DATELINE HOLLYWOOD
ROBERT PATTINSON
I can put my hand on my heart with almost every project since the Twilight years and say I have been reaching out, trying new things, exploring new genres
Those who thought Robert Pattinson’s taste for dramatic fantasy drama was slowly ebbing away in the years following The Twilight Saga will need to think again –because he’s back as Batman! Pattinson’s passion for reinvention goes far beyond imagining a character in a script for a film. The versatility he perhaps once thought he’d never achieve is presented to him these days across the widest range of characters, richly diverse genres, and various directors and producers.
After fearing that he was being imprisoned in the typecast nature of his Twilight character Edward Cullen, the 34-year-old has shaken off that vampiric shadow over 20 movie roles. He’s excelled in everything from The Lost City of Z, Good Time, The Rover and The Lighthouse.
So it seems slightly strange that an actor who has fought so hard to break free from the shackles of an iconic character finds himself walking back into one of the industry’s most recognisable and lucrative franchises.
“The thing is that people don’t turn down Batman. It’s a character young boys dream of being; and those giddy and excited feelings tend not to dissipate even as an adult when someone asks if you’re interested in portraying this renowned character in action hero folklore,” he says.
Indeed, in embracing the latest incarnation of DC Comics’ ultimate action hero, Robert has stretched his physical and creative talent to new lengths; and that’s in essence the totality of what the London born actor looks to achieve from his work.
“As long as I feel I am going forward in everything I do, I’m happy. I can put my hand on my heart with almost every project since the Twilight years and say I have been reaching out, trying new things, exploring new genres,” he states.
Pattinson adds: “For those that seem similar to others that have gone before it, sometimes it’s simply the lure of working with a new director and producer – and that in itself can take me to a new place.”
“So yes, while I accept the fact that Batman is a well trodden path, it’s a totally new one for me and that feels good,” he affirms.
Certainly, it is a well trodden path. The legacy of those who have played Batman goes back to the early days of moviemaking. People were waiting for the conclusion of World War II
when actor Lewis Wilson first stepped up to play the caped hero in 1943.
With a physique that saw critics perhaps unfairly deride him as “thick about the middle,” actors who assumed the role thereafter were toned in a way that was more fitting for a character adept at taking down a range of enemies without the use of any superhero powers.
From Robert Lowery and Adam West who played Batman for two decades through, to Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale and Ben Affleck in the modern era, style and stamina have often gone before age. And that stands Pattinson in good stead.
And yet, the modern incarnation of Batman implies much more than a suit and script – it’s a full body revision for anyone brave enough to take on the character.
“The level of physicality has been really interesting,” he says, explaining that “obviously I’ve bulked up for roles in the past but never to this extent and it’s enabled me to learn a lot about my own physicality, as well as explore that of the character.”
Pattinson adds: “At first, you wonder if you’re pushing yourself too much. You look at the true warriors of the superhero genre – Hemsworth, The Rock and Robert Downey, Jr. – and wonder if you’re putting yourself in the wrong place.”
Yet, the ethos of doubt is in the genetic makeup of any actor. He agrees: “That’s true. You’re always wondering what’s around the corner and whether you can live up to your best role, your last role, your future potential…”
Batman, which was released through Warner Bros., finds itself ensconced in all the same delays as so many other movies slated for 2020. Quite simply, distributors can’t risk showcasing their films to empty cinemas and as the pandemic continues to keep people away from public spaces, release dates slip further away.
“It has been frustrating across the board for the industry. Obviously nothing feels the same or normal and creatively everything has been put on hold. I’m hopeful that Batman will restart what many may come to regard as a golden era of film, given that there will be so many movies out at the same time, all vying for attention,” Pattinson says.
He sums up: “It’s exciting if you can have the courage to look at it that way, albeit that we are still some way from knowing when life will be able to get back to normal.”
While I accept the fact that Batman is a well trodden path, it’s a totally new one for me and that feels good