Robert Pattinson is one half of the megastar duet with the other half of the megastar duet, Kristen Stewart. Together, they are the ultimate pinup duo, fronting a wave of female fans who swoon over their celebrity. But their perfect match doesn’t come without its challenges and heartbreak. In a new interview with Bustle, the actor opens up about their blossoming romance, as well as the media circus that surrounds it.
On Life As A Celebrity
Bustle recently had the opportunity to speak with Robert Pattinson about his new film, Skyscraper (out now in theaters) and his relationship with Kristen Stewart. In addition to starring in the film, which follows a theoretical future where robots have taken over the world, Robert also co-wrote the screenplay with Dean Parisot. The two worked together on 2016’s The Rover and also went through a trial separation around the same time as Stewart’s scandalous duet with her Twilight co-star, Robert Pattinson.
While filming the thriller, Edge of Winter, in the Scottish Highlands, the 47-year-old actor had plenty of time to reflect on his life in the limelight.
“I think the worst thing that ever happened was the whole Twilight thing,” he said. “I think that’s the most humiliating thing anyone has ever had to endure. I feel sorry for those poor girls; they must be devastated.”
But the media circus that surrounded the Twilight films wasn’t just limited to Kristen Stewart. The whole saga was a major media event, drawing in movie fans and non-fans alike.
Picking up where Twilight left off, Robert’s life as a celebrity became a reality TV show, with the MTV Original Movie starring the British actor airing in 2018. The network also adapted Edward the Great, the finale of which is currently available to stream on MTV Now. In addition to MTV, Robert has also appeared on shows such as The Young and the Restless, Switched at Birth, Mistresses, and Scandal.
On The Challenges Of Working With Kristen
While Robert is certainly grateful for all the opportunities that come with his stardom, he also has some serious reservations about working with Kristen Stewart. The pair first worked together on the 2011 film, My Week with Marilyn, and have since appeared in three more projects together. The most recent being Last Holiday, a 2019 release that was supposed to be a simple love story about a free-spirited young woman and her older, wiser self. Instead, it was hamstrung by mediocre reviews and mediocre box office returns. Which is pretty sad, because it stars one of the most beloved and talented actresses of our time: Marilyn Monroe.
Can You Give Me Some Advice As A Young Actor?
While Robert may have appeared in his fair share of films, he still considers himself a work in progress. A onetime musical theater major who dropped out of school after earning a BFA in Theatre Arts, Robert’s biggest challenge as an actor is simply staying ahead of his instincts. Which is why he turns to acting coach and life partner, Tim Reed for advice. The British director, who has worked with the likes of Michael Caine and Helena Bonham Carter, offers insight into what makes for a great performance.
“[My job is] simply to listen and then act out what I hear,” he said. “So if I feel like something and see it in the script, I’ve got to give it my all. So, if I’ve got a choice between doing something that makes me happy and helps the character, or something that feels right but doesn’t necessarily help the character, I’ll go for the latter. Because it’s my job to make sure that the character shows up on screen and that the audience still believes in them.”
According to Reed, there are three elements to a great performance: believability, emotion, and connection. While most directors prefer to work with experienced actors who they know will deliver what they’re looking for, Robert prefers to explore unknown areas with emerging talent. To that end, Reed recommends finding a role that explores a side of the character that the actor hasn’t yet revealed.
“You know, as long as they’re doing something that makes them happy and that they find interesting, it doesn’t really matter what I ask them to do,” he said. “Because, at the end of the day, it’s all about what makes them happy and what lights their fire.”
What do you think? Is Robert Pattinson the perfect gentleman or is he a rebel buried deep inside? Let us know what you think in the comments below!