copyrightDavid Cronenberg hates superhero films: but he still gave 'The Batman' a chance for a very specific reason
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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 not only come with great effects and atmospheric productions. They also encourage us viewers to think in a natural way. This is mainly due to the fact that Cronenberg works with precise premises, the conflicts of which he visually sums up in his very physical cinema. Think, for example, of The Fly, where the protagonist's transformation is not an abstract discourse but becomes more painfully observable for the viewer from scene to scene.
Most recently, Cronenberg was able to inspire viewers with "Crimes of the Future". A film that goes back to the director's original motives, but lets them appear in a completely new, post-apocalyptic mood. It is set in a dystopian world where humans can grow tumors in order to perform tricks. Even reading this premise makes it clear: Cronenberg tells extraordinary stories.
With such an idiosyncratic director, it's hardly surprising that he doesn't approve of every development that's taking place in mainstream cinema. For example, superhero films are a thorn in his side - for which he has often been criticized. Speaking to Vulture, Cronenberg explained, "The version of genre film that's going to be the strongest in Hollywood right now - the superhero thing - never really appealed to me. That never appealed to me. To me, it's too formulaic and youthful in its emotional understanding."
FOR ROBERT PATTINSON, CRONENBERG MAKES AN EXCEPTION
Robert Pattinson was the Bruce Wayne we didn't know we needed. In the past few years, it has become clear that he is an impressive actor who can be trusted to play any role. Whether as a seaman's mate in "The Lighthouse" or as an agent in "Tenet" - Pattinson was always convincing! His career could have taken a different course. After the Twilight movies, it was far from certain that Pattinson would make the leap from his long-running role as Edward Cullen.
Back then, Cronenberg was one of the first directors who offered him a role and contributed to a massive change in his image. Pattinson went from teen heartthrob to respected character actor in sci-fi dramas, thrillers, and biopics in a matter of years. Cronenberg and Pattinson first worked together in Cosmopolis. In the 2012 film, Pattinson plays a multi-billionaire who drives a luxury limo across Manhattan to a hair 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 embodies the incredible arrogance of the protagonist wonderfully. He gives the socio-critical parable its personal presence. No wonder Cronenberg decided to cast Pattinson again in 2014. This time in Maps to the Stars, a film starring Julianne Moore that takes on the depths of Hollywood. But Cronenberg's enthusiasm for Pattinson didn't end with their last collaboration.
He shared with The New Yorker that he watched "The Batman" out of respect for the actor. "I think Rob was an honorable Batman," Cronenberg said. He didn't have much more to add, however. Instead, he pointed out again that nothing had changed in his opinion of superhero films. After all: Robert Pattinson can feel honored! And maybe the sequel will make Cronenberg a Batman fan.