November
9
Twilight: What's Next for Rob Pattinson?
Brit actor Robert Pattinson's life changed the instant Catherine Hardwicke cast him as Edward Cullen, the vampire lover in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series.
"How old are you?" asks Bella (Kristen Stewart), a new student at Forks High.
"17," he says.
"How long have you been 17?"
"A while."
Pattinson has seen the way women react to him as Edward at Comic-Con and festivals. (They tend to scream.) In this flip-cam interview, he talks about how tricky it was to play this kind of swoony leading man, figuring out the makeup, his music, his upcoming films Little Ashes and How to Be, and the new movie he starts in January, playing Dennis Hopper's grandson in writer-director Brian Horiuchi's L.A.-set multi-generational marriage drama Parts Per Billion, also starring Olivia Thrilby and Rosario Dawson. Hollywood is sending him scripts, but everyone it seems, is waiting to see how Twilight fares when it opens November 21:
Pattinson, who hasn't seen the movie, says he's prepared to play Cullen in two more Twilight films in the original trilogy. (There's a fourth, more controversial and adult Twilight novel.) Pattinson's next movie, Little Ashes, a gay romance between Salvador Dali and Gabriel Federico Garcia Lorca, is due in March. And the bare-bones, quirky Brit coming-of-age movie How to Be debuted at Slamdance in January, where it won an honorable mention, failed to pick up a distrib at Berlin in February, and still has no home in the U.K. or the U.S. Pattinson plays a sad-sack acoustic guitar player trying to pull himself out of depression. This pic might benefit from an online release--there are countless Pattinson fans who would want to sample it. But only a micro distrib would ever release it theatrically. Here's the How to Be website, which has a trailer.
The LAT interviews Pattinson, as does EW, as part of its cover package. UPDATE: My fave gossip Marc Malkin gets Pattinson to dish about bare bellies.
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Thanks for flagging up How to Be. Its a delightful little British film. I saw Rob in Little Ashes in London (AT Raindance) and he was fantastic. Infact all the cast are wonderful and the cinmatopgraphy, costunes and music are outstanding. Pattinson played Dali beautifully and again its a very difficult role to play but he handled it perfectly.
Posted by: joan | November 09, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Thank you Anne for the indepth interview. Much appreciated.
Posted by: helen | November 09, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Thank you for this!! It's greatly appreciated.
Posted by: Silver | November 09, 2008 at 11:50 AM
I would dearly love Pattinson to play Jeff Buckley in a biopic. I hope the powers that be realise what a wonderful and accessible actor he is. he makes me happy and I cant say that about any other actor EVER.
Posted by: alison | November 09, 2008 at 11:50 AM
I loved the interview. I could watch him all day to be honest and its great to see him asked some decent questiosn for once. Come on studios give Rob some decent roles. He's fantastic.
Posted by: carolyn | November 09, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Interesting that he too wondered why Meyer didnt think he was boyfriend material. All his fans were a bit miffed at that one liner too. At least she said she thought his performance was oscar material anyway. I think he's an awesome talent. A friend of mine in London went to see Little Ashes mainly for me so I could live vicariously through her) and she said he was incredibly good as Salvador Dali. Also stressed what a wonderful comic actor he was.
Posted by: Skip | November 09, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Anne you should try and see Little Ashes. Its a wonderful film.
I went to raindance too and saw Little Ashes. Pattinson exceeded my expectation and is very convincing as Dali and as the film progresses he grows into the Dali we think we know.Pattinson and Beltran both give very intense performances and you totally buy into the Dali/Lorca relationship. The actors had great chemistry with one another. The sexual aspects of the story are handled beautifully. The scene between Pattinson and Beltran in the moonlit waters is so incredibly beautiful and it probably ranks as the most gorgeous looking scene I've ever seen. The cinematographer on this film needs a pat on the back as does the composer and costume designer. The scene where Dali watches Lorca make love to Magdalena sounds titilating but actually is a heartbreaking moment and Pattinson is incredible.The growing fascination between Lorca and Dali is beautfully played out and the script has obviously been crafted with care and attention. The director deserves much praise for handling this film with such tact and sensitivity and I hope it gets picked up for a decent cinema release.I wont spoil the end for people but its particularly tragic and Pattinson really shines in this key moment.
Posted by: todette | November 09, 2008 at 12:42 PM
I've been reading all of Pattinson's recent interviews and I find him charming and very real. No fake Hollywood wanabee here. He mentined in the EW article he was pining to play Jeff Buckley and I think thats a perect match. Hope he gets his wish one day.
I do think Rob's fanbase isnt only screaming fangirls who just see him as Edward. I think interviewers need to understand that while Rob may have come to people's attention because of the role. Interest has spread to his other work. We arent that daft we know a good actor when we see one and we like the choices of roles he's picked. How to be is a little gem and I adored him in The Haunted Airman.
Posted by: Emily | November 09, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Well. That was incredible. Very nice job, Anne. Isn't he just...different? There is a young passion there, that is unabashed, and wide-eyed, yet a weird intelligent, knowledgeable-awareness about what he's getting into? He's wise, but he's naively attractive. WOW. He literally blows other actors away in interviews, in my opinion.
Thanks! That was a respectful interview that I hadn't anticipated...about TWILIGHT? LOL
Posted by: Marsha | November 09, 2008 at 12:47 PM
I love the laid back interviews. Sometimes people forget that he's just a person... who happens to have a really unique talent. I also agree with a lot of the things he said... about how people need to go back to basics and focus on the scripts. It couldn't be more truthful. Thanks a lot for the interview.
Posted by: Kaitlyn | November 09, 2008 at 12:51 PM
It was hard to work out what you thought of the film or more importantly Rob Anne. A lot of interviews lately seem to be like that. The one on EW again didnt give a flavour of what the author thought of Rob either. Maybe I'm used to reading too many UK journalits. They always tend to give their views on articles on actors.
Posted by: Joanna | November 09, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Anne,
Thank you for the wonderful interview with Robert. I believe Rob is a rare talent and big things are in store for him. He has many people pulling for him and wish him much success.
Posted by: Jenbarn76 | November 09, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Maybe US journalists let the reader interpret for themselves? I think that is actually cool. Call me weird.
Posted by: Marsha | November 09, 2008 at 01:25 PM
If film makers dont snap Rob up then they are fools. He's such a versatile and charismatic actor. Not afraid to play the most bizarre of roles. I admire him for resisting Summits attmept to lighten the role. Considering it was his first staring role I think he showed immense bravery and determination.
I do think he needs to change his mind about leaving Edward out for the vast majority of New Moon. Like it or not its Edward we want to see. Thats the charismatic character. Jacob bores me to death and the mid part of New Moon is very flat. I for one am not interested in pages and pages of motorbike repair!!
Posted by: Tania | November 09, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Yet another comment section spammed to death by the Pattinson fangirls.
Posted by: Anthony North | November 09, 2008 at 01:40 PM
He is just a lovely, lovely, unique and intelligent person, isn't he? Thank you so much for that wonderful interview. It was a real pleasure to hear new, thoughtful questions and I was so happy that you discussed his other work. How To Be was a great little film, and I am dying to see Parts Per Billion. (I really hope that one actually gets made and makes to the theaters.) If you haven't seen it, track down a copy of The Haunted Airman. The film was a bit...off, I suppose, but RP's peformance was absolutely stunning. Subtle and heartbreaking.
Posted by: Erin | November 09, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Anthony North...take notes. It's a film derived from a book directed at the female gender. Please, give us your analysis. Spammed? No, it's a talk-back. Sorry to disappoint! Intelligence is so wasted on the internet.
God, last comment, I swear.
Posted by: Marsha | November 09, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Oh my god this was the best interview ever, thank you for all the real, proper, insightful questions.
This interview has made me fall for him all over again. I'm actually falling in love with him, its freking me out!
lol
When he said that his favourite part was when Edward has a big come back at the end of New Moon (committing suicde in Italy), I had to press stop and squeal because thats my favourite part too!! Its the best scene in the whole series, Edward's return! And I agree, he's totally right that keeping little bits of Edward in the rest of the film would ruin the climax at the end. He's so intelligent, humble and highly artistic! I've never seen a more intelligent, artistic, serious actor. Not kidding. If he doesn't win an oscar for Little Ashes I will scream!
Posted by: Sarah | November 09, 2008 at 02:17 PM
P.S.
I adored his comment about scripts being the most important thing, regardless of director. It just proves how serious and artistic he is....
man i love him!
I loved him The Haunted Airman, he was just so amazing as the cold hearted crazy Toby Jugg. When he had to climb into the back as a cripple, oh.my.god, it was so realistic!
And he wsa so adorable as the cute, warm heated loveable geek Daniel Gale in "The Bad MOthers Hanbook".
Such a completely different role.
I cannot wait to see Little Ashes, I hear he is absolutely amazing in it, and the chemistry with his co-star Javier is supposed to be heart-stopping.
I haven't had the pleasure to see "How to Be" yet because i live in Ireland but I hear fantastic things. Apparently his performance is painfully emotionally real while also being funny.
Is there nothing this guy can't do?
Even watching him sing and play guitar, he is so soulful and completely in the moment. I hope this boys talent gets recognised by the right people in America and he gets an Oscar some day. Coz he really deserves it.
I LOVE that he doesn't give a crap about fame or "behaving" himself or picking roles that will make him a big star. He's the only actor I know who would say "dick" in an interview hehe. He picks small indie films coz he's an artist and loves the scripts. Hardly any actors out there do that!
He is truly one of a kind!
Posted by: Sarah | November 09, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Take a chill pill, Marsha.
Since you asked so nicely, here's my analysis:
The guy seems nice, but very much in over his head. He keeps stammering, lots of "uh"s and "like"s in there. He seems actually quite embarrassed about being involved in this movie, notice how much more eager and enthusiastic he is about his other movie. Whereas he keeps kinda dissing Twilight to Thompson, kinda like "hey you and me both know this is strictly a money gig".
You all may think he is the next Brando or the next Jimmy Dean. Good for you. I hope he succeeds, we could use a skilled young male actor. But remember the fate of Orlando Bloom: career death resulting from massive over hype. It's such a deja vu reading all these superlative filled gushy comments about young Pattinson, it's like 2003 all over again.
Posted by: Anthony North | November 09, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Wonderful interview. The best I have seen yet. You know I was shocked when Stephenie did say that about Rob during the EW enterview. And now hearing his reaction to it...I really think it hurt his feelings a bit. It wasn't a very nice thing for her to say of this excellent actor who has done such an amazing job with her character. Not to mention the fact of...How would she know!
Posted by: Nicole | November 09, 2008 at 03:03 PM
wow. finally some good, interesting, and informative questions!! i was so tired of reading interview after interview of the same questions and same answers (it was sooo tiring), but this is very refreshing! great job!!!
Posted by: Alexandra | November 09, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Woops. *interview*
And I'll just add that New Moon was also my favorite book for the very reasons he said. Most don't like it because its so sad. But I loved it because it captured that pain so beautifully. I can't wait to see what he does with it.
Posted by: Nicole | November 09, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Okay, I'm usually a big fan of Stephenie Meyer, but I have to say that I was rather miffed (and that is putting it nicely) about the comment that she made about Rob not being a good boyfriend. I mean who is she to say something like that?? And what is worse is that she makes that statement in the exact same article where she talks about people saying mean things about her on the internet and it hurting her feelings.
Hypocracy much???
Posted by: Christina | November 09, 2008 at 03:32 PM
Anthony North, you do make some good points. However, rather than Orlando Bloom, I would be more likely to compare him to Leo Dicaprio right before Titanic's release. If Rob keeps himself surrounded by 'real' people and doesn't fall victim to the Hollywood machine, I can see a long career ahead of him. That's just my humble opinion, take it for what it's worth- but you shoud know I am not a "pattinson tween fan"- I am a 40 something woman employed in the media biz. (No, I have not met him, so I am simply speculating based on what I have heard and read- which is subjective at best). But so far I do have to say that he has handled himself very well despite the insanity surrounding him, and I hope that he enjoys a long acting career. He certainly has the talent; hopefully, his family and true friends will keep him grounded.
Posted by: Angela | November 09, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Very intelligent interview. Good job Anne
Posted by: AMY | November 09, 2008 at 03:49 PM
I do think it's important for an interviewer to remain objective while being reasonably pleasant and polite and trying to get good answers out of a subject. I shouldn't be gushing over Pattinson, in other words.
Truth is, the movie is fine. Kristen Stewart carries Twilight in many ways. As good as Pattinson is, the movie wouldn't work without her. I imagined some characters in the book differently, and I have a few criticisms which I will save for when I can do a proper review. We have to respect the embargo date. I will say that many of the men who saw the movie with me seemed a tad uncomfortable, though some at the press junket said they liked it, for what it is. This isn't Titanic.
But the comparison to Leo DiCaprio is quite valid, I think--the intensity of many fans' feelings for Pattinson as Edward is strong. DiCaprio went out of his way to avoid overly romantic roles that would appeal to adolescent girls after Titanic. I will be curious to see what Pattinson does now. But he has at least two more Twilight movies to do, which will keep fanning the flames, as it were.
Posted by: Anne Thompson | November 09, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Thanks for wonderful interview. This is the best Rob's interview so far. He's calm and relax.
I have strong believe in Rob's huge future. it's not because of Twilight, it's because of his talent.
I haven't watched How To Be or Little Ashes because they hasn't been shown in my country but i do believe he did great job when i watched trailers.
Rob doesn't like other perfect images Hollywood Stars. if he's seeking attention or fame, he won't be shy and beeing messy like this. He's just beeing himself. That's what i love him. He will not be the next Brando or Leonardo or someone else. he is himself ROBERT PATTINSON and he will win Osca one day.
Posted by: Tata | November 09, 2008 at 05:55 PM
haha. Oh geez, girls, stop drooling over him.
LMAO
Posted by: UGLY PUNK GURL! | November 09, 2008 at 05:56 PM
Thanks for the interview. It was truly awesome.
A gem.
I just wanted to let you know that the other main character in Little Ashes is FREDERICO Garcia Lorca and not Gabriel. ;)
Posted by: Myriam | November 09, 2008 at 07:21 PM
Thanks for the great interview. I'm really looking forward to this movie - and as a fan of the books, i'm really hoping that it doesn't suck. Your comment about it being a chick flick after all has me a bit nervous, but hoping for the best.
Posted by: Heidi | November 09, 2008 at 08:03 PM
By far this is pretty much as real as it can be kind of interview, he seems really laid back and just keeping it real. I do like his other movies, he is absolutely great in The Hunted Airman, How to be and I can't wait to see Little Ashes.
Besides movies I do like his music he has that "JIMBOB" vibe kind of a thing, its like rock/folk like Bob Dylan and his voice like Jim Morrison. (sorry I kinda made up the "JIMBOB" name.) I hope he keeps his music alive.
I think he is truly a gifted actor and a passionate musician.
Posted by: FOXXYREDF430 | November 09, 2008 at 10:23 PM
is chick flick a bad thing? I like the idea that women will open this film on the level that the studios think only men can.
Posted by: Anne Thompson | November 09, 2008 at 10:41 PM
This is one of the best interviews I've seen with Rob. Thank you for bringing originality, insight, intelligence and compassion back to the interviewing process Anne.
I was moved when Rob touched on the portion of New Moon that was just the months listed on three pages. When he talked about how deep that was it moved me because I can honestly say that part of the book was deeply intense for me and profound. For him to be so young and yet so open to emotion and expression, it really makes me want to see what more he can do. He gets it whether he thinks he does or not.
You helped to bring this out in him and for that I'm grateful. He is someone I will continue to watch and your column is one I will continue to read.
Posted by: Jane | November 09, 2008 at 11:14 PM
Sorry to do this, for all I know, it's complete rubbish, but the experts are all here. If there's some or a lot of truth to it, I think it's going to be a hot topic.
What it is, is someone wrote, "They basically paint a very cosy, rosy portrait of teen marriage and teenage pregnancy,.... First there's heroine Bella's willingness to marry her vampire lover Edward, even though it means becoming a vampire, leaving behind her family, and sacrificing any hope of a normal life. Then there's her pregnancy and although she's never wanted a child before, she immediately falls totally in love with the green-eyed baby boy she's sure she's carrying. She says at one point: 'I wanted him like I wanted air to breathe,' 'Not a choice � a necessity.'
"Gone for the most part is the sexy rapacity of Dracula; gone is the fine long tradition of gay vampires. These vampires mate for life, and they mate straight.
It's heroine's dominant personality trait is low self-esteem, and nobody really has to give up anything.
They're straight-up boring.
In much the same way that High School Musical garners it's appeal from it's straight-laced, ultra-clean morality, there's something of that to be found in Twilight , except sacrifice and a bad self-image are the exclusive preserve of the female characters and not only that, they're shown to be highly attractive traits; ones which will get you a man."
Posted by: T. Holly | November 09, 2008 at 11:19 PM
It suggest that as Pattinson cant escape Twilight in the way that Di Caprio could escape Titanic (as he has to do the franchise) that it might affect his career more. I hope not as he was fantastic in Little Ashes. I do hope that film gets wide enough circulation to remind the public that he is a formidable talent.
Posted by: A fan | November 10, 2008 at 12:29 AM
wow, nice interview ms. thompson as usual. The buzz seems to be getting bigger and bigger for this film. It seems Meyer is doing 0% publicity for it (unlike JK before the first potter).
I like Robby, but this series doesn't look that interesting to me (and usually i'll see the chick-flicks that most guys won't admit that they like)
Posted by: seanH | November 10, 2008 at 01:59 AM
Thanks for the interview. Rob seems so cool. I am so curious about what the reviews for this movie will be, but I think the critics will be all too eager to bash the film. The hype is too big.
Posted by: Lea | November 10, 2008 at 02:44 AM
I hope those male reviewers wont take out their dislike for this genre on Rob. I'd be fuming.Particularly as he's tried so hard to make it less sweet and sickly.If he ends up Summit's whipping boy I'll be very angry.
I'd love him to get his teeth into a bio pic like that one on Jeff Buckley that seems to be taking an age to come to fruition.
I love Rob's versatility. I dont think there's any time period or style that doesnt suit him. I even liked him wielding a sword in that Nubelungs drama he did as a kid.
Posted by: Erica | November 10, 2008 at 03:41 AM
I think he really needs to take on a drama that appeals to men and male reviewers!. This topic has been discussed on Rob's IMDB board at length and while fans dont necessarly mean an Arni sort of he man role, a role like James McAvory had in Wanted would seem a clever move to develop a male fanbase. I think thats critical for him.
Posted by: etsycut | November 10, 2008 at 03:45 AM
Personally I found Titanic to be an awful film. Its second of my list of most disliked films - only beaten by the god awful Moulin Rouge. So I'm glad Twilight is nothing like Titanic.
I actually think Rob Pattinson has more a young Depp vibe than Di Caprio.
Posted by: Andrea | November 10, 2008 at 03:52 AM
Anne do you mind me asking a question.
Do you think it would be better for Rob's career if he could walk away from the Twilight franchise after the first film.
Indeed would it actually be better for him if the film does ok but not well enough to greenlight the rest of the films.
I'm concerned the franchise will be a poisoned chalice for him.
Posted by: Carolyn | November 10, 2008 at 03:58 AM
Aw, he really is so charming and not at all arrogant.
I cringe at the thought of New Moon largely without Edward. I barely got through the middle of that book because it just seemed so tedious without him. Jacob grated on my nerves on and on. I really hope they can find a way to infuse not only Edward, but also the rest of the Cullens or the movie will drag.
As for Stephanie Meyer's boyfriend comment, I thought it was quite a compliment to Rob. I took it to mean that he is so charming, attractive to women, and sexy, that any girlfriend would be nervous and annoyed by all the women throwing themselves at him.
Posted by: Susan | November 10, 2008 at 05:58 AM
Well, that was a most interesting and enlightening interview, and just beautifully and professionally done.
Thank you, Anne, for also spending some time talking with Rob about his other upcoming projects. A lot of us are more excited about seeing Little Ashes or How To Be than we are Twilight (shhhh...don't tell anyone).
I hope Rob manages to pick his next projects well (Parts per Billion sounds facinating), continues to grow as an actor, and manages to remain his true self during all this hoopla.
Posted by: Tracy | November 10, 2008 at 06:04 AM
Excellent interview. So nice to see Rob relaxed and talking. He's got a good head on his shoulders. Loved it.
Posted by: Wendilynn | November 10, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Did you all blow right by my November 09 11:19 PM comment because it's bunk, or because you're all suffering from mass hysteria and are in deep denial about its context?
Posted by: T.Holly | November 10, 2008 at 12:50 PM
T. Holly:
I think it got ignored because you didn't ask a question, only posted quotes from others, so it came off as a possible attempt to start a fight. And I for one am tired of the Breaking Dawn fights. However, if you do have a question, I'm sure it could be answered.
Posted by: Michelle | November 10, 2008 at 04:30 PM
Rob Pattinson is contractually obligated to do two more. And he wants to do them. (The fourth is not on the table--Stephenie Meyer doesn't think technology is ready for that one yet.) He clearly has an arc figured out for Edward Cullen, and recognizes that landing this role has jump-started his career. This is a good thing. But he has to be canny about establishing himself outside the Twilight franchise by picking movies that show other sides of his talent besides the romantic "blob" that girls project onto.
Posted by: Anne Thompson | November 10, 2008 at 05:01 PM
These books are definitely blowback, no one denies it.
Posted by: T. Holly | November 10, 2008 at 05:34 PM
THIS IS THE BEST ROB INTERVIEW EVER!!! He is just himself and no one else. He doesnt pretend or try to be something he isnt, he just is Rob. God he is also so humble and witty. He is full of knowledge and even though he plays woth his hair a bit much, it doesnt matter b/c it is fun to watch ;)) But rob if you read this...i will be your friend :]] anyways thank you thank you for posting this!!
Posted by: Brittney | November 10, 2008 at 07:16 PM