New Interview from Portugal

Translation

How would you define Eric Packer (main character in 'Cosmpopolis'): it he just a sort of a weirdo or is he a visionary?
He's just a weirdo(laughs). I think he is a person who is desperately looking for something but doesn't know what that is. Basically, no one is a visionary, the world repeats itself.

But wasn't Don DeLillo's a visionary when he write the book? Because the story was written 12 years ago, but is current and reflects the global economy today...
Yes, that's crazy. But at the same time, the collapse of financial markets... it seemed obvious that would happen.

Do you follow news about the economy, the reality of Europe?
In general but not specifically. It's weird. I know they're all terrified of what's happening.

The dialogues of 'Cosmopolis' explores this theme but in a poetic, theatrical way. Do you believe that there are people that speak like that?
It is a little too theatrical. But Eric is a guy who doesn't share his world. In his universe, everybody speaks his language, behaves like he wants. He is totally egocentric, maniac, wants to be God.

And how different is Robert from Eric?
(Laughs) He's really confident and thinks no one can change him. While I... I change in every new talk, with every new person. I want to please those who talk to me.

But are you a confident person...
Kind of. I'm more confident when everyone hates me.

But they all love you, especially because of the success of 'Twilight'. Did you accept this movie because you thought it would change your career and turn you into a "serious" actor or was it because you would film with someone like David Cronenberg?
I try to do all my jobs as if I'm a serious actor (laughs). And some people forget that I ever did in the past... But David's (Cronenberg) movies are all so unique and personal that I knew it was important to make this movie.

At the Cannes Film Festival, critics were divided: hated and loved the movie. Do you really care about reviews?
I am always surprised. I thought no one would notice the film (laughs). But I like to see such passionate reactions, in any sense whatsoever. And everyone cares about the critics. I care about what everyone says. I care about what girls (fans) outside will tell and maybe they won't even like it

Are you going to work with Cronenberg again?
Yes, in a movie about the movie industry. Really fun and bizarre. I still don't know when we're going to film because I have other projects...

Do you think 'Cosmopolis' could be an Oscar movie?
I don't know. I keep my expectations low.

But winning an Oscar is the biggest dream for an actor...
Completely. Actors are moved by the awards, it is as if they were kicked on the head.

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