Robert Pattinson rose to fame as a sex symbol in 2008, portraying the young old vampire Edward in the Twilight saga. Since then, he has done everything to distance himself from this image to become one of the most respected actors in Hollywood.
His brooding demeanor and azure blue eyes enchanted the world in 2008 when he resisted drinking Bella’s blood in Twilight. At that time, all teenagers idolized him, covering their bedroom walls with posters of his face. Under the guise of the young old vampire Edward Cullen, Robert Pattinson became not only a superstar but a true phenomenon, the subject of all fantasies and on the cover of every magazine.
At only 22 years old, the British actor embodied a different kind of romantic heartthrob, the opposite of Zac Efron or Ashton Kutcher, stars of rom-coms with a glowing complexion and bright smile. Pattinson’s features are delicate and angular, his smile shy. His almost androgynous appearance intrigues as much as it fascinates. Pattinson unintentionally plays on this, maintaining mystery in each of his public appearances. His nonchalance, almost detached demeanor on the red carpets, enhances his aura and iconic status because he seems elusive and unattainable. In reality, he dislikes being the center of attention. “It’s a bit excessive. I’ve always hated crowds. I’m already paranoid enough, so it doesn’t do me any good to be constantly observed. I’m not really made for this job. I don’t like being photographed,” he explained at the time.
Behind the scenes, Pattinson also struggles with his label as a tortured sex symbol. He fears being stuck in this category, being reduced to his role as Edward Cullen, a role he despises. “The more I read the script, the more I despised this guy, so I played him as a manic-depressive who hates himself. Plus, he’s a 108-year-old virgin, so of course, he has issues,” he revealed in promotional interviews.
Robert Pattinson is determined to break free from this image, no longer wanting to be seen as a simple teenage fantasy. After Twilight, he took on eccentric, bizarre, and even repulsive roles. In 2012, he portrayed an odious, cold, and cruel billionaire in David Cronenberg’s Cosmopolis. Two years later, he played Rey, a decayed-tooth outlaw in David Michôd’s post-apocalyptic thriller The Rover. Edward Cullen is far behind, and Robert Pattinson finally seems satisfied with the direction his career is taking. The myth of the romantic vampire no longer exists.
Probably because he has nothing left to prove, in 2022, Pattinson accepted a role in a blockbuster. Despite some reluctances, he excels on screen as Batman, bringing a darker and more fragile dimension to the character, showcasing his versatility. Since then, the actor has been everywhere: last year in Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey 17, this year in The Drama with Zendaya, the most bankable actress of the moment, and Die, My Love with Jennifer Lawrence, currently in theaters since Wednesday, April 30th.
