David Cronenberg has his own sense of aesthetics. His films regularly explore the boundaries of naturalness, humanity and beauty. Known as a master of body horror, his works don’t just come with great effects and atmospheric productions. They also encourage us viewers to think unpretentious. This is mainly due to the fact that Cronenberg works with precise premises, the conflicts of which he visually summarizes in his very physical cinema. Consider, for example, The Fly, where the protagonist’s transformation is not an abstract discourse, but becomes painfully perceptible to the viewer from scene to scene.
Recently, Cronenberg managed to inspire viewers with “Crimes of the Future”. A film that goes back to the director’s original motives, but makes them appear in a completely new, post-apocalyptic atmosphere. It takes place in a dystopian world where humans can grow tumors to perform tricks. Even reading this premise, it becomes clear: Cronenberg tells very special stories.
With such an idiosyncratic director, it is not surprising that he does not agree with every development that takes place in mainstream cinema. For example, superhero movies are a thorn in his side – for which he has often been criticized. In an interview with vulture Cronenberg explained: “The version of the movie genre that’s strongest in Hollywood right now – the superhero stuff – has never really appealed to me. It has never appealed to me. For me, it’s too formulaic and youthful in its emotional grasp.”
Cronenberg makes an exception for Robert Pattinson
Robert Pattinson was the Bruce Wayne we didn’t know we needed. In recent years it has become clear that he is an impressive actor who can play any role. Whether as a sailor in “The Lighthouse” or as a cop in “Tenet” – Pattinson always convinced! His career could have taken a different turn. After the Twilight movies, it was far from certain that Pattinson would take the plunge from his long-running role as Edward Cullen.
At the time, Cronenberg was one of the first directors to offer him a role, contributing to a massive image change. Pattinson went from teen heartthrob to a respected character in sci-fi dramas, thrillers, and biopics in just a few short years. Cronenberg and Pattinson first worked together in Cosmopolis. In the 2012 film, Pattinson plays a multi-billionaire who drives a luxury limousine through Manhattan to a hairdressing appointment. Outside, the world seems to be on fire: demonstrations and riots block the streets. But the world in the sedan is also starting to get out of hand.
Pattinson wonderfully embodies the cool arrogance of the main character. He gives the socially critical parable its personal presence. No wonder Cronenberg decided to recast Pattinson in 2014. This time in Maps to the Stars, a movie starring Julianne Moore that explores the depths of Hollywood. But Cronenberg’s enthusiasm for Pattinson didn’t end with their latest collaboration.
So he shared The New Yorkersthat he was watching “The Batman” out of respect for the actor. “I think Rob was an honorable Batman”Cronenberg judged. He didn’t have much more to add, though. Instead, he reiterated that, in his view, nothing had changed in superhero films. After all: Robert Pattinson should feel honored! And maybe the sequel will make Cronenberg a Batman fan.