In September 2017, the Sun published an interview with Twilight star Cate Blanchett, in which she stated, “I wouldn’t mind being in a Robert Pattinson movie. He’s so talented, and he’s such a maverick. The perfect match!”
It’s not the first time Blanchett has expressed admiration for the Scottish actor. Back in 2014, she told Vanity Fair, “I love the way he projects strength and vulnerability; there’s a real charm to Robert. He can be so charming and subtle, and he’s such a perfectionist. He’ll pour his heart out to you, and you’ll feel like you’re the only person in the world.”
Whether she realizes it or not, Blanchett’s comments about Robert Pattinson—her “perfect match”—resonate with me. Like Pattinson, Blanchett has starred in critically acclaimed films and gained a cult following for her unique brand of bold, dark, and beautiful cinema. Like Pattinson, she’s also a former fashion model with a taste for bold choices and an affinity for artsy films. So it makes sense that Blanchett would see a connection between herself and the English actor. What’s more is that she’s not alone in feeling this way. Many people believe that Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were meant to be together and that their off-screen charisma and on-screen chemistry were purely fated.
While it’s true that their on-screen personalities and their connection as performers make for a beautiful story, it’s not the whole truth. According to biographer Katie Roiphe, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were not actually a perfect match at first glance. In fact, they had a rocky relationship that was largely influenced by society’s expectations of their class and race. In reality, they were not meant to be together. Yet, it was this very disconnect that made their on-screen chemistry so special. Just like Taylor and Burton, Blanchett and Pattinson have their differences, but they also have something so amazing and unique to offer each other.
So, it’s no wonder that fans are already speculating about Blanchett and Pattinson’s potential screen pairing. What’s more is that their off-screen chemistry is just as electric as their acting skills. In a 2011 interview with Vanity Fair, Blanchett admitted that she keeps her personal life very private, but she’s also a fervent advocate for mental health, so she might not mind talking about how she prepares for a role. “I read a lot,” she said. “And sometimes I listen to music, or I’ll watch comedies, or I’ll listen to talk shows. It depends on what I need for the character. Sometimes I need to focus, so I’ll read Greek tragedy, or watch horror films to get in the right headspace.”
These are all things that Blanchett would need to do if she were playing the role of Pattinson’s romantic interest. It’s clear that she’s a devoted fan of the actor and has a lot of respect for his work. So, it’s quite possible that she would put in the hard work to make him believe that she’s the one he’s supposed to be with. For his part, if Burton were to return from the grave and seek vengeance, it would certainly be a shock and a disappointment to Richard, but it would also bring him some much-needed closure. It wouldn’t be the first time that tragedy has given way to catharsis for one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Blanchett and Pattinson’s relationship status is currently unknown, but based on the chemistry that they share on camera and off, it’s easy to imagine that they’re just friends. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising if they decide to take their friendship to the next level and start a romantic relationship. After all, they’re both mature adults who have managed to stay true to themselves through thick and thin. In a culture that often pressures people to be happy with the “perfect” partner, Blanchett and Pattinson are role models for maintaining healthy, loving relationships no matter what. They might not always get the credit that they deserve, but they’re forging a new path for single people who want to remain independent while also enjoying life. Who knows? Maybe in a few years, we’ll be looking back on this interview and realizing just how influential these two truly were. At the very least, we can be sure that their work will continue to speak to audiences around the world. And that’s something to celebrate.