Robert Pattinson: Interview With A Vampire


From the Sydney Morning Herald:

Ask Robert Pattinson how he's handling the global hysteria that now surrounds him and he says: "All right, I hope." Then he runs his hand through that tousled mop of his (a sign that he's anxious) and adds: "It's still sort of new."

It's almost 12 months since the first Twilight film was unleashed on the world. Twelve months since we clapped eyes on the sensitive, tortured and fiercely handsome vampire named Edward Cullen from Stephenie Meyer's massively popular novels. Twelve months since Pattinson, the 23-year-old British actor who plays the red-blooded teenage vamp, became an international heart-throb.

One minute he has a bit part in two Harry Potter films (he played Cedric Diggory in The Goblet of Fire and The Order of the Phoenix). The next he's the object of every teenage girl's affections. They're screaming right now outside his hotel room. He's in France to promote The Twilight Saga: New Moon , the follow-up to Twilight (there are four novels in all). Whenever he goes near the window to smoke, a crescendo of noise erupts from the street below.

"To be honest, I still don't really understand what's going on," he says. "Like yesterday, I was having lunch down the road. We were in this place for a couple of hours and suddenly there was like 400 people outside on the street. It was just so nuts and it's like that all the time now."

If Pattinson hasn't come to grips with the global hysteria by now, how will he cope when New Moon is released next month?

"When the second one comes out, then I'll see how I am. Mostly I can ignore things to quite a big extent and kind of pretend they're not really happening," he says, sounding eerily calm.

"I just don't take any of it seriously. It's just a job and while it's a job I love, girls scream out for Edward, not Robert. I still can't get a date."



Pattinson has been peddling this line for months. He won't fess up to dating Twilight co-star Kristen Stewart, who plays Bella. Perhaps he's under studio instructions to appear single? It probably boosts ticket sales.

The real reason Pattinson is so calm is simple: "I'm not the lead in the second film. Taylor [Lautner] is." He grins idiotically. "I appear in Bella's dreams. So I'm in it but the focus is not on me. I just have significant moments at the beginning ... and the end. So I'm more of a supporting role in this one, which is why I felt so free. I didn't have to deal with any of the bullshit of the first one. I don't have to hold the movie or worry about the fans. I think I did it better without all those pressures."

Pattinson is extraordinarily beautiful. He's been called the Johnny Depp of his generation and been crowned Sexiest Man on the Planet by Glamour magazine, Top Hunk by Entertainment Tonight and Hottest Actor by Rolling Stone.

Like Depp, he has the same asymmetrical beauty, the same gorgeous man-boy face. He's 185 centimetres tall, lean and he, too, exudes a masculine femininity. Depp also started out as a teenage idol before he began furiously deconstructing that image. Ditto for Pattinson.

"After Harry Potter I could have done a lot more teen movies," he says.

Instead he starred as a young Salvador Dali who has a bromance with poet Federico Garcia Lorca in this year's Little Ashes.

"I had to do all these hardcore gay sex scenes, when I haven't even had a sex scene with a girl in a film yet," he laughs.

"I'm lining up so many different films so it'll be harder to just label me the vampire guy."

Those include Remember Me, with Aussie beauty Emilie de Ravin from Lost, and Unbound Captives, a western set in 1859, which stars Hugh Jackman – but more on that later.

Before Twilight, Pattinson was on the verge of quitting the acting game in favour of music. "With acting, a lot of the time you're doing scenes you don't really relate to and you don't really know why you're being cast half the time," he laughs. He "understood" music. He's been playing the piano since he was five. He composes and sings. It's second nature. Acting isn't. He still feels "awkward in front of a camera".

Pattinson has a lovely voice and performed two songs in Twilight – something he now regrets. "When the first film came out I felt like a complete tosser," he says. "It looked like I was trying to be cool or something, like Eminem. You know, be in a movie and then do a song for the soundtrack. But I didn't look cool, I just looked ridiculous."

Pattinson's lack of self-confidence is staggering yet endearing. Compliment his singing and he'll change the subject. Compliment his performance and he'll tell you you're bonkers. But he'll stick to acting for now only because he'd "starve to death" as a musician.

Pattinson has two older sisters – Lizzy, a musician, who's in the band Aurora; and Victoria, who's in advertising. His father imported classic cars and his mother worked for a modelling agency. It was his father who encouraged him to pursue acting (to meet girls). So he modelled, did some amateur theatre and British television.

But now he has to go. A plane is waiting. He yawns and looks tired. So how does he unwind?

"I don't really need to do stuff to relax or get away because all my interests are part of my job," he says. "Like I'll watch movies to be inspired to do other movies. I read books to be inspired. I listen to music to be inspired to write music. Everything I do is to create something."

Pattinson's next film is Unbound Captives. He met Jackman in Japan recently for a little bonding ahead of the film. "We went karaoke singing," he laughs. "We were singing Abba songs, it was pretty funny. It was sort of an Abba song sing-off, you know, last man standing."

Who won? "I think he did, only because he can drink more than me and still sing in tune. He's a cool guy and I'm really looking forward to that film."

So are we. The Sexiest Man Alive meets the Sexiest Man on the Planet – now that should be interesting.

NOTES

Pattinson chain-smokes during the interview. About halfway through, he runs out of cigarettes. He decides to pop out into the hallway to see whether he can "bum" one from a passing hotel guest. When the French hotel staff, who are normally cool, calm and collected, lay eyes on him, they turn into an adoring mass of autograph-seeking fans. Pattinson has to make a quick dash back to the safety of the room. He's clearly unnerved by the run-in.

source


64 comments:

rpattzgirl survived Rob! said...

Thank God...This is a really good interview...some of his answers are the same that his given in the past, but can't blame him when the questions are the same.

He still thinks we all scream for Edward, and not him...WRONG BABY! The tweens probably do, but not the women.

Still can't get a date Rob? I'll twitter Peter with my ph#.

RPLover said...

awesome interview, thanks for posting Danni! He is extraordinarily beautiful, indeed!

Rob, you did NOT look ridiculous, it was the tracks on the cd that really sucked me in! He's got the sexiest voice ever, and I totally love his style of music. I really hope there's going to be some Rob tracks on the Eclipse soundtrack. It's so cute that he's so frickin' humble, and baffles me at the same time!!

rpattzgirl survived Rob! said...

BTW Dani, thank you for saving me from the madness on the other thread...

I hope we get to actual see some interviews with Rob as we get closer...I am missing his accent and voice big time. I would love to see an intelligent person sit down and ask him some good intelligent questions, none relating to his love life.

Anonymous said...

Couldn't agree more rpattzgirl! We love Rob not Edward!

rpattzgirl survived Rob! said...

RPL,
I so agree. He thinks it's embarrassing when actors try to sing, or singers try to act, he doesn't want to be one of "those" people...

But he's not-he's got the talent in both areas and could do either or, or both and never look or sound anything but AMAZING.

dabby said...

i love the interview too..i'm excited to see him with hugh jackman and i love the title "the sexiest man alive meets the sexiest man on the planet".hope it has a great story:)love you rob!robsten!

Karina said...

great interview, I loved it! I think it's totally understandable that he doesn't want to be grouped in with douches like Jared Leto who are actors trying to be musicians.l It's a bad cliche, but he is a real musician piano wise and he's got a great voice. Talented little bugger, that Robert.

rpattzgirl survived Rob! said...

I understand, he's so fearful of looking like an "idiot" as he has said...

He's just so humble and doesn't really see how good he really is.

Another reason why we adore (worship) this man so much.

I love that he asked a hotel guest for a ciggie and then got all freaked out!

Tess said...

This part stood out for me:

"I don't really need to do stuff to relax or get away because all my interests are part of my job," he says. "Like I'll watch movies to be inspired to do other movies. I read books to be inspired. I listen to music to be inspired to write music. Everything I do is to create something."

It's obvious he's so driven.. but don't forget to breathe Rob.

Something else I that occurred to me. He's experiencing something amazing right now (the phenomena surrounding Twilight), that he probably won't experience twice in his life, but he's really not living/experiencing life in the same way the rest of us are.. it's more one dimensional. sorry if that's 'out there'

rpattzgirl survived Rob! said...

Tess,

No you are right "in there" I love that he's inspire by what he does, and does what inspires him.

I hope all of this madness doesn't make him lose the inspiration or the magic.

Angie said...

I completely get that Tess.

I wish that he had more freedom. I would love to see what he would do for himself if he had that freedom.

Does that make since?

kespax said...

So there must be a pile of interviews that were done at Cannes, and they allowed bits and pieces to leak for months, now with NM coming out we will get the whole deal, yeah!

This writer is good, nice observations, noted his nervous hair thing etc. The ciggie thing is hilarious. The lack of confidence/exceptional beauty, nice points.

They are really starting to promote NM here this week, lots of stuff on morning TV, conventions here this week with Volturi & Wolf boys.

womadsart said...

I scream for you Rob! Not Edward! I'll go out on a date with you...

Anonymous said...

I so much love to read things about Rob, but this interview sounds kindof old...
Anyway, always the adorable humble Rob... And the pic is beautiful! :)

Thanks for posting!

rpattz-turn-me-on said...

Great interview ,i love the thought process in some of his answers.his interviews prove he is a very intelligent young man wise beyond his 23 years.

Love Rob :-)

rpattz-turn-me-on said...

oh it is an old interview but all Rob interviews are great old or new.

rpgirl27 said...

jeez...the guy can't even bum a smoke w/o a hassle!

kchambers77 said...

*runs around screaming beating pots in pans like peewee's playhouse"

sorry "interview with a vampire" is the magic word. forever.

great interview all the same :)

RPLover said...

@ RPG- "I would love to see an intelligent person sit down and ask him some good intelligent questions, none relating to his love life."

AMEN!! wouldn't that be excellent? *crosses fingers and toes for good measure* :)

Tess said...

ADM - It makes perfect sense - that's the point I was trying to make.

Angie said...

Oh good, I wasn't just babbling!!

He is such an amazing person. I just want him to get the oppurtunity to do what he wants. It seems in interviews, that acting is not a true passion.

Anonymous said...

@ ADM ~
I think you are right. Acting does not sound like a passion to him. Music does, and we all know that. But he, more than one time, said that living as a musician (like his sis does) is not easy...

Anonymous said...

I live among artists and have many musician friends. They have a tough life...

Kelly said...

Are we sane on this thread??

Anonymous said...

Kelly: so it sounds...

Athena said...

"girls scream out for Edward, not Robert."

He is SO mistaken about that! Edward is not even my favourite character that he's played, go figure!

Kelly said...

OK PHEWWWW

I was scared over there..

I even offered to play a round of Spin the Rob to keep the peace... and to keep things nice I offered tomstu a chance in the middle of the circle to take a spin:)

JandR said...

Hey with what Rob has the capacity to earn now - his opportunities are endless. If he wants to opt out of the madness of the acting world for a while and just follow his musical dream he can do that!! But it really sounds like he is driven to keep creating and I believe he will need a mix of all his interests to keep him intellectually and creatively challenged and in the end we all get to enjoy just what this amazingly talented individual produces.

I am up for it Rob! Whatever is in you that you want to share with the rest of us - I am ready, willing and able to take it on!
;-)) Try me!!

JandR said...

Hi Kelly, Athena and RPattzgirl!! It is so good to have the chance to get back on here and see what's been going on, I miss you all when the real world steals me away!! :-)

Angie said...

crazy vamp,

Oh I know exactly what you are talking about.

My brother, has worked very long and hard to make money as a musician. It can be very thankless. So much time and effort is put in. So very little money is recieved.

Kelly said...

Hey JandR.. how have you been??

Anonymous said...

ADM ~ it is not easy for an artist to give up of the dream...
I am a photographer, but I make a living as a teacher in a school. Reality struck me.
But it is Ok :)

Marna said...

While I am sooo glad we're finally getting new interviews, it sounds like they were all done during Cannes which means they're all going to be the same thing. The interviewers seem to be asking the same exact questions, & since they they asked them during the same time frame. I don't think we're going to hear anything new.

rpattzgirl survived Rob! said...

@Kelly,
I think (hope) the crazies have gone to bed...that was brutal.,.and some ass said something really ugly about Goz...I'm trying not to back & respond.

Hi Jandr! Missed you!

JandR said...

Hi Kelly - I have been outta the loop at a conference for work for a few days - just took time out to catch up on the previous posting and couldn't believe the carry on there!! Hey it happens every time there is R & K are they aren't they shit going on - but this time the attacks on Goz!! Unbelievable. What the hell are they on here for then - they just need to fuck off to somewhere where they are wanted which is certainly NOT HERE!!!

Anyway now that is said - how are you sweetie? I love catching the Robkats on here, it is pretty intense sometimes but I know my other mates and I get going and are a bit OTT at times too - all in good fun and all here for the adoration of the beautiful and blessed Rob - so all good!

How 'bout you?? :-))))

Kelly said...

I'v ebeen ok.. just catching up to.. although I'm getting ready to turn in.. was up late last night and up early this morning...

Hope I will catch up wiht you soon!!

I haven't even done a blog post tonight... I'm a bad blogger!!

AP said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
JandR said...

Yes Kelly - catchya tomorrow!

Kelly said...

By the way JandR.. I have second cousins who live in your neck of the woods... I'll have ot find out exactly where... are you on twitter?

Nora said...

Good interview. Though, I'm a little irritated that most of the stuff that's starting to come out is 5 months old now. Sigh...

I'm hoping he'll do some on-camera interviews soon. I'm curious about how he'll act compared to last year when it as all so new and exciting. I'm hoping he won't be TOO guarded... I really love that he says whatever pops into his head.

JandR said...

Hey Kelly - laughing at ya now - yes i follow you and you me - I'll send you a direct message.
Whereabouts are your cousins??

JandR said...

Nora - i think it will all be much more controlled now - but hey a leopard doesn't change it's spots easily - the true Rob will out I'm sure!! We can only hope. :-)
Fingers-crossed for adorkable Robness in interviews - that's the reason why half of us here fell in love with him - nothing to do with his acting really - that was just the vessel that brought him to our attention! LOL

Kelly said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Rob is a triple AAA
Amazing Actor
Astonishing musician
Absoutley gorgeous and humble young man

Mechevpao said...

He gives some good interviews!! for some of the questioning he repeats himself but he may have done so many interviews in Cannes that he may have mantained some sort of same speach.

Emily said...

I loved that part of the article too, Tess. "Everything I do is to create something." Amazing. When I was 23, I can't think of one guy I knew that would ever say something like that.

My second favorite part - "We were singing Abba songs, it was pretty funny. It was sort of an Abba song sing-off, you know, last man standing." "(Hugh) won...only because he can drink more than me and still sing in tune." I would have paid serious money to see that.

Nora said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nora said...

@JandR... I talked about this over on RAoR a little while ago. That, yeah, the novelty is diminishing and he seems to be getting more used to it all. Not to mention the guardedness about the 'relationship' questions.

But, the Rob we all know and love is still there... I don't think he can hide it completely. Think of ComicCon. Yeah, he was wiped out for that, but we still got the p*ssy comment and "Just the way I like it." Rob's still Rob. But, we may have to look a bit harder to find him than we used to, if that makes sense.

jmm4832 said...

I too want to see a new Rob interview. I love his sense of humor. Hell, I love everything I've seen of him. I want to see him talk aout Unbound Captives, Bel Ami, etc.

Jeswah said...

If his life is madness now, it's going to go utterly bonkers when New Moon comes out. I just hopes he's handling it, if it was me, I think I'd lose it!

I really enjoyed this interview, it's good to hear something from him that isn't re-mashed from several other interviews. I think working with Hugh Jackman will be good for him too, good role model from an older male celebrity etc

And yeah who is this Edward guy he keeps talking about anyway, we love Rob :)

Pet73 said...

When I remember correctly, it wasn't clear that Rob and Hugh will be together in the same movie when they met in Japan back in January, both of them were promoting their movies there (and spending one night together on this "karaoke session").

Hugh only signed later for UC (it was in spring, I can't recall exactly when it was - must have been April or maybe beginning of May).

BTW, I love how Hugh approached Rob at the Teen Choice Awards. Hugh is such a wonderful guy :p!

Pet73 said...

Now I found it: Variety posted an article on 13th May 2009 in which M. Stowe stated that Hugh confirmed "a couple of weeks ago".

Pet73 said...

And according to the same article, Rob already signed on for UC in autumn 2008.

Pet73 said...

In case anyone wants to read it: www.variety.com/article/VR1118003529.html?categoryid=13&cs=1&nid=2564

Maryann said...

Just when you thought you couldn't adore this guy any more, this interview comes along. I guess some girls scream for Edward but Edward never sold me on you, YOU did. Edward is handsome and all that but he's not real, YOU are. Can't get a date you say, maybe stop looking for tweens and look for the women then hehe *winks*.

Feeling ridiculous for showing your talent on the Twilight soundtrack. OK someone knock some sense into this guy's mind! It was not ridiculous whatsoever! I do adore his humble ways but there is no problem in acknowleging you got talent, Rob wouldn't be where he is now just by looking good.

Good looks only takes you so far and the attention only last this long... he may not be the lead in New Moon due to the story but he is stil the lead guy in the SAGA and it says a lot that the media still directs it's attention to Rob more than Taylor inspite of Summit trying to pimp Taylor. Nothing against Taylor but he may just be the teen idol type of guyt still...he's too young and cute to appeal to the women. Rob actually appeals to both, some of the girls and the women. Hard to beat that combo! hehe

I also like the comparision to Johnny Depp. Time will tell how accurate that comparision will be but I sure like it so far!

Anonymous said...

There's a glimpse of new/old interview where Rob's wearing The plaid shirt & The black jacket. Remember the 1 rare photo on Robsessed.
It's posted now on YouTube and it's in the background of some Russian report about Rob & Kristen.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=krjx-XwJAgs

Unknown said...

Same old stuff. This is boring as f*ck. Can't they think of any other questions?! For god's sake, it is their job to come up with good and original questions. If I was their boss, all these journalists would be fired. There are a few questions for Rob that are over and done with, including: how are you coping with the hysteria? similarities between you and Edward's character? It's such a freaking waste of time, since they usually only get 5-10 minutes anyway. I'm dreading the press for New Moon already. Incompetent assholes.

xLove2rpatzzx said...

Rob u do NOT look ridiculous at all! N we scream for u baby NOT edward!!!!!
Great interview!

LK said...

In this interview,Rob says that girls are screaming for Edward,not him and that he still can't get a date.This interview(if it's new)and Kristen's at Instyle(if it's new)have made me doubting many things i had in my mind about these two.

Unknown said...

Nice interview. He's so very charming.

Kymz said...

That is such a great interview. Thanks for the post.

Why oh why he still thinks that he couldnt get a date is beyond me!

My love for Edward as a character and my love for Rob - are totally different.

Tess said...

@A - I missed the BD comment.. Whaat?

Ps: Butterbeer = Boddington's.. always reminded me of drinking butter ;)

AP said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Xtyn said...

Part of the article says, "...he still can't get a date."

Rob, you're probably asking the wrong girl! LOL

 
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