Cosmopolis 2012
Directed by
David Cronenberg
Made by
Entertainment One
Plot Summary
Riding through the bustling streets of Manhattan in the confines of a luxurious stretch limousine, Eric Packer (Robert Pattinson), a 28-year-old billionaire asset manager, embarks on what should have been a simple journey to get a haircut. However, his seemingly ordinary day quickly spirals into a chaotic odyssey as he encounters a diverse array of characters who begin to unravel his meticulously crafted existence.
Stuck in relentless traffic caused by the visit of the President of the United States and the funeral of his beloved musician, whose melodies accompany him in one of his two private elevators, Eric finds himself increasingly detached from reality. Recently married, he struggles with his relationship; his wife, whose energy is diverted towards her demanding career, avoids intimacy, leaving him to seek solace elsewhere.
Within the confines of the car, Eric juggles meetings, including an awkward medical check-up where he learns of troubling health concerns related to his prostate. As the day unfolds with unexpected turmoil, he faces monumental losses from risky currency speculations that send him deeper into a spiral of self-destruction. His journey of reckless abandon includes the shocking act of killing his bodyguard and pursuing his ominous fate by initiating a meeting with someone intent on harming him, ultimately leading to him deliberately injuring himself.
This day filled with decadence, turmoil, and existential dread ultimately culminates in a search for a simple haircut, as Eric grapples with the relentless disintegration of his world. In the words of one character: > “This is what happens when the world goes to hell.”
Timeline
Eric's Luxurious Limousine Ride
Eric Packer, a billionaire asset manager, starts his day riding through Manhattan in a luxurious stretch limousine. The ride seems straightforward, as he heads out with the intention of getting a simple haircut.
Traffic Jam Incident
Eric's journey takes a turn as he becomes stuck in traffic caused by the President of the United States visiting the city. This unexpected delay foreshadows the chaotic day ahead and causes Eric to feel increasingly trapped.
Reflection on Loss
While in traffic, Eric reflects on the recent death of his beloved musician. The influence of the musician's melodies resonates deeply with him, adding a layer of melancholy to his turbulent day.
Strained Marriage
Eric grapples with the detachment in his marriage, as his wife focuses on her demanding career. Their lack of intimacy leaves Eric feeling isolated and lost, which exacerbates his struggle for connection.
Awkward Medical Check-Up
During his day, Eric fits in an awkward medical check-up that reveals troubling health issues related to his prostate. This news adds to his growing anxieties and feelings of mortality.
Financial Catastrophe
As the day unfolds, Eric faces monumental financial losses from risky currency speculations. This crushing news sends him deeper into a spiral of self-destruction, questioning his life choices.
Self-Destructive Behavior
In a shocking turn of events, Eric kills his bodyguard as he spirals further into chaos. This act of violence signifies the culmination of his internal struggles and detachment from reality.
The Meeting of Doom
Eric actively seeks out a meeting with an individual who has intentions of harming him. This encounter indicates his recklessness and acceptance of his ominous fate as he delves deeper into darkness.
Deliberate Injury
In an act of profound despair, Eric deliberately injures himself, illustrating his turmoil and sense of loss of control. This self-harm is a physical manifestation of the inner conflict he faces throughout the day.
Searching for a Haircut
Despite the chaos and destruction surrounding him, Eric's day ultimately culminates in a simple search for a haircut. This ironic twist highlights the absurdity of his experiences, mirroring his disintegrating reality.
Realization of Existential Dread
As the day progresses, Eric begins to confront the existential dread that encapsulates his life. The realization that 'this is what happens when the world goes to hell' becomes a haunting understanding for him.
Isolation in a Crowded City
Despite being surrounded by the bustling life of Manhattan, Eric feels an overwhelming sense of isolation. The disconnection from the reality of his surroundings mirrors his internal despair and detachment.
Confrontation with Reality
By the end of the day, Eric is forced to confront the chaotic reality that has unraveled around him. His journey, meant to be simple, has evolved into an exploration of the fragility of life and relationships.
Characters
Eric Packer (Robert Pattinson)
Eric Packer is a 28-year-old billionaire asset manager who embodies the complexities of wealth and existential dread. Throughout the film, he grapples with his crumbling marriage, troubling health concerns, and reckless decisions that spiral into chaos. His journey reflects a profound detachment from the world, leading to self-destructive behavior.
Setting
Time period
The events of the movie reflect a modern, high-stakes financial world driven by technology and global events. Characters are often caught up in the rapid pace of life, leading to feelings of disconnection and existential dread, which resonates with contemporary society's pressures.
Location
Manhattan
Manhattan is a bustling urban environment known for its iconic skyline and vibrant culture. It serves as the financial and cultural capital of the world, attracting people from all walks of life. The streets are often filled with traffic, particularly during significant events, which can lead to chaotic situations, as seen on Eric Packer's tumultuous journey.
Themes
💸
Wealth & Isolation
The film delves into themes of wealth and the isolation it can bring. Eric Packer, a billionaire, finds himself increasingly detached from reality, illustrating how financial success does not equate to personal fulfillment or connection. His materialistic world ultimately contributes to his emotional and existential crisis.
🌀
Chaos & Loss
As Eric navigates his chaotic day, he faces unexpected turmoil and monumental losses, both financially and personally. The film portrays how quickly one's life can unravel, leading to an overwhelming sense of chaos. Eric's reckless decisions and encounters encapsulate this central theme of loss amidst chaos.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.