Every single scene in this movie is epic and there are still no faves at this point in time. I can’t express how happy I am that Rob decided to say yes to David and now we have this fantastic piece of cinema to appreciate for ever and ever. Even the sound is it’s own character!
So the man wanted a haircut. I chose this scene because it has an impact without having the aide of action or shock factor (which I also LOVE). I found it so multi-layered that by the time I watched Cosmopolis the 3rd time round, it had me curled up in my poncho, practically turned into the fetal position – but not from terror, it was like a deep childhood comfort that David’s genius and Rob’s interaction unveiled during Eric’s time in this barber sanctuary.
The moment Eric steps into the barber shop and the barber wipes away the cheesecake from his head, there is an automatic shift in Eric and I’m getting those childhood feels. This entire scene was a beautiful insight and arrived at a crucial point of his intense life altering day (mind body and soul). While Eric is not dominating his environment for a change … and the banter of the barber and driver is taking us deeper into the human condition, I love how Rob subtly pulls you smack bang into the moment without use of words. Don’t get me wrong, I love nothing more than to hear a Rob character speak and this movie was after all rich with dialogue (which I also LOVE). But I bring this up because Rob has proven he’s further developed his craft during the making of this movie and it’s evident through out every scene … right up to the closing moment of Cosmopolis. Especially then.
Moving on … when Eric is realising he has no protection and is asked why he would throw a gun away … he struggles to give an answer while he’s being pulled back to reality and having to think like a grown up again. When Eric is given the barber’s gun, you see the snap and it’s time to get back to what awaits him … OUT THERE … and with half a haircut!
Golden Years: Vertigo Fave Cosmopolis scene from RPAustralia on Vimeo.
Wonderful choice @Vertigo. Love seeing the barber shop conversation and love reading your insight into the scene. I still find it a fascinating mix of characters coming together. Talk about watching a book come to life in front of your very eyes …..
Thanks for reading Sue – was a slight waffle but I thought it pivotal in that after Eric had stripped away all his layers, it was only fitting he return to where it all began for him and interesting for us to gain perspective on early life motivations.
It really was magic seeing this book unfold before our eyes. *nods with excitement*
Ah Vertigo I remember your reaction to these scene after our first viewing. I think the world stood still because both you and I were speechless. Yes Rob is probably the only person who has that affect on us.
Brilliant reading – I always love hearing your take on things.
Perfectly articulated Veritgo Love all your girls insights to Rob’s films you all manage to put into words what we are all thinking the “curled in my poncho” made me smile 😀 I sit riveted every time I watch Cosmopolis and manage to see something new every time. Bring on Maps to the Stars I am sure Rob will “blow me away” again.
Beautifully written Vertigo.
Love what you’ve written here Vertigo & your insight, so beautifully put. LOVE this scene so much, Eric has me glued to the screen each & every single time & no matter how many times I watch, Rob still blows me completely away.
Amen to that Cindy, bring on MTTS, the next chapter of Rob & Cronenberg brilliance. I absolutely cannot wait 🙂
fantastic choice Vertigo and i absolutely loved reading your thoughts on it all. just bloody brilliant. thank you for sharing.