Pattinson Calls 'Primetime' Script a 'Grenade' at London Premiere! 💥
Pattinson Calls 'Primetime' Script a 'Grenade' at London Premiere! 💥
Robert Pattinson talks A24's 'Primetime' at the London Film Festival, describing the script as 'electrifying' and 'dangerous'. Discover his role, the film's success, and Chris Hansen's reaction!
Robert Pattinson captivated audiences at the London Film Festival on Sunday night, introducing his latest psychological thriller, “Primetime,” at the BFI Imax. The actor, known for his discerning film choices, not only stars as the lead in the A24 production but also took on a producer role, a testament to his belief in the project.
Pattinson shared his immediate connection with the script, recalling,
Ajon had written this script when, as soon as you read it, it felt like it was a grenade.
He further elaborated on the unique appeal, noting, “It just felt original and funny and multi-faceted, everything you want, a little dangerous. And I knew there was going to be something special out of it.” His enthusiasm was so strong that he contacted writer Ajon Singh the day after reading it, and the project quickly gained momentum, with director Lance Oppenheim joining within a week and production commencing in just two weeks. “Primetime” delves into the controversial world of “To Catch a Predator” host Chris Hansen, portraying how he transitioned the show into a primetime slot.
The film, loosely based on the 2007 “Esquire” article “Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die,” critically examines the ethical implications of Hansen's methods, which eventually led to the show's cancellation in 2008. The filmmakers have clarified that the movie is a stylized retelling rather than a direct biopic.
The film has already garnered significant attention, premiering to a seven-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival last month. It has also seen considerable box office success in the U.S., grossing an impressive $38 million against a $14.5 million budget since its September 25 release. UK audiences can anticipate its arrival on October 30.
Chris Hansen, the figure loosely depicted in the film, has openly shared his thoughts on “Primetime.” While acknowledging Robert Pattinson as a “very good actor” and feeling somewhat flattered by the casting, Hansen described the movie as a “complete work of fiction” and found its portrayal “certainly not flattering.” He questioned Hollywood's ultimate message.
When asked about Hansen's reaction, Pattinson expressed hope, stating, “Obviously, I hope he likes the movie.
There's something electrifying about him. I would hope the amount of inspiration his character has given a lot of people for years is some kind of compliment.”