Robert Pattinson's next non-vampire movie doesn't open for another four months but that didn't stop Summit Entertainment from riding on 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' buzz and releasing the trailer for his romantic drama 'Remember Me' a few days before the Nov. 20 release of the latest big screen offering from Stephenie Meyer's best-selling series. The British heartthrob puts his charisma and good looks to use as a brooding, misunderstood rebel without much of a cause except to reconnect with his distant father (Pierce Brosnan) following a family tragedy, and, of course, to get the girl.
A sort of stylized modern update of 'Romeo & Juliet,' 'Remember Me' centers around Tyler (Pattinson) and Ally (played by 'Lost's' Emile de Ravin), two lost souls who try to heal their inner turmoil by delving into a wild and ready romance that's threatened by their respective domineering parents.
It's interesting to see Pattinson attempt to break away from his iconic 'Twilight' role by charging into a gritty, character-driven drama that looks to rely more on raw acting talent and explosive emotional scenes than it does special effects and morphing demons. However, the story's setups of doomed romance, family conflict and the fight for personal redemption is reminiscent of 'Twilight' -- and the fact that he's donned in flannel and leaves his trademark tresses perfectly sculpted ala Edward Cullen doesn't deter the comparison merely because he's mortal this time around.
What makes 'Remember Me' stand out on its own is the dramatic and stylish storytelling of director Allen Coulter, who has helmed episodes of 'The Sopranos' and 'Sex and the City' and clearly knows how to bring out the best in his cast. The various scenes showcasing Pattinson, de Ravin, Brosnan and Chris Cooper (as Ally's dad), prove it. The intensity of acting in the trailer, which features Pattinson effortlessly covering a variety of emotions, defines an actor coming of age whether Twihards are ready for it or not.
'Remember Me' comes across as a mature romantic drama that seems safe and simple enough for Pattinson's young fan base to embrace as their tastes mature along with their moviegoing discretion. And if not, they can always grab their 'Twilight' trinkets and get in line now for the June 30, 2010 premiere of 'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.'
Reader Comments (21)
GOROB at 9:29PM on Nov 19th 2009
The trailer looks good and so does Pattinson! Yes I will go see this!
Pam at 9:57AM on Nov 20th 2009
Remember Me is absolutely nothing like Twilight. I think you just can't get past that Saga well enough to see this one clearly. You want to paint everything with a "Twilight brush." This is not a romantic drama. It's a family drama. He is not a rebel without a cause. He has a real issue he's trying to deal with, namely the death of a close sibling. I've been in this character's place and I know how hard it is to move past that loss. That conflict is definitely far removed from Edward's conflict over whether or not vampires have souls and whether he is going to freak out and kill Bella in a fit of orgasmic violence. Ridiculous to compare the two at all. In fact, the only thing in common is Robert Pattinson. Maybe you're just blinded by your own disdain for the movie he's in now. That's all fine and good, but that's not exactly doing your job of writing a commentary about THIS next movie, is it? Also, this movie is definitely NOT intended for young audiences. You are just so wrong on so many levels. It's a shame you actually get paid for this tripe.
Cinnamon at 10:53AM on Nov 20th 2009
BRAV-FRICKIN'-O, PAM! My thoughts exactly when I read this crap, err, article. I guess the so called journalists have commenced the type-casting game. And his hair is sooo not Edward hair.
Holly at 4:16AM on Nov 23rd 2009
I am very impressed with Rob in this trailer. I am based in the Uk so at the moment we dont know when we can get tot see the film. I would be there opening day if I knew. The script is awesome so I know its a great story.
rebeccagish at 4:20AM on Nov 23rd 2009
I'm a huge fan of Rob's an of couse I'll go see it. The film does needplenty of pr though so I hope Summit dont sit on their laurels.It also needs a wonderful soundtrack to help sell it. A huge plus would be a song from Rob. I wish Rob didnt have to do Breaking Dawn. Its time to move on to more roles like this and some graphic novel roles.
rebeccagish at 4:22AM on Nov 23rd 2009
The writer isnt having a go. He's being supportive. I'm a big fan of Rob's but I dont lash out at any little gripe abotu him. This hack is trying hsi best to give Rob some praise. Thanks Moviefone for giving the film so valuable pr.
Marsh at 7:41PM on Nov 23rd 2009
Way to go! I agree...I didn't read this as a dig on Robert. The writer is merely pointing out some similarities, plus it's mentioned that Rob has a nice acting range. Obessesed 'Twilight' fans should take their narrow-focus blinders off!
Pam at 1:33PM on Nov 24th 2009
I've read a lot of reviews about this trailer and many of them have had little digs about this being nothing more than a rehash of Twilight, with Rob playing a nonvampire Edward. I'm not saying that I didn't see the positives in this review. What I am saying is that there seems to be a trend among movie critics to pigeonhole Pattinson and label him as nothing more than a teen fad. That is damaging and unfair. More importantly, I've noticed that once one reviewer comes up with a negative opinion of an actor that opinion gets repeated over and over again by others, as though other reviewers are merely cribbing their reviews. And the effect is that the public believes the hype they put out. In this case, the hype would be that Pattinson is a one note player. That is what I was specifically complaining about. I do not want him knocked down before he's even had the chance to prove himself.
mschatelaine at 8:50PM on Nov 23rd 2009
Of course I will see Remember Me! I was completely drawn in by the trailer. I thought his acting was remarkable in 'Little Ashes' and 'How To Be'. I was very impressed with his performance! He's so enjoyable to watch onscreen! Robert Pattinson has such a huge, devoted following because he is a fine actor. I know I speak for many when I say we will continue to support his work even after The Twilight Saga.
Cynda Bell at 10:49AM on Nov 24th 2009
I totally agree. I think Robert will have a long and successful acting future ahead of him. Twilight really introduced us to him and his abilities as an actor, and in New Moon, he does such an amazing job of exhibiting his emotions. The Twilight Saga is only the beginning for this incredibly charming and handsome young actor, I think.
mschatelaine at 8:52PM on Nov 23rd 2009
Of course I will see Remember Me! I was completely drawn in by the
trailer. I thought his acting was remarkable in 'Little Ashes' and
'How To Be'. I was very impressed with his performance! He's so
enjoyable to watch onscreen! Robert Pattinson has such a huge,
devoted following because he is a fine actor. I know I speak for many
when I say we will continue to support his work even after The
Twilight Saga.
kat at 9:08PM on Nov 23rd 2009
I am glad for any and all mentions of Remember Me, so thank you for reporting on the article and putting up the trailer for your readers. The more people that hear and read about this film and become interested in seeing it the better for Rob and for the film. It is important to him that this film does well - it is his first post Twilight film and people are looking to see if he can draw outside the franchise.
Rob's fans emcompass a very wide variety of ages. And they are interested in Rob as Rob, not as Edward Cullen. There is alot of interest in this film and quite a few have expressed they want to see this film more than NM or Eclipse. (me, for one).
The trailer is wonderful and it gives a good taste of what we can expect from the film. I do however, think that this film is too mature for the younger fans. It has a very good chance of being rated R in the US (under 17 w/ parent). And I do not see a Romeo and Juliet update at all. Family issues do not keep them apart-but the family issues add to the complexity of the story.
Mel at 9:16PM on Nov 23rd 2009
Umm no, definitely didn't get Romeo & Juliet form the trailer?? It looks more like a drama. Like maybe Moonlight Mile, personal discovery type story? Either way, looks great. More my type of movie than Twilight.
Gabriella at 11:46AM on Nov 24th 2009
Quote: "The intensity of acting in the trailer, which features Pattinson effortlessly covering a variety of emotions, defines an actor coming of age whether Twihards are ready for it or not."
I don't think the author of this article really is against Robert P. or do I misunderstand his words.
There is quite a large group of fans who see Robert Pattinson behind the roles he plays and can differ very well... Watching the trailer, seeing the earnestness behind every single gesture, every facial expression, just seeing how much this young man just fills the given role makes wanting to see more of it... if I had never seen any of his films before, I would just want to see it and become a fan, (I own all his films - and I will surely follow him - he is a serious actor - listen to what Chris Weitz said about him or Mrs Hardwicke, there was nothing but praise!!!)
By the way - I think "New Moon" although done much more perfectly than "Twilight" misses a lot of charm because of this perfection - it is artificial in a blunt way - exaggerated and reduced - pushed forward and held back - all at the same time. The youthful freshness of Twilight has grown into a dull display of strangely familiar pictures, that don't hide any secrets - flying bodies had already lost their thrill just by watching the trailers -
And, sorry, I was in the movie with lots of people of all ages - in some moments I had to laugh, because some of the scenes were ultimately ridiculous - and - how funny - nobody was angry with me, they all laughed with me...
eche at 10:33PM on Nov 24th 2009
I'm definitely watching Remember Me. I like Robert so i'm gonna watch all his movies.:)
Jenn at 10:48AM on Nov 25th 2009
i agree with pam. it's unfair to say that this movie is like twilight because the elements it features are the same as MANY movies with romance in them. the family conflict and doomed romance are archetypes that we as a society just relate with. that's why they're used so often in films, literature, tv shows etc. twilight and remember me are different movies with different people involved (apart from rob) that are trying to get different messages across. to say that they're strikingly similar is kind of inane. they are only similar in the ways that many other movies of the romance genre are similar. don't try to fit rob in a box before this is released. it's his first movie done AFTER the hype of twilight and he deserves for critics and fans alike to step back, wait until march and to see this movie with as unbiased an opinion as can be managed. don't go into this thinking 'edward cullen', but rather that it's a completely different entitiy with a new story to be told.
eileen at 7:42PM on Nov 26th 2009
The trailer looks great and Robert Pattinson looks HOT! I'm definitely interested.
ep at 9:55PM on Nov 26th 2009
I can never forget Robert Pattinson and I'm definitely gonna see Remember Me.
Jennifer at 12:02PM on Nov 30th 2009
If Robert Pattinson is in it, I am there!!! :) Plus the movie looks like its going to be great too!
Alyssa at 10:25PM on Nov 29th 2009
I can't wait to see Remmber Me!!!