Jessica Brinton
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Trailer: The Twighlight Saga: New Moon
Our man has just woken up. He’s just rolled out of bed. He’s sitting opposite me on an overstuffed sofa in trousers and a T-shirt. The year’s teen idol, the month’s hottest “get” in celebrity journalism, obviously hasn’t done up his laces.
In its opening weekend in the United States, Twilight, the vampire film he stars in, took £48m. A cast appearance in a mall in San Francisco, projected to attract 500, was attended by 3,000 and had to be closed down. At another appearance in Pennsylvania, a girl broke her arm. There is even such a thing as a “Twilight mum” (“because loving a vampire is so wrong”).
And at the centre of it all is Edward Cullen, a character described by Stephenie Meyer in her bestseller as “devastating, inhumanly beautiful”, with “lips as cold as marble”. And he is played by Robert Pattinson. The film is good if, like the female protagonist, Bella, you are a willing believer in romantic love that lasts an eternity. There was a lot of screaming when I went to see it. There are some bits that don’t work, but there are some touching moments, too, and Pattinson walks away with every scene he’s in.
His hair is leading-man hair, and he’s been told not to cut it. In the film, it’s done more like the Fonz, but today it’s sticking up in different directions. Did someone do it like that? “Nobody’s ever styled my hair in my life,” he says. “I’d hate anyone to do that.” His accent is Queen’s English by way of the South Circular and he’s chatty and willing. But he is 22, stuck in an awkward spot between being a normal, quite rubbish boy, and knowing that this is his moment. Later, he admits that, given the chance, he’d probably rather not speak at all.
He grew up in Barnes, where he went to private school. He has two older sisters, now 25 and 28, who, until he was 12, would dress him up and call him Claudia. He says the only reason he got involved with theatre at school was to meet girls. And I had him down as a player. “Nope, I wasn’t with the cool gang, or the uncool ones. I was transitional, in between.” It took him until he was 20 — two years ago, about the time that he was playing Cedric in Harry Potter — to stop being shy.
He makes a point of not doing any of the things other people do. It’s why he doesn’t regret choosing acting over university. “Even when I was 17 and I’d go to a student bar, I’d think, get me out of here. Not W that I got accepted into any universities,” he chuckles. “Not one.”
I ask him whether he’s ever been in love and he says, “I guess so.” Then, because for some sadistic reason I feel like torturing him, I ask what it felt like. He looks puzzled, so I tell him about what I call the “clunk moment” — when you look at someone you fancy and realise you’re so into them, there might be no turning back. “I just got that feeling as you said that,” he says. “But I’m not sure if it’s related,” he mutters.
I’m thrown. Is he flirting with me? It would be easy to imagine it — he’s so gentle and charming and reticent, and so much the ultimate crush of my 15-year-old self, that I have to consciously pull myself together.
I don’t know what to say, so I continue. That feeling — does he know it? “The oh-God-I’m-stuck feeling?” he says. “Yeah, I think I had it once. I was going out with a girl, and I saw a missed call from her and felt it. Mostly, I never care, though. Right now, I don’t even bother checking my phone.”
So — no girlfriend. Of course, everyone’s wondering about him and his co-star, Kristen Stewart, who plays Bella. In one interview, 18-year-old Stewart, who has a long-term boyfriend, says, “I’ve made a very dear friend and that’s worth more than anything,” which sounds to me like a very firm “No, and I don’t fancy him”.
“They’re so ridiculous at the film company,” he says. “They keep refusing to deny it. They just say, ‘No comment.’ And we’re like, ‘We’re not \.’ ” Anyone else? He looks askance when I tease him about taking advantage of the 16-year-old bounty surely offering itself up to him. He feels terrorised by the screaming hordes. “I never, ever like anyone.” A shame — but one that might make you think, despite everything you know about men like him, how can I be that girl?
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It seems Rob and Kristen made 12 million dollars each in New Moon. He won the vanityfair.com poll as the most handsome man alive, he got near 300,000 votes (51%). Edward Cullen has something of Rob´s personality, of course. I hope his parents will take care of him a lot to keep him grounded.
Meri, Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.
I don't need to search to find girls who fancy him. I'm one of them. Robert, please, continue like this. Everybody loves you. and the article was great. It's so cute that he doesn't realize how handsome he is and how much succes he's got. I have to confess that I'm happy he is single. hint: so am i.
Silke Huysmans, Meldert (Aalst), Belgium
lost count in watching twilight, red all da books, cant wait to watch new moon. and i hope rob and kristen stays throughout da whole saga, theyre da best, cant think of anyone who could take ova their characters but them and da cullens, best movie ever
emz, mildura, australia
I really loved the film Twilight Edward & Bella were sensational. Rob I love you. Your characters Edward&Bella, can not be played by no one else but Rob & Kristen . It would definitly put a damper on the up coming films .Rob your are fabulous&gorgeous.
Aleta, Adelphi, United States
I lost count on the times I've seen Twilight but 20 is close! This was my all time favorite movie and at 60 hitting the movies weekly I've seen plenty of films. Robert Pattinson's character in my opinion could not have been done better by any other actor. He was awesome as were all the Cullens.
carole, collegeville, us
If my 7yr old daughter watched this movie and walked away with a belief in unconditional love,then thats a movie i have to comend,well done.
Z WALKER, PERTH, AUSTRALIA
I think the way Robert has interpreted the character of Edward makes him even more appealing and gives the character more depth. I absolutely loved reading the books but sometimes i did feel Edward was just a little too perfect!
Plus Rob is gorgeous, he makes a perfect Edward!
Mary, st,Andrews, scotland
I Think Robert Played Edward Cullen Fantastically! In Every Scene He Was In, I Was Basically Falling Off my Seat. It Was A Great Movie, And One Of The Reasons I Admit I Liked This Movie was Because Of Rob's Heart-Throb Looks. :) Your An Amazing Actor Rob! :)
Aneesha.B, Auckland, Howick, New Zealand
I didn't like Pattinsons performance in Twilight-he was nothing like Edward should be. He seemed so insecure of himself and I regret to say that if he wasn't so handsome then I don't think that people would like him very much.
Alexandra, Stockholm, Sweden
I think robert pattison plays edward cullen amazingly and he made me want to read the books. I can't wait to see new mood, he deserves to be a big time star he is amazing actor and gorgeous lol.....i am cullen, my second name is cullen. lol great film and great actor
Sammy, southampton, united kingdom
Rob is talented, worked very hard to get into the Edward Cullen role and is carrying that film worldwide. His personality is rare. I agree with comments that it would be oh so refreshing if he lived without the trappings that sent Heath Ledger and River Phoenix to such wasted deaths. Stay true, Rob!
Isabel, Santa Monica, CA, USA
Love this interview with him. He seems completely surprised by all of the hype surrounding him. Saw him on GMTV and he looked so bewildered by it all. It made me want to hug him.
Love his voice and think he would be great as Jeff Buckley.
Love the song he wrote for the film.
Natalie Burt, Keynsham, United Kingdom
I have read all 4 books and seen the movie. In an interview
Rob stated he was actually the last choice, they saved the best for last. His portrayal of Edward was superb he grasped the concept of the character. I am waiting for BBC to release the Haunted Airman and the realease of Little Ashes...
Carol Cain, Big Pine, USA
Robert is such a genuine, humble kind of guy, unpretencious.
The fact he just got a car 6 months ago 1989 BMW and has a pay as you go cell says a lot about his character. I only hope he stays in England away from the states it may save him. He is also a wonderful musician with a unique sound.
Sandy Banks, Key West , USA
Rob is such a hottie. i wish i could learn more about him. He has so much talent. The best part is he knows he's not perfect, no one is.
It's a shame that he doesn't see how loved he is and that there are people out here in the world that care about who he really is. It's the inside that counts too
Nicole Brunette, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, USA
Yeah, well, the poor guy wanted to act instead of go to university and now look at where it has him. No one knows this poor kid. It is all speculation and hype and I can't even imagine what it is like for him to wake up each day having to face millions of girls who think they know him.
Patricia Hawkins, St. Ignatius, United States
I am absolutley infactuated and in love with his humble angelicness.
He's more than just a gorgeous face. It's a pitty he doesn't see more in himself but I also think thats one quility that is so mysterious and illuminating about him. I fall in love with him more each day :)
Savannah, Missouri, USA
I sincerely hope he takes good care of himself and doesn't end up like River Phoenix or James Dean...that would be too sad to take. Looking forward to his music career too! I hope he discovers Nashville for growing his musical talent...plus there are lots of quiet places to hide here!
Lori , Nashville, USA
Robert is really very humble. I hope he will stay the same. (humbleness is next to Godliness) I can see it by the way he answers each question and his facial reaction, it's so natural. Hope he'll visit Bacolod, Philippines. He has no idea how many his fans here.
missy, Bacolod, Philippines
I loved the text! And Robert, really, seems to be a normal guy (but, he's very beautiful and an actor with great talent) :)
Aline C., Porto Alegre - RS, Brasil
It refreshing to hear that he gets his clothes second-hand. He's a cutie! Does he need a secretary?
Jennifer, Edmond, OK, USA
he would be amazing as jeff buckley...especially since he can actually sing...love his tracks on the soundtrack!
Amy, High Bridge, NJ, USA
all i can say is that, Twilight movie is so wonderful.....................
He looks handsome too....................
jj, davao, philippines
It's so refreshing for a guy to be heartbreakingly gentle and unaware of how amazing he is. You can find a drop dead gorgeous guy anywhere, but a drop dead gorgeous guy who is earthy, genuine, honest and committed is what the girls want. We're bored of the pretentious bad boy womanizer types.
Maria, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
haha, awesome interview!
i agree with previous comments- it's not the fact he plays edward cullen anymore it's the fact that in all these interviews he just unknowningly makes himself seem more and more attractive LOL. maybe we should all listen when he tells us he really is a jerk? :P
Kayla, Wellington, New Zealand
I think that one of the reasons that Rob himself and not the "Edward Cullen" charactor is so appealing to me is that he isn't stuck on himself. Some women find a man that is sensetive, down to earth and funny very attactive. The more he doesn't see it the more attactive he becomes!!!!!!!
Amy, Washington, USA
This is a excellent interview - I'm sure he appreciated being able to answer different questions. And I agree - part of it is definitely the Twilight hype but I really believe that part of Rob's popularity is his own personality. I wonder if he really was flirting or if he meant something else?
Alice, Edmonton, Canada
R P HAS BOTH!
Robert Taylor - Looks are good or bad, big help to an actor if people like to look at him, but it has nothing to do with acting
Barbara Stanwyck - Eyes are the greatest tool in film, nice to say very good dialogue if you can get it But great movie acting - watch the eyes!
linda lucas, toronto, canada
Rob is not only a good actor but he also has a voice to die for.. I loved his song in Twilight and I look forward to hearing and seeing more from him. I do believe that this movie was his breakout role. Hopefully his anxiety from screaming fans will not be too hard for him to handle..To the future!
Heather, Bellefonte, Pa, USA
it's so strange...when i read or watch his interviews, he seems so real, so natural- i love it....it would be a shame if he changes. He seem like someone I'd hang out with, but of course he's gotten to that "unreachable" place....aka hollywood....
Dana, Chicago, USA
Thank you for your sensitive article. What struck me the most is not only the fact that he is a gorgeous young man, but witty, funny and with a self deprecating attitude that only a confident person can dispaly. For me he's a revelation as an actor with many hidden talents. Never change Rob!
Mihaela, York, Canada
Rob has that edgy raw talent that's so very rare to fine. A modern day James Dean. His acting compares to the likes of Sean Penn. Please stop saying it's Luck. it might be Timing, but give yourself some credit & accept that your a truly talented actor who will win an Oscar one day!!!
Dawn, Philadelphia, United States
I would love, love, love for him to portray Jeff Buckley...I am a huge fan of Jeff's and from what I have heard of Robert's singing...oh he could so pull it off.
This guy is going to be pure raw genius the more he sinks into his career...I only hope that he keeps his level head and stays himself
crystal, arlington,tx, usa
"..being the ultimate crush of my 15 year old self" I really really identified with that. Thanks for a very well written and enjoyable article.
lynn, san antonio, US
I think that his honesty makes him even more attractive. He's not only the Edward we love from the books, but a real person who can act and doesn't rely on his looks to get attention. I look forward to seeing more of his movies!
Sandra, Houston, United State