This year, Hollywood had its eyes set on one actor: Robert Pattinson. The British actor was set to appear in the blockbuster Batman v Superman, but failed to make the cut. While he may not have made it as an actor, his social media presence made headlines.
On January 12, 2019, Pattinson officially broke the internet with his flawless portrayal of Edmond Dickweed in On The Road, the final installment of the On The Road film trilogy. The trilogy follows the travels and adventures of a young salesman seeking to make a name for himself. The film received largely positive reviews and became a box office success, earning over $400 million worldwide.
The success of On The Road led to bigger and better things. The next day, Pattinson returned to Twitter, this time with a shocking announcement: He would be committing to film Twelve Oaks Park. This film will mark Pattinson’s debut as a director, and is a coming-of-age story following the escapades of a group of friends in their twenties. After the screening, Pattinson answered questions from the audience.
The next day, Twitter was abuzz with praise for the new face of Hollywood. Since then, Twitter has been packed with praise for the actor as he continues to stun the internet with his stunning looks.
Why Now?
Pattinson’s career has had its ups and downs, and 2019 has certainly been a struggle for the actor. In 2018, he appeared in two films that flopped at the box office, and his last film, Masters of the Universe, was panned by critics. Nevertheless, Pattinson kept working, and in January, he announced his collaboration with makeup artist Stéphane Marais on a new project: a film adaptation of the beloved Victorian novel Anna Karenina. Many saw this new project as a step up, and perhaps a return to form for the talented actor.
Robert Pattinson’s Amazing Makeup
The makeup for On The Road was a triumph for Marais and his team. Inspired by Tolstoy’s classic, they wanted to create a look that was both realistic and modern, and they succeeded.
The makeup artist told Vogue that he aimed for a “Victorian punk style” and cited his experience with Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club) as a key reference point. The result is breathtaking: a dark, leathery mask that not only perfectly mimics Pattinson’s face but also draws attention to his eyes, creating a striking visual impact.
While Leto’s portrayal of the HIV-positive Dallas Buyers Club was groundbreaking, it was Pattinson’s acting in On The Road and its subsequent box office success that made him an internet darling in 2019.
Matching Masks For All Ages
Not only does the makeup for On The Road look amazing, but it also serves a purpose. The actor wore the mask for almost the entire shoot, so Marais and his team had plenty of time to experiment with different styles and colors to find the right match. They settled on a brown color for the mask and used an orangey hue for the inner eye makeup to create a striking contrast. While it’s not uncommon for actors to wear masks for dramatic effect, this is the first time we’ve seen someone match masks for all ages and styles, based on their age and the scene they’re portraying.
A Face For All Ages
The success of On The Road marked a turning point in the career of one of 2019’s biggest breakout stars. The previous year had not been kind to the 33-year-old, and he had to face the fact that his career might be at a low ebb. It’s a shame, because Pattinson has so much more to offer. With the right role and good fortune, he can be a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.