Note that the following contains one or twomild spoilersabout the movies plot developments.

It just so happens that what Don [DeLillo, the author ofCosmopolis] wrote was prescient and clairvoyant.

It felt more that the world was finally catching up with him!

I mean, we knew that we werent!

So isCosmopolisan anti-capitalist film?

DC:Its interesting, but there really are no anti-capitalists in this movie.

Its also been noted that the Occupy Wall Street movement isnt really anti-capitalist.

What they really want is for the 99 per cent have a piece of the action!

So its not like theyre communists or socialists and they hate capitalism and want to take it down.

So its a little odd and not quite what you might think.

And its the same with the character of Benno [Giamatti].

But hes not an anti-capitalist, so its difficult to [pigeonhole] the movie as anti-capitalist.

Youve made a number of changes to the story from the book to the screen.

Thats the Chinese plan and no one seems to be able to think that it wont happen.

For example, the image of the rats recurs throughout.

DC:I never go in for metaphor [laughs].

But I like that.

I hadnt realised that, but I dont think Don had either.

The character of Eric Packer seems more nihilistic than most of Davids previous characters.

Were these differences/elements of Packer a factor in both of you taking on the project?

Robert Pattinson:I dont think I approached him as a nihilist.

Theres an energy to the character, but the energy of a nihilist is very different.

DC:I never consciously think about my previous work.

Youre asking me to be an analyst of my own movies and thats your job!

At that point youre not thinking aboutTwilightorScanners.

Youre thinking aboutCosmopolisand Eric Packer and the structure of it and thats a very beautiful and pure thing.

As for the haircut well, its not trivial at all.

In fact, Eric sets it up at the beginning when he says: A haircut is what?

Its a calendar on the wall.

Its his past, hes returning to his childhood where he was somehow purer and more innocent.

So, no, its not trivial at all.

The poster for the film in the UK reads Prepare To Be Surprised.

RP:I hope they come to see it [laughs].

DC:Thats the priority.

Just get them into the theatre anyway it’s possible for you to!

Hook em, grab em!

[laughs]

RP:I think TheTwilightfanbase are much maligned because of their tenacity.

Im thinking mainly about the material with Erics new bride, Elise.

This plays out differently in film as you have the couple neither touch nor consummate their marriage.

Why did you make that change?

DC:Well, frankly, I never felt that they ever touched.

And I knew that on screen it would be laughable.

An audience would never buy that.

And thats one of the things that leads him to destroy himself.

I mean, there are several moments that lead him to that.

Is it correct that you and Robert will be working together again in the filmMaps To The Stars?

Is that definitely going ahead?

RP:I want to do it.

One of the reasons we started talking about it was to try and get some financing for it.

DC:It has created some interest, actually, and weirdly enough that counts.

But theres a brilliant script by a friend of mine, Bruce Wagner.

I tried to do it five years ago, but I couldnt get it made.

Its one of those great scripts and in a way its likeCosmopolisin that its just not an easy sell.

Its edgy, in that sort of nasty, disturbing way.

And it has emotion, but its kind of a weird emotion.

Again, its likeCosmopolis, where by the end of the movie its become strangely sad and emotional.

But it is a problem, unless you all want to kick in!

[laughs] Ill give you all producer credits!

David Cronenberg and Robert Pattinson, thank you very much.

Cosmopolisarrives in UK cinemas on Friday the 15th June.