It is safe to say that 2019 was a big year for Hollywood, as audiences and critics responded with gratitude to many of the year’s biggest movies. If you’re looking to expand your cinematic horizons in the new year, then why not consider one of Hollywood’s most famous brother-sister duos? We’re talking about Robert Pattinson and David Cronenberg, of course, the former being the former “It” boy and the latter being the iconic director of “The Fly.”
If a mash-up of the two is what you’re looking for, then why not consider “Casualties of Love,” a juicy story about a Hollywood player who learns that fame and fortune aren’t always as worthwhile as they seem? Or how about “The Loved One,” a romantic drama set in postwar London that pits a handsome ex-serviceman against a former Nazi SS officer? Both of these flicks feature some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Michael Caine, Judy Garland, Dennis Hopper and Walter Matthau, so you know they’re going to be good.
Although neither brother has directed a traditional horror movie, their unique and idiosyncratic approaches to horror-inspired filmmaking have made them something of a godfather and a mentor to later generations of horror filmmakers. As a result, it’s only fair to say that 2019 was a banner year for those who follow in their footsteps.
Which One Should You Check Out?
Well, that depends on what you’re looking for. If, like many fans, you’re a big fan of the “Twilight” saga, then “Casualties of Love” may be the film for you. Pattinson plays the role of Danny, a struggling actor who moves to LA to pursue his dreams. There, he crosses paths with Mia, played by Elle Fanning, who’s sister is deeply involved in the twilight scene. When Danny turns up dead, the blame is placed on Mia, who is arrested and later exonerated. Her life is turned upside-down, and it’s up to her to figure out who is really behind the murder. It’s a crazy, messy, dark, and sometimes funny story that sees the ‘Twilight’ star working alongside some of Hollywood’s greatest stars, including Michael Caine and Walter Matthau. It also marks the directorial debut of actor Joe Talbot, who plays Danny in the film.
Now, on the other hand, if you’re a big fan of “The Fly,” the classic sci-fi movie that starred Raúl Juliá and Vincent Price, then you might want to see “The Loved One.” In the film, Matt Damon plays George, a Hollywood player who falls in love with a mute girl he meets in a Vienna cafe. However, his feelings are ignored by a snobbish society that deems her incapable of speech. As a result, George is shunned by his friends and forced to confront his feelings for his companion, played by Emily Mortimer. It sees Damon work with some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Marjorie Merriweather Post, who plays his mother-in-law, and James Mason, who plays his father. It was written by George Axelrod, who also penned ‘The Americanization of Emily’ and ‘Seven Years in Tibet.’
So, what’s the difference between these two flicks? Well, “The Loved One” is a lighter, more romantic comedy, while “Casualties of Love” is a more dramatic affair. “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” was released a year ago, and based on reader feedback, it appears that people who watched the installment wanted something more out of the relationship than just a spark, let alone a full-blown romance. It seems that these audiences have now found their way to “Casualties of Love,” which is currently playing in theaters. Let’s hope that audiences continue to see the value in these types of films and that they provide something different for those who see them.