Categories: Curtain Call

Get On the Trailer: Cosmopolis

Trailer Review: Cosmopolis
Opening August 17, 2012
Director: David Cronenberg
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Paul Giamatti, Juliette Binoche

Drawing from Marxist theory, economist Joseph Shumpeter popularized the concept of creative destruction which argues that capitalism is dependent upon a continuing cycle of death and rebirth. Drawing from novelist Don Delillo’s dyspeptic take on venture/vulture capitalism, director David Cronenberg presents a vision of the near future in which the world is on the brink of economic collapse. From the safety of his techno-sarcophagus limousine, billionaire Eric Packer, played by the laconic Robert Pattinson, trolls the global markets and the streets of New York for opportunities. He sees the world he’s had a hand in destroying through tinted glass and only interacts with actual people when it’s in his interest. Empty by design, Cronenberg’s avatar of creative destruction continually devours the world in search of profits, but he hungers for more than mere consumption. Numb to the pain of destruction he inflicts upon the world, Packer creates fleeting feeling for himself in pushing the limits of his own survival. With nothing new to consume, Packer feasts upon his ruination.

Terelle Jerricks

During his two decade tenure, he has investigated, reported on, written and assisted with hundreds of stories related to environmental concerns, affordable housing, development that exacerbates wealth inequality and the housing crisis, labor issues and community policing or the lack thereof.

Recent Posts

See/hear/speak no evil? Long Beach Mayor, City Council won’t talk about 60% jump in complaints against police

Since 2021, complaints against Long Beach Police Department officers have risen by over 60%. But…

13 minutes ago

Long Beach Baseball Club Unveils Official Team Name: ‘Long Beach Coast,’ Representing the Duality of Long Beach

While the Coast is the foundation of the team’s primary on-field identity, the Long Beach…

56 minutes ago

U.S. Direct Interventions ― Military/CIA Activity That Changed Governments

Over the slightly less than a hundred years from 1898 to 1994, the U.S. government…

1 hour ago

Hahn Briefs: Supervisor Calls for ICE Withdrawal Nationwide, Condemns EPA Rollback on Health Protections

This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or EPA introduced weakened emissions standards for new…

2 hours ago

Communities Push Back Against AI Data Center Expansion

There are also concerns about noise pollution, caused by hums and buzzes from server fans,…

22 hours ago

Port Seeks Public Comment on Zero-Emissions Electrification Project

As the first step in the ZEPEO Project, LADWP has prepared a Notice of Intent…

22 hours ago