Interview: Christian Thiele
Even die-hard fans of the comic book hero series “Batman” have to think regarding how many remakes of the original cinema film this is. And yet one thing is certain: The new reboot with Robert Pattinson (35) in a bat costume will stand out above all in one thing from all its predecessors: At just under three hours, it is the longest “Batman” film of all time. But, according to Pattinson, that’s not the only thing that makes “The Batman” different from all the others: “We shot a detective story in the film noir style of the 70s,” explains Pattinson.
Batman as a detective?
Robert Pattinson: I know, I found that funny at first too. But it fits very well. Usually, Batman shows up at the crime scene and right away beats up the bad guys. This time he is investigating, following clues.
Otherwise everything stays the same?
With this Batman many things are radically different. He is driven by a deep desperation, by a terrible inner rage. He takes every fight he fights personally.
What regarding your alter ego Bruce Wayne?
He’s not a glamorous, rich playboy this time. He is considered more of a strange guy full of self-doubt. He constructed the Persona of Batman for himself to flee from himself. An unhealthy addiction has developed. He can only live if he disguises himself as a bat. Almost like a drug addiction.
From teen idol to world star
He grew up in London and was discovered at the age of 15 for the theater, at the same time his mother encouraged him to model: Robert Pattinson (35). He first became famous for a role in “Harry Potter” (2005), he became a world star as a vampire in the “Twilight” saga – at that time he was in a relationship with co-star Kristen Stewart (31). Pattinson has since gone from teenage star to serious actor. He is in a relationship with model Suki Waterhouse (30).
He grew up in London and was discovered at the age of 15 for the theater, at the same time his mother encouraged him to model: Robert Pattinson (35). He first became famous for a role in “Harry Potter” (2005), he became a world star as a vampire in the “Twilight” saga – at that time he was in a relationship with co-star Kristen Stewart (31). Pattinson has since gone from teenage star to serious actor. He is in a relationship with model Suki Waterhouse (30).
So no longer a hero who values justice above all else?
It goes deeper this time, it’s also much darker. He wants to enforce his own form of justice.
How did it feel when you were allowed to put on the legendary Batman costume for the first time?
The first time was still in the audition phase during a screen test. They gave me the old costume from one of my predecessors, Val Kilmer. it was crazy I can still remember how I put it on and thought playing Batman is going to be impossible for me in here, completely out of the question!
How so?
Because I was trying to move in that two inch thick latex suit. I was nervous the whole time, full of adrenaline. That’s why I didn’t stop sweating.
Did you later get your own suit?
Yes, that was better. It was also heavy, but I might move in it.
How did you prepare for the physically demanding role?
It was quite an ordeal. The problem is that other actors train all the time to be fit. I, on the other hand, hardly do anything.
It was said that the studio bosses even sent you a personal trainer.
He was more of a nutritionist. He prescribed the “Batman” meal plan for me (grimaces).
What was it made of?
Only oatmeal with vanilla protein powder in the morning. And later between workouts, lots of fish and vegetables. I almost only ate canned tuna. With Tabasco!
Was that enough to get fit?
Let me put it this way: I was really, really exhausted by the end of the shooting (laughs).
