TA TALKS BACK: CAN ROB ACT???
TA fan Jen writes in about Rob’s acting skills:
For many a Twilighter, the name Robert Pattinson meant little until the man who’s now become the obsession of every teen and 20-something (and, in some cases, their mothers) hit the screen as the ideal man – okay, if you forget he’s a blood-thirsty vampire. But no matter how popular he’s become with the tweens or how hotly he’s pursued by the paparazzi, the question remains – is Robert Pattinson’s appeal merely the infatuation of the female audience or can he actually act?Based on reviews for his recently-released “Little Ashes,” it depends on who you ask. While the London Daily Express calls his portray of the late Salvador Dali “a spirited performance,” others, like MTV’s Kurt Loder thought the film collapsed as soon as Pattison – dressed to look like a foppishly twisted version of Little Lord Fauntleroy – appeared on screen.
It’s certainly difficult to judge Pattinson’s acting talent based on his brief appearance as Cedric Diggory in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” and, I would argue, equally as difficult in “Twilight.” The film’s oftentimes silly dialogue would have made it difficult to identify Kristen Stewart’s acting chops had I not seen her strong performance in so many other films (“Into the Wild” and “The Cake Eaters” among them).
While Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” offered a compelling story with some of the most entertaining characters I’ve encountered in a long time, I still argue that the movie, particularly its dialogue, fell far short of expectation. Of course Meyer’s book had campy dialogue and Stewart is rumored to have lobbied for some script changes, arguing that 17-year-old girls didn’t talk the way screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg wrote the script.
The question of Pattinson’s acting talent raises a larger question about an actor’s ability to properly convey a character when faced with, in this case, a script wrought with iffy dialogue. Edward is a character torn between what he knows is right and what he wants. He can’t reconcile one with the other and “Twilight” viewers clearly see that in his long pauses and distant stares. What many critics say is merely brooding, I think is an actor’s attempt to make us feel an uncomfortable and his character.
But when that same actor is given material that’s downright cheesy (“You’re like a drug to me. Like my own personal brand of heroin.”) do we hold that against the actor or the screenwriter? Meyer’s original “drug” references in the meadow scene were far from the ridiculous dialogue that hit movie screens in November.
Juxtapose Pattinson’s brooding Edward to his earnest portrayal of Art in Oliver Irving’s “How to Be.” Filmed before the “Twilight” film craze, it’s an awkward, funny and realistic movie about a 20-something experiencing a quarter-life crisis. Unlike the cool, charismatic Edward, Art is confused, torn and – at times – ridiculous in his attempts to figure out his life’s direction. He blends easily with the film’s ensemble and really has viewers believing his struggle.
Once more, “How to Be” showcases Pattinson’s comedic timing. During an April screening of the film in Chicago, Irving reported that he allowed his actors to improvise several scenes, adding that some of the film’s funnier moments came when Pattinson added his own mannerisms and ad lib. It’s difficult to identify those moments, further evidence that the “sparkly one” actually understood the character he was portraying.
As for “Little Ashes,” I’ll be the first to admit I laughed the first time I saw Pattinson in the twirly Dali moustache, but his mannerisms, wide-eyed looks and lurching Dali-esque posture in the trailer have me wondering if the actor’s much more a chameleon than film critics are giving him credit for.
Talk Back to us….what do you think?
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OK, so, I haven’t seen the movie but I have done a wee bit of research on Dali because I thought the mustached photos of Rob were ridiculous. That is, until I discovered several photos of Dali that were far more ridiculous looking than Robs version. And it was quite interesting to read about Dali’s life in preparation for seeing the movie.
One photo of Dali shows him with a small daisy on each end of his mustache and the craziest look on his face. Very cool. Can’t wait to see this movie.
I agree with the authors description of Rob/Art in How to Be. Rob did an amazing job with ZERO evidence of Edward anywhere and that’s where the rubber meets the road. I believe we have a lot in store for us now and in the filming years to come with our boy.
I was completely unaware of Robert Pattinson prior to Twilight. I rented Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire the other night to see what kind of a comparison I could draw, but he didn’t get enough screen time to really tell anything. Like you, I’ve seen Kristen Stewart’s performances before, and simply based on those comparisons I’d have to say that it was the dialogue. There’s just no way to make clunky lines sound beautiful…although that doesn’t make the story any less awesome in and of itself. (Case in point: Star Wars)
I can’t wait to see How to Be, and I’m sure I’ll see Little Ashes at some point. I’m giving Rob the benefit of the doubt for now, he seems like a good guy.
Thank you Jen for posing this question. Most fans of this site are fans of Rob. Not that it’s a requirement, just that it’s an easy habit to fall into. You look at the endless photos, of which there are new offerings daily, if not several times a day. You know this man is a pleasure to the eye. It’s a hard habit to resist acquiring.
We know, though while in the throes of such adoration, clear thinking is difficult. Others before him have found themselves in this situation. Brad? Johnny? Leo? George? Yes, they are only the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds we could add to the list.
An acting career should be based on acting. Not how glorious a face reproduces on film. Just in the few of the names listed, that quality can be called into question.
In the interest of full disclosure, I am a complete Rob fan. When I first saw Twilight, that was not the case. I knew him of course as Cedric. Nothing more. My expectations of the movie didn’t just fall short, they fell off a cliff. I am delighted to hear Kristen Stewart lobbied for script changes, even if they didn’t happen. I also hold her in high esteem.
But, after having watched (OK, studied) the film many times, I realized how wonderful the performances by both principals were. Rob had so many moments that were simply endearing, enchanting, and so completely right for that situation. Yes, there were more than enough atrociously cheesy lines to sink even the most beloved of films. But he and Kristen won out. I will gladly argue this point with anyone. They had passionate, nuanced performances.
As for Rob in ‘How to Be’, I have many times shouted my love for this performance. To arouse the audience with both laughter and tears in such a way, how can anyone question that he is a true talent? The Dali portrayal, well the mustache was something to snicker over. It was the same when on Dali himself. However that was but a tiny aspect of the film. Movie critics are for the most part a pathetic bunch. I consider most on the level of a sewer rat, quite low on the ground actually.
So, yes, he can act. I am thrilled to read of the variety of characters he has recently committed to for future projects. For anyone to doubt he can bring to life all of these roles, is simply madness. If anyone wishes to duke it out over this subject…I’m ready.
Well I did not know Rob before Twilight and I did not think I would like Twilight because I am almost 40 and a bit old for the books but I love Vampires since I discovered Anne Rice in 1982 a friend gave me all 4 Twilight books and once I started I could not stop. The movie on the other hand…not that great. But as an avid reader I never expected it to be even remotely close to as good as the story was. I also never pictured Edward in my head like Robert Pattinson so frankly as Edward he dissapoints me.
As for his acting I love Salvadore Dali and have been a huge fan since before college I was so excited to see Little Ashes a friend and I went to the Salvadore Dali museum in St. Petersburg then found a showing of Little Ashes and Rob blew me away. He really can act he really can completely embody a character and lose himself. I look forward to many more non Twilight works from him because he is brilliant.
I recently saw “How to Be” Rob does an amazing job, he has a long, great career in front of him. He puts me in mind of the late great Heath Leger and Johnny Depp. He is a “character actor” and that is how he should be regarded as. Yes, he is a pretty face but that is just a bonus.
I honestly think that it is too soon to tell. We really only have a couple of movies to judge and Twilight was just disappointing all the way around. But personally, I think that Rob and Kristen both did the best they could with what was given to them. Rob has only been around for a while and based on the interviews that I have read and watched, he seems to have a good, mature head on his shoulders. He has definite potential, but it depends on what he does with it. I like the film choices he has made in the last month or so.
His brief outtakes from Vanity Fair also display some serious acting chops.
However, I must say that he didn’t do as much as he could have with Edward Cullen - and he’s noted this in interviews. He really could have gone all out on the fierceness but didn’t (e.g. when he almost runs Bella’s attacker’s over he does some weird doe-eyed thing instead of appearing truly menacing). This could also be poor direction. I agree with the author of this in general - with the bad material, script, and direction he did better than expected.
Anyway, I think he’ll only get better with age and in working with more skilled directors etc. Can’t wait to see it all develop!
I’ve only seen him in Twilight and Bad Mother’s Handbook. I think he actually did pretty great in Handbook. He was just a supporting role, but he played his character well and really pulled off his nerdiness.
i like twilight, but rob really cannot act. he is a good looking lad and he has loads of fans, or course they’re going to say he can act. but i just feel awkward watching him, sometimes cringing.
We should all just give the kid some time. He’s seems very passionate and dedicated to his craft and as he matures he may sharpen his skills. Let’s not forget the early workings of Depp (21 Jumpstreet and Nightmare on Elm St.)I have a feeling Rob’s career will blossom beautifully.If he’s doing this good now, imagine what we can look forward to.
Chris, Creamy and Jess ditto to your comments, I know Rob is an amazing actor, I have not seen the entire “How to be” but enough trailers of How to be , Little Ashes, the Haunted Airman, The Summer House, The Bad Mothers Handbook, that I was very impressed and can’t wait to see his movies and all the movies that he will do in the future. It is so easy for “some people” to pigeon hole actors into the roles they play at the time their real fame hits the world.. So Rob will be critiqued so much harder from now on by the “film critics” and wanna be film critics”.
He will choose his future movies carefully and will do lots of varies roles and will be fantastic. And when he receives an Oscar, which I am 100% sure that he will. I am going to be the first to say to his “critics” told you so…..
i think rob can act.
GRR… website timed out while i was trying to post before… I’ll keep it short.
I’m a little behind the curve this week… I haven’t been around in a couple days! (GASP!!)
Anyway, I agree with the above… yes, I think Rob can act. He’s got some great small roles under his belt now.
And I agree that it was the script-writing that screwed everything up. Think about it…. Melissa Rosenburg is typically a small-screen writer… She is THE writer for Dexter on the Showtime network (if you’ve never seen it, I suggest you look it up). Dexter is a dark thriller-drama with some comedic overtones… I think when she was writing for Twilight she was forgetting that she was writing a script for an established BOOK! She borked the dialog (which is what ruined the movie for me) and she added scenes that didn’t exist (the field trip to the greenhouse??? really?)… It’s good to know that the actors themselves were putting their foot down for script changes and whatnot. And to hear Nikki Reed say that they put their foot down even more with New Moon because she was trying to write in extra scenes…. STICK TO THE BOOK LADY!
Anyway, back to topic… Yes, Rob can act (Daniel Gale, anyone?)… He’s got amazing talent! It’s evident after reading Kurt Loder’s review of Little Ashes that he didn’t do his research on Dali prior to watching the film. Like Chris said in the first post, Dali was a force all his own… he dared to be awkward on purpose! He was part of the surrealist movement and his point - his whole function was to be different and draw attention at any cost… Even if that meant at his own expense. Think of him as the Eminem or Marilyn Manson of his time…. just from the art side of the house, not musical.
From what I can tell, they’ve toned that part of him down for the movie. (and yes, Chris, the pose of Dali with daisies in his moustache is classic… one of my favorite photos!)
And yes, let’s hope our Rob gets an award this year for his well-deserved efforts. He’s on a rising star, and I’m so excited to watch him shine!
Melissa Rosenberg is so not the best screenwriter! I mean it was evident after seeing Twilight. I was so disappointed with the dialog in the movie. I am even more surprised that Chris Weitz kept her as the main writer! Geeeez. After watching the New Moon trailer, it looks like the more dramatic effects will overshadow some of the cheesy dialog. The worst dialog was between the kids at school. I really felt bad for the girls and guys playing Mike, Eric, Jessica and. So the answer to the first paragraph is “no”, you can’t blame the actor for the dialog! How to Be was great! Great acting by Rob. I’m sorry, but I have to disagree about KS. She is not a very good actress and I have seen other movies to compare and all of them are not very good. Maybe she needs some acting lessons!