Robert Pattinson talks The Lighthouse and Career with Ruben V Nepales

Rob sat down with Ruben V Nepales whilst he was promoting The Lighthouse in Cannes. Below is an extract of Rob talking about the film and career choices:

How much did you enjoy the physicality of the role?

It was ridiculous. On the first day, I was digging a grave. It was so cold I couldn’t even get the shovel in (laughs). Robert Eggers loves to make things as difficult and real as possible.

And lifting the oil drum up the staircase, we were literally lifting that sh*t up. I’ve never been more fit in my life. You don’t have to act—the elements are forcing you to be reactive.

Do you like roles like this one where you’re deglamorized?

It’s always quite nice when you can have a costume on your face. Definitely, for some reason, I love being dirty in movies. I think it’s because you don’t have makeup coming in every 10 seconds and them having to tidy you up.

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What do you love about the Cannes Film Festival? 

Cannes is so big in England. Whatever was nominated for the Palme d’Or, that’s what crystallized my film taste when I was a teenager. So, as soon as I started acting, it’s where I wanted every single movie to go. I love the way they celebrate the film culture.

I really noticed that when I first came here. Nobody asked me any personal questions. People are genuinely enthusiastic about movies. Even though there is a big film market going on, it doesn’t really seem that business-y.

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How happy are you these days? 

Really happy. I like doing movies where there’s a seemingly big element of risk in it. So, when they payoff and enlighten, it’s wonderful.

The response to the film, especially in Cannes, is enthusiastic. How important is that to you?

Oh yeah, definitely. There’s what I think of a film, but then you want people to appreciate it, too. I watched the movie and I really loved it, but it’s a different thing when someone else likes it.

Especially at Cannes, people are vocal about saying [their reaction]. There’s a very real chance they could just walk out and say, “[It’s] sh*t.” So, it’s always nice, definitely, to get that reaction.

You are dealing with the pressures of fame quite well. What’s your approach? 

It’s quite easy to hear applause and think, oh, it’s me they’re applauding. As soon as you let yourself think that, then you’re f**ked (laughs).

You always have to keep a separation. It’s actually quite difficult, especially if you’re feeling low and you’re mining some validation from this strange ether. It’s not even false praise, but it’s not praise for you specifically. It’s unearned praise.

It’s also about having good friends. My friends are basically the same people I have since I was 12.

Head on over to the full interview HERE