American Gangsters

David Cronenberg premiered his new film Cosmopolis at MoMA last night as legions of loyal Robert Pattinson fans screamed outside. Some had lined up as early as two days in advance to catch a glimpse of the heartthrob in his latest leading role. Pillows embroidered with the actor's likeness were the accessory of the evening.

Inside the museum, it was a much more sophisticated scene. Cronenberg discussed how he had to work on a very human, relatable level with Pattinson to develop his character—a vapid, billionaire antihero on an epic journey in his limo across Manhattan for nothing more banal than a haircut. "You can't say to someone, 'You're going to play the embodiment of American capitalism.' You can't act that. Start from the ground up." Pattinson's co-star Sarah Gadon said what she found surprising about acting opposite the world's favorite vampire was that he remains "entirely egoless"—this despite his overwhelming Twilight fame and the recent media scrutiny of the twists and turns in his relationship with Kristen Stewart. Just as his character spends most of the film inside a limo, Pattinson was the last to arrive on the red carpet. Wearing Gucci, which presented the evening alongside the Peggy Siegal Company, he thanked some fans for coming, gave a few brief interviews, and was whisked away as quickly as he came.

One block south, the Cinema Society and Manifesto Yves Saint Laurent hosted the premiere of Lawless. The film stars Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, and Jason Clarke as the Bondurant brothers, whose successful bootlegging operation in Depression-era Virginia comes under attack by authorities seeking a cut of the profits. Mia Wasikowska and Jessica Chastain co-star as the brothers' love interests. "It's sort of a cross between the gangster and western genre. It's about everything. It's sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll—it's a really exciting film," promised Chastain, who was doing double duty as the brand ambassador for the new Manifesto fragrance. After the screening, LaBoeuf, who's had his fair share of run-ins with authorities, said he had a cathartic experience making the movie. "I come from a family of rabble-rousers and misfits and I'm trying to figure my way out onstage. I'm just a fallible 26-year-old man who's human."

—Todd Plummer and Caroline Tell