We’ve all seen the headlines. Just last week, the “honey badger” himself, Robert Pattinson, made headlines for seemingly contradicting comments about the state of Hollywood in today’s world. The English actor said, in an interview with Vogue, that he thinks “it’s an interesting time to be a part of films,” but also that he thinks “the days of the superhero are gone.”
What is the world of cinema to make of such comments from the heart of Hollywood? For one, it’s interesting to see a celebrity speak out in such a way and to see the media eat it up. People love a good controversy, even if it’s something as small as a double-take in an interview.
But also, what is the world of cinema to make of such contrasting comments? Does this not prove that we need more nuanced views on today’s big issues in Hollywood? Maybe not. Maybe it shows us just how divided we are as a society when it comes to film, especially superhero films. Regardless, let’s look back on some of Robert Pattinson’s finest moments on screen.
Dazed and Confused (1990)
For those who haven’t heard of it, Dazed and Confused is a classic coming-of-age film about a group of teens who discover what it means to be free in the world after being trapped in a suburban bubble for far too long. One of the best depictions of what it means to grow up in the 1980s, it’s full of iconic scenes and quotable lines. I’m not going to lie—this is one of the movies that changed my life. I grew up in the suburbs, went to a private high school, and had never really left home. Dazed and Confused showed me that there was more to life than what I’d seen up until that point, and it gave me a sense of freedom and independence that I’d never felt before. It was an important film for a lot of people, and it still holds up as one of the best cinematic portrayals of the 1980s.
Good (1988)
Another iconic comic book movie, Good is the first installment in the popular Fantastic Four franchise and also happens to be one of the best superhero movies ever made. The film follows Dr. Robert Good (Michael Douglas), a brilliant surgeon who unites a group of surgeons and scientists to form a temporary team of superheroes to save the day. While not perfect (the script is very uneven, and the pacing is often clunky), for such a young audience, it’s an amazing feat of pure filmmaking. If you’ve never heard of it, it’s probably time for you to rectify that situation as soon as possible. It’s one of the best superhero movies of all time, and it still holds up today as one of the greatest films of all time. If anyone knows a thing or two about surgical procedures and what it means to save lives, it’s Dr. Good. He’ll tell you himself that the ‘good’ in his name is not a typo. The movie is filled with memorable scenes, some of the best special effects of any superhero movie, and some incredible performances from the likes of Michael Douglas, Roy Scheider, and Kathleen Turner. It’s still one of the best superhero movies of all time, and it’s filled with quotable lines that have since become cultural references. It’s just as relevant today as it was when it was first released in 1988, which is pretty incredible for a film from that year. If you’ve never seen it, it’s high time you did (and if you’ve already seen it, it’s never been more relevant).
Mad Max (2015)
If you’ve somehow managed to avoid reading any of my other articles on this site, you might be wondering what on earth I’m talking about when I refer to Mad Max. I’m talking about the latest installment in the Mad Max series, which was actually the fourth film in the franchise. Like the other films in the series, Mad Max is a post-apocalyptic thriller set in a dystopian future where fuel pumps no longer dispense fuel, and society has broken down. While the original Mad Max depicted an apocalyptic world in which society had broken down, this installment focuses more on the characters and what makes them tick. That said, the movie still explores the effects of climate change and how it’s led to the end of the world as we know it. Ultimately, it’s an action-packed, fun, and exciting film that works as both a standalone movie and also as a follow-up to the previous three films in the series. If you’ve never heard of it, it’s high time you did. It’s one of the best action films of the year and one of the best sci-fi films of all time.
Pitch Black (1998)
Still don’t know what’s so great about Mad Max? Let’s talk about Pitch Black. This is another great film about a group of friends who stumble upon a derelict gas station that has become a home for thousands of bats. Believing that the station could be used for commercial purposes, they attempt to reopen it as a fun and educational tourist attraction. If you thought Mad Max was an odd choice for a film on this list, consider Pitch Black. It’s a completely different kind of film. While not as well-known as some of the other titles on this list, Pitch Black is a much more comedic take on the superhero genre. It’s been referred to as one of the best superhero comedies and is definitely worth your time. With a fantastic performance from Benicio del Toro, this movie is a blast from start to finish. The film also stars Anthony Daniels, Paul Walker, and a very young Donald Sutherland. If you’ve never seen it, it’s high time you did. It’s one of the best superhero movies of all time and definitely worth your time. The characters are very well-developed, and even though it’s a comedy, it still has its heart in the right place.
Sensei (2012)
Did you enjoy the preceding selections? Do you have a favorite Robert Pattinson film that I didn’t include on this list? Let us know in the comments below!