Robert Pattinson Embraced the Danger of ‘The Lighthouse’ - IndieWire Awards Spotlight

After "Twilight," Pattinson's pursuit of arthouse auteurs has established him as a top-flight actor and go-to movie star for Christopher Nolan and Matt Reeves.
Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe go toe-to-toe in Robert Eggers’ claustrophobic, Herman Melville-inspired psychothriller “The Lighthouse,” the director’s dazzling follow up to art-horror smash “The Witch,” which took home the FIPRESCI critics’ prize at Cannes before breaking out at the fall box office for A24.
“The Lighthouse” is neither total horror (with attendant chills and thrills) nor deeply pensive drama. In our video above, Pattinson compares the movie to the work of both Andrei Tarkovsky and Luis Bunuel. “It’s a surrealistic, dark, dark, dark, dark comedy,” he said. “You have these incredibly grotesque images. There was no turd-polishing involved, which is always nice.”
Finally “The Lighthouse” is about tour-de-force acting and brilliantly percussive period mise-en-scene executed at a high level. The two-hander was shot with black-and-white 35mm film and in Academy ratio in inclement weather in Nova Scotia. Both Pattinson, who continues to grow with every film, and veteran Dafoe are brilliant as they navigate Eggers’ tricky period dialogue (“Moby Dick” was a source, along with period lighthouse diaries).
Pattinson chases the arthouse directors he wants to work with, which is why Cannes 2019 marked his fifth appearance at the festival, after two Cronenberg movies (“Cosmopolis,” “Maps to the Stars”), the Safdie brothers’ “Good Time” and David Michôd’s “The Rover.” In his latest foray with the Australian director, Pattinson scored strong reviews as the French-accented Dauphin who threatens Timothée Chalamet’s Henry V in “The King” (Netflix). “I try to make it arthouse,” he said.
That said, the British actor turned up in Los Angeles during a break from back-to-back starring roles in two mega-budget studio movies that he cannot discuss - Christopher Nolan’s time-travel thriller “Tenet” and Matt Reeves’ DC reboot “The Batman” - to sit down with IndieWire to explain the unusual rigors of shooting “The Lighthouse.”
Pattinson plays one of two strangers stranded on a storm-buffeted rocky island; the older lighthouse keeper bullies his strapping new assistant, whose only relief from his daily back-breaking labor of hauling and shoveling coal, plumbing the cistern, and being pecked by a pesky seagull is pleasuring himself while fantasizing about a luscious mermaid.
The only way for the two actors to pull off the demanding movie was to rehearse intensely for a week, nail their respective period accents, and play off each other to get through the demanding archaic dialogue. In fact, Pattinson embraced the pressure-cooker environment and the physicality of performing in the windy, watery elements. Can he explain the fantastic plot? No way. “It’s weirdly frustrating, the ambiguity of it,” he said. “But I could feel what it was trying to say.”

[@alexcarrillo3598]

The kind of actor that Hollywood and cinema need nowadays. He takes serious indie roles, he doesn't talk politics, he is not on social media, he talks about acting and films in interviews, I love this guy!

[@raziatabassum3509]

That's why my boy Robert pattinson is gonna killed it as Batman

[@lizm9564]

And he's also always so humble and self-deprecating while doing so! Such a great human being AND actor!

[@CakeHebenstreit]

People can't talk politics? Lol what a cry baby right wing loser.

[@mysticalmaniac2]

@@CakeHebenstreit ok boomer

[@chloe-sj3ik]

@@CakeHebenstreit u tell em

[@SCHAAAD]

“ I just have nightmares every night” (Cheerful upbeat music plays)

[@kikiamalia8291]

Rob❤

[@mcrawls]

Rob❤️

[@danny6560]

Rob ❤️

[@bethaniie_]

Rob ❤️

[@LifeofMarie267]

Yeah, it's like, "Forget the part about the nightmares..."

[@kimberley-7797]

He’s just unbelievably gorgeous and his personality matches too

[@kimberley-7797]

He seems so comfortable with this interviewer. It’s brilliant to watch

[@miacienfuegos]

This is the most chill interview i've seen of him. I feel this is him being 100% himself. i absolutely loved it. will always support this dude, and his films.

[@IndyIsabelle]

And so handsome

[@farrago2921]

He's so gorgeous, I can't help but get lost in his beauty instead of paying attention to what's he actually saying.

[@julianamagalhaes2377]

Twtght ator Ewdn fã livro tografado nome tirar uma fotografia comigo pode ser Rua lagar porta número 54 ávida Gaia cidade Porto 🇵🇹 cidade Portugal sadim casa branca quinta casa branca quinta vem sozinho no carro convidar ti jecob ator você dois dia tua fa Juliana 👸💖📷🇧🇪🌙🌕🇵🇹🥀💖💖💖

[@julianamagalhaes2377]

Twtght ator pacida bela Ewdn ator livro tografado fotografia comigo pode ser

[@julianamagalhaes2377]

Vem sozinho no carro dia hora 18:00/9:00

[@LifeofMarie267]

I zone out the minute I hear him speak because I just have a thing for guys with an English accent.

[@NavneetKumar-kg5ji]

Its cool how he style his hair

[@LifeofMarie267]

He just runs a hand through it and that's it.

[@marleneborboa4011]

Always loved Anne Thompson interviews with Rob since the Twilight days she actually gets him to open up and not just make troll like comments he's used to lol

[@miacienfuegos]

yes!! I felt like he did open up. he was so comfortable!

[@mirdja83]

I keep watching Pattinson's interviews because I can' t believe it's the same person as in The Lighthouse. What a talent.

[@RinLockhart]

"Twilight was pretty weird." With all due respect, that's a _huge_ understatement.

[@blkbarbie2671]

Rin Lockhart yeah i will never get over the abusive relationship between the main characters that was virtually ignored

[@cprw10]

@@blkbarbie2671 Robert Pattinson agrees with that, he has said MANY times that he thinks Edward was like a psychopath, that if he wasn't a vampire people would have catch it inmediately, that there was something wrong with Bella (the character) because she shouldn't be with Edward, she should be afraid of him, and that of course there was definitely something wrong with his character.. He said this when he was still in franchise.

[@kimberley-7797]

And having sex with mermaids with ginormous genitals isn’t?

[@LifeofMarie267]

@@kimberley-7797 Oh you should have heard his jokes about that during the promos for The Lighthouse.

[@alliewassogood9382]

I love hearing him talk about his roles cause it’s passionate and put together but still has that goofy chaotic-ness underneath it all lol.

[@LifeofMarie267]

I just like hearing him talk. He could tell me that the world is going to end and I would be like, "Okay, that's nice." It's that accent, I tell you.

[@sugheilc]

He's so gorgeous fun and laid back it's just perfection

[@user-pb6vq2wg4t]

He was so serious in this interview right till the end! So weird seeing him not cracking a joke every 2 seconds

[@unknownhost7263]

Robert has evolved, matured and progressed as a person. In retrospect, his interviews were animated; he’s more composed now but still with a hint of naughtiness. He’s able to compartmentalize his emotions. Proud of what he has become.

[@OIIygus]

I always learn a new word watching his interviews

[@LifeofMarie267]

Could this guy BE any more awesome?

[@nayarahonorato3190]

I could watch this interview all day long. Robert seems to be so comfortable! Hearing him is like watcing an asmr video

[@LifeofMarie267]

It's that accent. (Of course I'm someone who can hear English people talk all damn day)

[@wiinterflowers4277]

@@LifeofMarie267 I honestly could listen to him talk all day (not to sound romantic or cringe).

[@LifeofMarie267]

I have to agree.

[@jonathanbhatty8592]

This guy has come a long way I believe that he will be a great Batman

[@kittykitty94]

He’s come such a long way since ‘twilight-press-Rob’, him in the present is making me smile ear to ear. Ever a pretty honest man (😂), ever endearing. Love his ease now. He’ll shake the world with his iteration of Bruce Wayne, for sure.

[@lmriana]

You can actually get a perspective about the movie from his interviews. He's honest man who talks about his views about the role and the technicalities of the movie. Instead of delving into popular views like politics or personal issues. And kudos to Rob's PR team for always keeping the interviews this way.

[@sri318]

I saw Hollywood movies bcoz of Him.Also I saw his movies only... Such nice guy.... Am addicted his acting.. Love from India..

[@Preludedraw]

I used to be on a marathon of Keanu, Henry Cavill, and now i'm on Robert. Love these 3 genuine personalities.

[@jsheekey1]

How Gorgeous is he 💕

[@LifeofMarie267]

Gorgeous and with talent to match.

[@carlholter328]

aggrassively strange is the best description of the lighthouse i have heard yet

[@katsaw.5613]

i can literally listen to him talk for hours

[@user-eh6md6bj2i]

Absolutely! I love Twilight for it's batshit weirdness! It was one of those books/movies that would have been praised for its nicheness, but by becoming mainstream, it became a joke.

[@harrisonjolly67]

5:39 is the batman stuff

[@darkclaw1462]

Can't wait to see Rob as Batman!

[@anjanadasanayake571]

yes 😎

[@darkclaw1462]

@@anjanadasanayake571 he's gonna kill it

[@sebastianalegria3401]

I was able to appreciate how talented Robert is as an actor, while seeing the Lighthouse movie, frankly he's the new Daniel Day-Lewis because of the intensity he puts in every role he plays. After I had seen The Lighthouse movie, I always knew that Robert was going to make history playing Batman's character, so he made it.

[@alecruz5136]

So classy and beautiful man.

[@garyking1986]

This whole interview is him struggling to explain The Lighthouse

[@varalabeschkuni2890]

and that explains quite a lot about the lighthouse. :)

[@LifeofMarie267]

Well, it makes everyone feel better about not understanding the plot.

[@varalabeschkuni2890]

@@LifeofMarie267 and instead feeling the whole thing... :)

[@LifeofMarie267]

@@varalabeschkuni2890 Of course you want to see him struggle with explaining something, he really had a hard time explaining the plot of Tenet recently.

[@priyac7054]

I love this man so muchhhh. So proud of him for growing soooooo much over the years 😌👌🏻👌🏻💜

[@raziatabassum3509]

You mean twilight

[@priyanshuverma2749]

@@raziatabassum3509 nah means batman you dumbo

[@magicrubbish]

Adorable person.

[@homtardy1548]

11:00 he would be a great Gollum too lol

[@masamune2984]

“Have you seen Uncut Gems?” “I’ve seen a very rough cut of it.” No, no, Robert. “Very Rough Cut Gems” is the sequel. Sorry. I’ll leave...

[@LifeofMarie267]

That's very rough uncut gems.

[@shaparaisanchez3135]

Robert Pattinson is amazing he makes me laugh Everytime he said something funny I love his accent and I love his laugh I cried that he's not on social media 😭 and he's still amazing he's in my heart weather he's not on social media in my heart he's in my heart Love Robert Pattinson ❤️🤗😘😘

[@lilianabella]

ROBERT PATTINSON, ES EL HOMBRE MAS BELLO DEL PLANETA , ES UN ANGEL, ROBERT ARGENTINA TE AMA, UN MILLON DE ABRAZOS , MI NOMBRE ES LILIANA, DESDE CIUDAD DE ROSARIO EN ARGENTINA ❤❤❤🇦🇷///IN ENGLISH: ROBERT PATTINSON, HE IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MAN ON THE PLANET, HE IS AN ANGEL, ROBERT ARGENTINA LOVES YOU, A MILLION HUGS, MY NAME IS LILIANA, FROM THE CITY OF ROSARIO IN ARGENTINA ❤❤❤🇦🇷.

[@BEDISA112]

Great interview

[@lobianitv2079]

What a dude!

[@Spaghettiest]

im so glad this dude didn't fall into the twilight trap, he really has been in some banger movies

[@LifeofMarie267]

I always get a kick out of how he says what he does about Twilight. Probably because I didn't start liking him until AFTER Twilight.

[@lucysnowe4271]

i felt horrified when he was smashing the sea gull against the rock

[@myao96]

Love him to bits

[@soliviakatharine]

He needs to cover some saccharine rom-com someday though. For the novelty of it. 😉♥️

[@thismeansmore135]

I think his next movie is some rom-com with Claire Dennis !!

[@justindatkins1234]

"it's bad luck to kill a seabird"

[@cindyharrell4051]

It was a rubber chicken 😏

[@sunmoon9597]

Robert has a determinated character and personality his success beyond his skill is also due his brilliant character❤🌹👍Very good Beautiful video🌹❤

[@atreyeesarkar]

If I had a dollar for each time he says "kind of"...

[@york8896]

Cameramen, Dont shake plz

[@varsha8592]

Why is this comment so funny to me🤣

[@claudiecow]

lil name drop of Bunuel mm a man of taste I see

[@fanofelvispresley261]

He’s going to be incredible as batman and I will always be team Edward but I can’t wait to see as batman #teamPattinson ♥️

[@TheHawngurl7769]

This man is so handsome ❤

[@KatieCongrove]

Un Chien Andalou is all I could think about the whole time I watched the lighthouse. I’m glad to hear that was maybe the intention

[@PerAnkh418]

yes,,, a dark dark comedy there... jst brill

[@nicolemarangoni5842]

i love this man 😍😜

[@williesdossantosribeirolim6675]

Tudo bem com Robert

[@NoblePringles]

What does he mention around 1:38?

[@NoblePringles]

@@Victoria-em5cz thanks king

[@rebe94]

his hair>

[@a.madison9625]

I anyone has a link to Anne Thompson's first interview with Pattinson in 2008, would they please post the link here? He's wearing a white, long-sleeved Henley shirt and is sitting on a sofa that's against the left wall, if you're watching the video. I can't find it anywhere, thanks.

[@piebeary71]

Here you go kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZO2fmabrpmpeMU kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqS3o6pmqZyEmc0

[@a.madison9625]

@@piebeary71 Thank you!

[@ashleyoakley2771]

Auction: supplement to GQ video

[@PerAnkh418]

I have faith Rob will get batman right x

[@Oskar-tm8pw]

11:00 wtf? Is that Golem 😂

[@madingfok2368]

and andy serkis is his alfred.... hmmm..... coincidence? i think not

[@hatelovebowel4571]

really love how he and Kristen Stewart use all that Twilight money to start in all kinds of indie films

[@ikkanovianra673]

❤️❤️❤️

[@tropicalgolds5872]

gaaaahhhh luv u rob!!!

[@williesdossantosribeirolim6675]

Voce

[@viralvideos3844]

He is look like a Ken doll

[@LifeofMarie267]

Nah, he looks better than a Ken doll.

[@Bellacaje_74]

HES SO HOT 😍

[@adilmaandrade4418]

😘

[@user-cy7mq5dk1o]

Batsy

[@JMalikZ]

Am I the only one who thinks his nose is crooked?

[@Progan666]

My nose is crooked.

[@JMalikZ]

@@Progan666 no I mean he got the sexiest man title this year, that's why I said. Even I have a crooked nose.

[@raziatabassum3509]

@@JMalikZ you mean 2020 this year oh really

[@JMalikZ]

@@raziatabassum3509 yeah this year

[@LifeofMarie267]

@@JMalikZ It's very slight.

[@leopetshop6718]

Robert Pattinson doesn't looks good in light house

[@priyanshuverma2749]

Who cares about looks his acting was fucking amazing in the movie

[@matildec.4202]

Whaaat? I think he's beautiful as Winslow

[@leopetshop6718]

@@matildec.4202 you know I like him when he was in Twilight and other moves to but in light house actually don't like his character 😳🙄

[@leopetshop6718]

@@H8M0ndays you think so... 😳