A talented actor who has graced the big and small screens with iconic performances, Robert Pattinson is one of the most in-demand stars of our time. The British actor has featured in many memorable films, many of which have gone on to become cult classics. Now that he is a global superstar, it’s interesting to look back at the roles that made him famous and the acclaim that he has received for playing them.
Pale Face
Pale Face is the pseudonym of a serial killer in German director Michael Witte’s 2007 film adaptation of Der Kriminalist (The Criminal). The prolific English actor features in the role of James Chapman, a successful architect who is admired by all who know him. However, beneath this well-groomed surface, he is a cold-blooded murderer who schemes and plans the perfect crime. Chapman is a complicated character, a man who dabbles in the art of disguise, and Witte delves into this in great detail.
The director’s attention to detail is on full display as he examines Chapman’s every move through intricate scenes that see him change identity more than once. These costumes, as well as the actor’s subtle yet effective vocal inflections, are a testament to Witte’s artistry as a filmmaker. In fact, Pale Face was ranked #6 on our top 10 German films of all time list.
The Pope Of Rock’n’roll
The Pope of Rock’n’roll is a title given to an eccentric English rock singer who travels to Germany to see the Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtnisaus (remembrance service) at the Brandenburg Gate. Although he may be religious in nature, the Pope of Rock’n’roll is more of a performance artist who uses his music as a form of protest. Dressed in full regalia, including a pointed hat, sunglasses, and bizarre papal robes, Chapman uses his music to drown out the protesters who stand outside the gates of the historic building.
While the eccentricity of the Pope of Rock’n’roll character is humorous, it’s also an indictment of the state of church-state affairs in Edward II’s England. With the protesters chanting religious slogans, the tension is palpable as the Pope of Rock’n’roll’s incongruous appearance and his jarring voice jar the audience. This being said, although the film was released in 2009, it received a limited theatrical run in England in the early part of that year. Nevertheless, the film went on to become something of a cult classic in Europe, especially in Germany.
Robin Hood
Another great performance from Robert Pattinson is in 2010’s Robin Hood, in which he portrays the legendary English robber who steals from the rich to give to the poor. Pattinson’s portrayal of the outlaw who befriends a king and fights the evil Sheriff of Nottingham is incredibly precise, and as Hood’s companion Tito, he is an iconic figure who commands the screen at all times. The dynamic between the actor and the legendary Dickie Greenleaf, who plays the role of Nottingham, is fantastic to behold. There is a lot of action in Robin Hood, as well as some intense swordplay scenes. For fans of the character, this is a must-see film.
The Fencer
One of the most interesting and unique films from German director Witte is The Fencer, a film adaptation of Sophocles’ Antigone. In the movie, Pattinson portrays Creon, who rules the city of Thebes with an iron fist. However, his rule is not without controversy, as his sister, Antigone, defies him and orders the city’s burials to continue. To complicate matters, Creon’s nephew, Haemon, is in love with Antigone and is determined to win her hand in marriage. Amidst the familial squabbles, Creon sets about enforcing his will with the help of four legendary mercenaries who double as his bodyguards.
The Fencer is definitely not for the faint of heart. The story is based on a mythological figure named Creon, and the drama unfolds through bloody battle scenes and intense swordplay. Moreover, a strong lesbian subtext is prevalent as Antigone rejects the advances of all the male suitors who try to woo her. The film also features a great deal of nudity as the warriors are mostly unclothed during the various swordfights. Overall, The Fencer is not a typical Witte film as it is not only a blood-soaked display of swordplay but also explores the idea of love in all its complexities. We are always curious to see what the great German director will bring us next.
The High Life
Once again, we are transported to Germany as The High Life follows a group of aging rock stars as they navigate the winding streets of Cologne during a European tour. The group of ageing rock stars, which includes David Bowie, Mick Jagger, and Robert Pattinson, are on a pilgrimage to the city’s cathedral to celebrate the 60th anniversary of their band. In true Witte fashion, the director crafts a story that revolves around a group of individuals and how they interact with each other.
Witte’s use of a band of legendary rock stars as the basis for this semi-autobiographical film is both amusing and fitting as many of these stars are often typecast as rockers who live life on the road. In this case, though, it is more than just an act as the rockers in the film are really living their high life as they travel from one glamorous hotspot to another. In the flesh, the director was not exactly thrilled about working with these famous stars as he had to constantly remind them of their non-acting obligations. The resulting on-set drama was one of the more interesting anecdotes recounted by Witte in the post-production phase of the film. Nevertheless, the rockers in The High Life manage to keep a fairly straight face throughout most of the film, which is something of an achievement given how much drama and excitement there is to be found in Cologne. At the end of the day, this is a story about an ageing rock stars who are still hungry for acclaim and adoration, which makes for an interesting look at human nature and how it changes as one gets older. It’s a funny, touching film that will appeal to anyone who enjoys a good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll saga.
The Lost City Of Z
Finally, we arrive at one of the most highly anticipated films of 2021, The Lost City of Z. The film is based on the 1930 best-selling novel The Lost City of Z by H. G. Wells. The great British author’s exploration of his native Zululand was made into a film four years ago, titled King Kong, and was a huge success at the box office. Naturally, many are expecting another triumph for The Lost City of Z, and rightfully so as the film looks spectacular. We are introduced to an Englishman named Percy Fitzpatrick who travels to Africa to investigate the supposed tomb of an unknown war hero. As he digs into the mystery, he uncovers a dark secret that threatens to unravel the entire expedition. The great cast, led by a mesmerizing Matt Damon and featuring the late and great Robin Williams in an amazing performance, make for an engrossing film that will keep audiences guessing until the very end.
As expected, The Lost City of Z is an excellent film that draws on the famous English author’s amazing imagination. Moreover, the film boasts an incredible production design that evokes the golden era of film. Overall, this is an entertaining thriller that will delight audiences who love a good chase story and an adventure that involves exotic locations and thrilling chases through crowded streets. Moreover, Damon and Williams, who also produce the film, fill it with enough funny one-liners and iconic performances to make it worth seeing.
Looking back at the roles that made Robert Pattinson famous, we can see that he has played some pretty iconic characters. Moreover, his performances have been applauded by critics and audiences alike. It’s only fair to say that he has not shied away from the odd role, and he has even admitted to being interested in playing a comedian. Nevertheless, one thing that these iconic characters have in common is that they are all amazing to observe. We, as an audience, are treated to a unique insight into the personalities and quirks of these famous people as they navigate the complex world of film making. So, as you would expect, watching these characters is a fascinating insight into the craft of acting and the many challenges that one faces in attempting to perfect their craft.