you questions all the time,” he said. “And then a lot of directors, I find, are kind of exhausted by the time they’re actually supposed to do their job with the actors. They’re not really listening anymore. I think David is listening so intently when you’re doing a scene. … When you feel something in a scene, you know that he’s seen it, which is such a relief. And it makes you actually pay attention to what you’re doing as well.” Cronenberg also made Pattinson aware of different camera angles and how the placement of cameras can greatly affect his performance. “I think a lot of directors and actors refuse to accept anything about camera technique,” Pattinson continued. “[Cronenberg was] completely frank about it and [said], ‘Listen, if I put a camera here, it’s going to totally affect the way you perform.’ And it really did, the blocking was like direction, which I never really experienced before.” “Cosmopolis” follows Eric Packer (Pattinson) in a futuristic New York City. As he’s chauffeured through Manhattan on his way to get a haircut, the world is falling apart around him — protestors are rioting, his marriage is failing, his vast financial status is declining and he soon discovers clues that reveal an attempt on his life. When asked how he prepared for the taxing role, Pattinson told the audience he spent a lot of the time concerned over how his performance would come together. “I kind of spent two weeks in my hotel room worrying and confusing myself. And I remember the weekend before shooting, I called David — because we had no rehearsals — to talk to him about it. [I said,] ‘I just wanted to sort of ask one question,’ ” he recalled, mimicking his timid tone. “He said, ‘Do you want to talk about the movie for a second?’ So I went to his house and I think he just said that it doesn’t really matter: ‘Let’s just start and something will happen.’ ” Worrying aside, Pattinson found a way to bring his character to life. He didn’t improvise scenes and he didn’t change any of the lines. He stuck to the script and followed Cronenberg’s vision for his character as it was laid out in front of him. “I think [Eric Packer’s] impossible to approach like you would a normal character,” he said. “What I liked about the script initially was its lyricism and just the rhythms of it. Normally when you do a movie, you can kind of blur the lines and make it your own. But with this, I didn’t want to change a single word, even the punctuation. That made it easier, it’s like you’re doing a song instead of a movie. It freed you up. If you’re trying to do something in a cerebral way, it becomes about ego and it’s silly at that point.” Did Pattinson find similarities between himself and his character? “I do think people are trying to kill me all the time,” he joked. Check out everything we’ve got on “Cosmopolis.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Photos 2012 Cannes Film Festival
On the eve of his Cannes debut in David Cronenberg’s Cosmopolis , Robert Pattinson spoke with Metro France about a host of topics, most notably his fear of being fired from the film and his eagerness to reunite with the director on a “really weird” film about the film industry. And, oh yes: His balls. More specifically, how Cronenberg really wanted to get them in a shot for one particularly revealing scene… [ GALLERY: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and more at the Cannes Film Festival ] Granted, the nuance of language gets a bit lost via Google Translation (hat tip to fan blog Robert Pattinson Life for their translated version). Either way, temper your expectations: The Pattinson junk did not make it to the screen as planned. “Five minutes before we filmed, David told me, ‘I want to see the bottom of your balls on the top of the frame.’ At the moment, I reminded myself that I would do anything for him. So I went back to see him and told him that wouldn’t happen. He took it really well. At the start, it’s a very bizarre scene that you won’t see again in another movie, I promise.” Oh, that Cronenberg! Pattinson also told Metro France about the film he hopes to reunite with Cronenberg on after he hunts Saddam Hussein in Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire’s Mission: Blacklist : “I don’t know when exactly we’re going to shoot. It will be David’s first movie in America. In Los Angeles, to be exact. It will be about the film industry and I promise that it’s going to be really weird.” As it should be. Read more here and here , and follow Movieline’s Cannes coverage as Cosmopolis debuts tomorrow.
According to an LA Times report citing an insider in the know, Lionsgate is looking at a few notable names to take the helm of the Hunger Games franchise for the series sequel Catching Fire . Among the “seven or eight names” — all men, it’s noted — are David Cronenberg , Alfonso Cuaron , and Alejandro González Iñárritu . Supposing this shortlist is accurate, and knowing that the studio wants to get a move on with a director capable of wrangling the sequel into shape for an August start date, which of these three alleged candidates would you rather see bring Katniss Everdeen’s next adventure to life? From The LA Times: According to a source with knowledge of the list who isn’t permitted to speak on the record, Lionsgate needs to find a director with enough credits and accolades to appeal to Collins, who is much more interested in quality filmmaking than box-office prowess. This director also needs to have an even keel; no petulant crybabies allowed… task will require someone who can wrangle a large ensemble of actors, juggle the demands of a swift schedule and collaborate on a script with Collins and writer Simon Beaufoy. “No petulant crybabies allowed.” Interesting. Well, Cuaron’s got Harry Potter cred under his belt. Iñárritu would certainly drive home the abject desperation of the world of Panem. And maybe working with Twilight ‘s Robert Pattinson has brought Cronenberg one step closer to the YA universe. But I’m more curious about the other four or five names on this list… who else matches the profile for non-crybaby, good with kids, franchise-able serious-movie directing? [ LA Times ]
Robert Pattinson’s co-star describes the David Cronenberg film to MTV News as ‘an exceedingly strange movie.’ By Kevin P. Sullivan Robert Pattinson and Sarah Gadon in “Cosmopolis” Photo: Caitlin Cronenberg’s Twitter David Cronenberg ‘s next film, “Cosmopolis,” may have won MTV’s Movie Brawl thanks to the support of die-hard Robert Pattinson fans, but one of his co-stars told MTV News the film will be far from what Twilighters are expecting. While promoting “Goon,” a film he stars in and co-wrote, Jay Baruchel shared his experiences working for a short period of time on the Manhattan set of “Cosmopolis.” Unfortunately for the Pattinson fans out there, according to Baruchel, Cronenberg’s next movie might be too strange for them. “An exceedingly strange movie,” Baruchel said, describing “Cosmopolis.” “All the Team Edward girls won’t be seeing this one, I don’t think.” For Baruchel, working with Cronenberg — who made a name for himself with horror films — was a dream come true. “Basically, it was that Cronenberg is a hero of mine. I’m a Canadian boy. I love horror. That’s all I want to do,” Baruchel said. “If you’re a Canadian horror fan, Cronenberg’s the Holy Grail.” The opportunity for Baruchel came about in a rather mundane way, but his reaction to it was anything but. “I was in Manhattan last year, keeping my lady company, and they called up and were like, ‘Hey, do you want to do two days on this new Cronenberg?’ I said, ‘Yep!’ ‘Wait, wait. We’ll send you the script.’ I couldn’t care less; what I’m playing is a means to an end. I just want to go and film-nerd-out about ‘Videodrome’ with him for two days.” The actual experience of working with Cronenberg did not disappoint. “Not only did I get to go and be a fly on the wall for two days and watch one of my heroes do his thing, I actually had the pleasure being directed by him,” Baruchel said. “Coolest thing ever.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Cosmopolis.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Photos Meet Jay Baruchel, The Newest ‘Cosmopolis’ Cast Member
Robert Pattinson’s co-star describes the David Cronenberg film to MTV News as ‘an exceedingly strange movie.’ By Kevin P. Sullivan Robert Pattinson and Sarah Gadon in “Cosmopolis” Photo: Caitlin Cronenberg’s Twitter David Cronenberg ‘s next film, “Cosmopolis,” may have won MTV’s Movie Brawl thanks to the support of die-hard Robert Pattinson fans, but one of his co-stars told MTV News the film will be far from what Twilighters are expecting. While promoting “Goon,” a film he stars in and co-wrote, Jay Baruchel shared his experiences working for a short period of time on the Manhattan set of “Cosmopolis.” Unfortunately for the Pattinson fans out there, according to Baruchel, Cronenberg’s next movie might be too strange for them. “An exceedingly strange movie,” Baruchel said, describing “Cosmopolis.” “All the Team Edward girls won’t be seeing this one, I don’t think.” For Baruchel, working with Cronenberg — who made a name for himself with horror films — was a dream come true. “Basically, it was that Cronenberg is a hero of mine. I’m a Canadian boy. I love horror. That’s all I want to do,” Baruchel said. “If you’re a Canadian horror fan, Cronenberg’s the Holy Grail.” The opportunity for Baruchel came about in a rather mundane way, but his reaction to it was anything but. “I was in Manhattan last year, keeping my lady company, and they called up and were like, ‘Hey, do you want to do two days on this new Cronenberg?’ I said, ‘Yep!’ ‘Wait, wait. We’ll send you the script.’ I couldn’t care less; what I’m playing is a means to an end. I just want to go and film-nerd-out about ‘Videodrome’ with him for two days.” The actual experience of working with Cronenberg did not disappoint. “Not only did I get to go and be a fly on the wall for two days and watch one of my heroes do his thing, I actually had the pleasure being directed by him,” Baruchel said. “Coolest thing ever.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Cosmopolis.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Photos Meet Jay Baruchel, The Newest ‘Cosmopolis’ Cast Member
Monday’s New York concert promotes ‘Mac & Devin Go to High School’ soundtrack, due December 13. By Rob Markman Wiz Khalifa Photo: MTV News Never mind that there’s almost a 20-year age difference between Wiz Khalifa and his big homey Snoop Dogg : On Monday night, the smoked-out duo stood on equal ground for the first time, as co-headliners at New York City’s Terminal 5. The Cali rap vet and MTV News’ Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010 were in the Big Apple to promote the soundtrack, set for release December 13, to their upcoming film, “Mac & Devin Go to High School.” After openers Chevy Woods and YG warmed up the crowd, Snoop walked out to his 2009 single “I Wanna Rock.” Dressed in all black, with black shades and two braids in his hair, Tha Doggfather shuffled across the stage flanked by three curvaceous female dancers, who started out in Adidas tracksuits but had stripped down to skimpy lingerie by the time Snoop performed Akon’s uncensored “I Wanna F— You,” three-quarters of the way through his set. Snoop’s half-hour solo portion of the show was filled with classics like Dr. Dre’s “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” and “Next Episode” as well as his own “Bitch Please” and “Who Am I? (What’s My Name?)” Wiz emerged later to perform his newer rap favorites. Starting with “Cabin Fever,” Khalifa bounced across the stage chanting, “If you see her, point her out,” acknowledging all the “bad bitches” in the crowd. Most of Wiz’s performance was centered around mixtape material. The Taylors gave overwhelming approval and applause as Cap ran through “Gang Bang” and Kush & Orange Juice faves “Never Been” and “In the Cut.” A brief intermission followed, during which scenes from “Mac & Devin Go to High School” played on the venue’s big screen. Snoop and Wiz then returned, this time together, performing in tandem and passing joints to and fro. First up was “That Good,” the initial collaborative “Mac & Devin” leak, on which Snoop dubs the stoner duo “the new Cheech and Chong.” From there, the Dogg launched into his classic “Gin & Juice” while Khalifa served up some ad-libs. Wiz encouraged his young Taylors to show the elder Snoop love, while the Dogg asked the crowd to congratulate the Pittsburgh breakout on his recent Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance, and the audience happily obliged both requests. Though the two rocked solo songs like “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “On My Level,” by the time Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa reached the show-closing “Young, Wild & Free,” their onstage chemistry was undeniable. Though there are a number of years between the two MCs, the duo proved that when it comes to rocking crowds, age ain’t nothing but a number. Have you seen Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa live? Share your review in the comments! Related Artists Wiz Khalifa Snoop Dogg
‘He’s a good judge of other actors,’ director David Cronenberg tells MTV News of RPattz co-star’s glowing review. By Kevin P. Sullivan, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Robert Pattinson and Sarah Gadon in “Cosmopolis” Photo: Caitlin Cronenberg’s Twitter Last month, when MTV News asked David Cronenberg about working with Robert Pattinson on his upcoming film “Cosmopolis,” the director put his feelings about the “Twilight” heartthrob simply: “He’s sensational.” Cronenberg said that “Twilight” fans would see Pattinson in a way they aren’t used to, since the role shares more in common with the actor’s lesser-known films like “Little Ashes” and “Remember Me.” When the director walked the red carpet last week at the Gotham Independent Film Awards in support of his film “A Dangerous Method,” he stopped to speak again with MTV News’ Josh Horowitz, revealing which scenes in particular were the most challenging for Pattinson. “Probably the last couple of days was where there was just a long, long, maybe 15-minute scene with Paul Giamatti , just the two of them in a couple of rooms,” Cronenberg said. In “Cosmopolis,” Pattinson plays Eric Packer, a young millionaire who just wants to get his hair cut. Things go awry when his limo gets stuck in traffic and a stalker, played by Giamatti, causes even more trouble. Cronenberg said that one of the biggest testaments to Pattinson’s skill as an actor was the effect he had on his Academy Award-nominated co-star. “They were both brilliant, and Paul was really impressed,” he said. “If Paul’s impressed, he’s a good judge of other actors, and he said so publicly.” The director is simultaneously promoting “A Dangerous Method” and putting the finishing touches on “Cosmopolis.” Cronenberg said that juggling both has never been an issue: “I’ve edited ‘Cosmopolis,’ and I’m about to go to Paris next week to do the sound mix of it, but I can switch over. It’s like having two kids. When one kid comes through the door, you’re there for that kid.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Cosmopolis.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com .
David Cronenberg’s A Dangerous Method is probably the most fun you’ll ever have watching a movie about Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud duking it out — and nurturing a deep-rooted but fragile friendship — in early 20th century Austria and Switzerland. In fact, when I first saw Viggo Mortensen done up in his trim little Freud beard, I nearly laughed out loud — not because he looked ridiculous, but because he looked so right. Mortensen has become one of Cronenberg’s go-to guys in recent years, and you can see why: Even in a period film like this one — a picture that runs the heavy risk of being ponderous and stiff — he can slip himself into the scenery with a “Don’t mind me, here in my Sigmund Freud getup” naturalness.
‘He’s a great actor,’ director David Cronenberg tells MTV News. ‘It’s obvious in the movie.’ By Kevin P. Sullivan, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Robert Pattinson and Sarah Gadon in “Cosmopolis” Photo: Caitlin Cronenberg’s Twitter The infamous birth scene in “Breaking Dawn – Part 1” may have drawn comparisons to the work of director David Cronenberg , but star Robert Pattinson got to work with the auteur for real in the upcoming “Cosmopolis,” an adaptation of the novel by Don DeLillo. The role represents a dynamic shift from the character fans around the world know Pattinson for, Edward Cullen, but Cronenberg, when he spoke with MTV News’ Josh Horowitz, explained that the choice was nothing more than the normal casting process. “You start with the basics. How old is he? What does he look like? Is the character very nerdy? Is he handsome and devilish?” Cronenberg said. “Is he an intellectual? You think about all these things and you think about the actors who could possibly project the things that you need from this character.” Once Cronenberg had a list of potential candidates for the “Ulysses”-inspired protagonist, Eric Packer, it is important to consider a star’s profile in order to get the proper funding for the film. Cronenberg said that it takes an actor with a name like Pattinson to get his movies made. After judging Pattinson’s interest in the project and working around his schedule, it was clear to Cronenberg that he was the man for the job. “Ultimately, I felt he was the guy. Once again, intuition,” he said. “I saw his movies, including ones maybe his Twi-Hard fans don’t know about, like ‘Little Ashes.’ Maybe they saw ‘Remember Me,’ I’m not sure.” As for Pattinson’s “Twilight” reputation, it’s something Cronenberg acknowledges. “I can’t pretend that I’m not aware of that. This is an unusual jump for him. He said it himself. It’s scary,” Cronenberg said, adding that it’s the scary part of it that makes it worthwhile. “It’s a scary thing because he’s never really had to carry a movie quite that way before, totally on his own,” he said. “He’s in every scene. He’s almost in every shot, so scary for him, but for an actor, scary is good. You don’t want to be bored. You don’t want to be too confident.” The question that will be on everyone’s minds who goes to see the film may ultimately be, “Can the ‘Twilight’ kid actually act?” Cronenberg was quick to cast any doubt aside. “Really, he’s fantastic. He’s sensational,” he said. “Really, I’m telling you. He’s a great actor. It’s obvious in the movie. It’s not like maybe yes, maybe no. It’s obvious.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Cosmopolis.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com .
