Robert Pattinson melted the hearts of many when Edward Cullen first appeared on screen in Twilight. The young actor is back in New Moon, but still admits he is shocked with the phenomenon Twilight has turned into. Pattinson sat down with Metro to talk about New Moon, his own success, and his character.
How is the filming going?
It’s great. To be honest, I am surprised at how relaxed it is. I was really nervous before we started because there’s so much expectation now. But with this team, everything seems to work really well. Everyone knows each other. It’s one of the most relaxed jobs I’ve ever worked on. It’s really strange. It’s going really well so far.
Last time we spoke, you told me that you still walked in the street without anyone recognizing you. I’m assuming that’s changed now.
I don’t walk in the street anymore, and when I do, I’m in disguise. (laughs) It’s actually a relief being back at work.
Were you surprised that Twilight became such a phenomenon?
It never ever fails to shock me. Even here. Yesterday, there were 300 people outside the set. It’s just crazy. Every day, every single person I meet knows someone who has a very strong attachment to the books. It’s very difficult to put your head around. I can go through customs at any airport in the world — every customs agent is like, ‘Can I get an autograph for my daughter?’ Every single time! It’s crazy! I just hope it doesn’t change the way I think and stuff. It hasn’t so far.
Which is your favorite motion picture vampire of all time?
I always liked the original Nosferatu. I watched 30 Days of Night recently. I thought it was really good. I really liked Danny Huston in it. But I wouldn’t say that I was a vampire fan.
You must be offered a lot of roles now. How are you making your choices?
I judge things purely on the script. I’m booked up for this year. I’ve been doing the most different things you can possibly imagine. Every part is so different. I can’t say any of the parts I’m doing — they haven’t been finalized yet. But I don’t pick them in terms of genre; purely the script. If I like the script and I like the part, then that’s all that matters.
Are there differences in your preparation to play Edward again?
Loads of different things. I feel very familiar with the character. I’m a ghost, a figment of Bella’s imagination. I’m not really playing Edward. I’m playing a kind of disrupted memory, which is really strange. I’m trying to play him as if Edward’s constantly thinking that things are going to fall apart. It’s this idyllic relationship on the top. I’m very, very close to the surface. He’s so insecure about everything.
Are you going to be on the soundtrack?
I don’t think so this time. It’s still early on, but there are so many people that might be on the soundtrack. The last one did so well, so loads of bands want to go on it. Bands that I would never ever have thought would be on a soundtrack I think are gong to be on it this time.
Was there an actor whom you idolized when you were younger?
When I was younger, I didn’t know I was going to be an actor. When I started acting, it took me about three or four years to actually think, Yeah, I’m an actor now. I guess the people who I was obsessed with were Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jack Nicholson. (But) I was more into directors.
