Robert Pattinson’s ‘Cosmo’ may have just been a blip on the radar, but it’s a blip that resonated around the world. The erotic puppet-sex scene that stars the “Twilight” actor and musician as a frustrated Cosmo – a sexually-ambiguous alien – drew unprecedented attention to the otherwise low-profile flick. We weren’t the only ones enthralled by the taboo-breaking clip. In the wake of the film’s unexpected success, numerous cameos, sequels, and even a Broadway adaptation were announced. Here’s what you need to know about “Cosmo,” which celebrates its birthday this month.
Why Did We Need To See Cosmo In The First Place?
The cinematic world was thrown for a loop when “Cosmo” was released in cinemas across the globe in April 2018. Even now, ten months later, it’s still drawing huge audiences and landing on many “Top 10 Movie Moments” lists. So, why did we need to see this particular film in the first place?
In an interview with Variety, director Ruairi Robinson gushed that making “Cosmo” was “a labor of love” and admitted that he was “completely surprised by how much it resonated with audiences.” Indeed, the erotic puppet-sex scene in which Robert Pattinson plays an alien named Cosmo caused quite a stir. The movie is ostensibly about a group of criminals who kidnap a millionaire (Pattinson) in order to use his money to create an army of super-soldiers. But, as the characters acknowledge in the film, there’s a lot more to “Cosmo” than meets the eye.
Should You Have Seen ‘Cosmo’ When It Was New?
Although “Cosmo” is 20 years old this month, it’s still not a movie that you’d typically put in your Netflix queue. Yes, those seeking an R-rated comedy with sexual content will probably do well to give it a try, but for the rest of us, this is probably still one movie we’ll never get the chance to see. Why? Well, “Cosmo” was only in theaters for a limited time before being released on DVD and digitally (through platforms like Netflix and Google Play). And even then, the film wasn’t exactly hiding its adult content – at least, not intentionally. As Robinson himself admitted, he and his screenwriters – Joe Carnahan and Max Landis – “didn’t know how to write a PG-13 movie.”
To their credit, the filmmakers did try to provide audiences with some interesting nuances. While most film adaptations of classic science fiction stories default to depicting robots in a sexualized manner, “Cosmo” bucked the trend and featured a group of anthropomorphic aliens engaged in sensual acts. In addition, the characters openly discuss topics like prostitution and human sexuality, making this a must-see movie for anyone interested in contemporary cultural discussions. Finally, the creators of “Cosmo” stated that they wanted to highlight how violence and sex are inextricably linked in society.
‘Cosmo’ Wasn’t The First Petting Doll Movie
Yes, the erotic puppet-sex scene in which Pattinson plays an alien named Cosmos was unprecedented (and, to this day, remains one of the most controversial scenes in cinematic history). But, for those seeking mainstream cinema alternatives, there were a number of previous films that centred around petting dolls and other animatronics. Here are some of the best – and most controversial – films about robots and artificial intelligence.
Westworld
While “Cosmo” may not have been the first film in which a robot gets busy with a human, it’s undoubtedly the most famous. Indeed, the erotic robot sex scenes in HBO’s “Westworld” drew a lot of attention and generated a lot of discussion. But, as great as the show is, it’s impossible to discuss “Westworld” and its depiction of advanced artificial intelligence without mentioning its graphic depictions of violence and nudity. Fortunately, “Westworld” is a TV show that centers around high-end sex toys and other fetish gear, so you’ll probably be fine watching it with your family – especially if you live in a household with little ones. Nevertheless, it would be a good idea to avoid this one if you think that R-rated movies aren’t your thing.
Metaphorically Speaking
While we’re on the subject of robots and sex, let’s not forget about Stanley Kubrick’s “A.I. Artificial Intelligence.” Similar to “Westworld,” Kubrick’s film draws a connection between sex and technology, exploring the consequences of artificial intelligence and how it will shape our future. But, even more than “Westworld,” “A.I.” is a challenging movie to watch. While the film is a masterpiece and will hold a special place in any serious film buff’s collection, it’s definitely not a movie for the faint of heart. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and occasionally disturbing look into the future of technology, give this one a try. But, for those seeking something a little less intense, “Westworld” may be a better fit.
Ghost in the Shell
Speaking of disturbing and thought-provoking, we can’t talk about advanced artificial intelligence and the future of technology without mentioning Ghost in the Shell. Remake or adaptation? Hard to say. Is it a sequel or a prequel? You may recognize a bit of “Ghost in the Shell” in the “Transformers” movies. Scarlett Johansson sports a very similar mask to the one Major Motoko Kusanagi wears in the film. In any case, “Ghost in the Shell” explores some very dark themes and offers a very pessimistic view of the future. Though not for the faint of heart, if you’re looking for something genuinely thought-provoking, this is one film you shouldn’t miss. Unfortunately, the violent nature of the subject matter may make this one a bit too intense for most viewers – especially those who have a weak stomach.
Blade Runner
Speaking of pessimistic, we can’t talk about advanced artificial intelligence and the future of technology without talking about Blade Runner. Although this film may have been released in 1992, it feels fairly contemporary, with a vision of a near-future Los Angeles that feels more like our own reality than something out of a science-fiction movie. Director Ridley Scott’s masterpiece explores the themes of violence and artificial intelligence with a no-holds-barred approach, showcasing a dystopian LA that is both realistic and engrossing. Though not for the faint of heart, if you’re seeking an R-rated cinematic experience that will stick with you long after the film ends, give Blade Runner a try. But, for those seeking something a little less intense, “Westworld” may be a better fit. And, let’s be honest: if you’ve never heard of either of these films, it’s probably best that you don’t watch them. But, for those seeking something different, they are quite interesting – and offer a fascinating glimpse into a world of advanced technology and artificial intelligence.