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He’s one of the most beloved members of the Twilight clan, and for pretty much any other celebrity, a viral video of them performing would be the highlight of their career. Not so for Robert Pattinson. No, in his case, it’s a string of critically-acclaimed, record-breaking films that keep the spotlight firmly fixed on him.
And it’s not just his movies that have secured his place in the public eye. The way he talks about and portrays his on-screen characters – be it angst-ridden teen vampire Edward Cullen, or the hunky young adult protagonist of latest film, Good Time – has also made him a hit with movie fans, who have given him a nickname they think is endearing: “The Bard of Bromfield.”
There’s no denying that there’s something special about Robert Pattinson. His gift of gab has made him a popular choice with interviewers, who have been quick to highlight his charm and good humor. Now, with the release of his latest film, Good Time, we’re treated to another showcase of his magnetic personality. So, in the interest of inspiring other young actors, here’s a Q&A with the Scottish actor, who opens up about working with Jack Whitehall, and the challenges of portraying a real-life figure in a fictional story.
On Working With Jack Whitehall
I had the great fortune of working with one of the greatest comedic minds of our generation on this project. He came in and did a whole rewrite on most of the scenes in the first couple of days, and it was really incredible to see his inputting. It was a real team effort, and everyone pitched in to make it the best it could be. It’s such a credit to him that he could listen to and implement everyone’s input and ideas, and still come up with a completed draft in just a few days. That’s amazing!
The key to making this film work, and what really set it apart from other projects, was the amazing team that we were able to put together. For me, it was one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences of my entire life. From the very first phone call inviting me to read for the part, to getting the opportunity to work with such a fantastic group of people, to finally seeing the story unfold on the screen — it was just a magical experience.
On The Many Challenges Of Filming A Biopic
When you’re filming a biopic, there are a lot of challenges that come with it. You’re not only constrained by time and budget, but you have also got to make the most of the few scenes you have. Because it’s a relatively short film, we were only able to touch on these characters’ lives in brief moments. So, in many ways, it was like being a fly on the wall, or a peeping Thomas Edison, watching in awe as these brilliant men worked tirelessly to create something new and valuable. All the while, trying to stay under the wire, and not miss out on your day’s work.
Watch The Trailer For Good Time
Before we get into the meat of the interview, let’s take a quick look at the trailer for Good Time. As you’ll see, it really is a fun, light-hearted look at the adventure of a lifetime. The story follows Paul Beaton (played by Robert Pattinson), who embarks on a business trip to New York to finalize a deal for his firm. But, on the way, he happens to land in Harlem, and stumbles upon an amazing array of characters and colorful culture. From here, he becomes tangled up in a web of fate, and is forced to reconsider his life’s ambitions. It’s a journey that will challenge him in ways he never thought possible. And it’s one hell of a fun ride.
Is It Difficult To Incorporate Real Life Into Film?
It always is! No matter what kind of film you’re making, whether it’s a comedy, drama, or something in between, you always run into problems trying to make it real. One of the major issues with Good Time, is that there’s such a difference between reality and fiction. Sometimes, in real life, people behave erratically, and you don’t always get the opportunity to capture that on film. The best you can do is offer up a pretty good approximation of it. So, make sure you look at every single scene, and think of ways you can improve upon it. For instance, if you’re writing a script, and you want to include a particular moment from real life, you have a couple of options. You can always ask the person who actually experienced that moment to be a part of your team, and help you make it real. Or, you can stage it. It’s not always possible to capture a situation exactly as it happens in real life, so you have to be prepared to re-enact it. In most cases, this is a very difficult and time-consuming process. But, as frustrating and challenging as it can be, it’s ultimately worth it if you want your film to feel authentic and accurate.
How Is Paul’s Mother (Beret) Reacted To In The Film?
So, we’ve established that it’s difficult to incorporate real life into a film. But, that doesn’t mean you have to avoid all references to the present day, or historical events. You can always use it as the basis for a story, and, as long as you’re mindful of what you’re referencing, and don’t overexploit it, you’ll be golden. It’s a tool simply waiting to be used, and you don’t want to let it go to waste.
How Big A Role Do You Hope To Play In The Future?
Ha! I don’t know about future roles, but I do know that I’m always open to new experiences. As long as the work itself is interesting and challenging, and involves interesting and challenging people, then I’ll be more than happy to do it. So, at this point in my career, I’m just looking for the opportunity to keep working, and to keep learning. Especially now, with so many different projects on the horizon – both in front of and behind the camera – I want to continue refining my craft and expanding my knowledge, as much as possible.
Working with one of the greatest comedic minds of our generation on this project was such an honor. It’s an incredible feeling to be able to write, direct, and act in a film. Something that I’ve always wanted to do, and never thought would be possible. So, to be trusted with such a prestigious project, and to work with someone whose work I admire so much, was truly special.