The popularity of Robert Pattinson is undeniable. As one of the leads in the upcoming Twilight movie, fans of the Stephenie Meyer book just can't get enough of him. While his role as Cedric Diggory in the Harry Potter series was the first time he created lots of buzz, serious fans are carefully looking at his other movie roles and finding out for themselves if he really is a good actor.

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tMF was able to secure an interview with the filmmakers of one of Robert's upcoming movies, How To Be. The producer of the film, Justin Kelly, and director Oliver Irving provided us with more insights into the making of the film, but also made some interesting comments about the cast and in particular, about Robert Pattinson, who plays the lead role in the film. This is one of my favorite parts of the interview (an answer from Oliver Irving):

Rob definitely comes alive when the cameras roll, though. His performances were always heightened by pressure - he would often in rehearsals say – OK, it's not right now, but I know what is needed and I’ll get it on the day.

This took an awful lot of faith in him but he was pretty much true to his word.

Below, you'll see the transcripts of the two interviews:

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Interview with How To Be director, Oliver Irving

Tell us more about the filming of the movie. What were some of the most enjoyable experiences in doing How To Be? How about some of the most difficult ones?

Sometimes the most difficult experiences were the most enjoyable – for instance the scene where Rob is talking to himself in the mirror backstage - We had run out of time and we were due to leave the location but I insisted we stay as long as we needed to get that shot right. It was great and I could feel the moment was special despite the outside pressures. The whole shoot was very difficult - Our first stunt car buckling its wheel out in the most bleak location possible, a water leak pouring through the ceiling in the pub, rain cutting short a night's shooting on the roof garden – stuff like that. It was a very tight shoot so there was always a lot of pressure. The best moments are when you realize despite all this you have captured a little moment or you have had the time to set up a shot just as you want.

What would you consider to be some of the highlights of the film?

I really like the scene where Art goes back to his old house and talks to the boy who's now in his old bedroom - I thought Rob did a really good job here - and then the next scene where he goes to kind of confront his ex-girlfriend at the school she works at - which then leads into the band jamming scene. As you can see it's quite hard to remove the scenes from their sequence for me. The jamming scene is great because we confirm so much about the characters just watching them try to play together. Art trying his hardest but is feeling put upon. Ronny playing weird mind games and being as difficult as he can. Nikki just being completely off the wall. That was very fun to shoot as well - we just kept the cameras rolling and they jammed away together with the occasional art department jumping in to move things around so that when I cut into the footage there would be nice subtle continuity jumps. All the scenes with the guys together are very fun to watch.

When people watch the film on DVD it would be worth them pausing on the bits with the pages from the book and reading the stuff you can't quite catch - it's very funny.

The montages are all quite important. I really like the one where Art is looking at the website of Dr E and the music from the site slowly morphs from being tinny (from the lap top speakers) to a lovely warm score underpinning Art's excitement about Dr E arriving. Very much in contrast to the one (in which I use the Roches track on the trailer) in which Art is feeling lost in the world - I was very happy with how that came out and Rob did a really terrific job here. Then one of my favourite scenes is near the end with Art talking to himself in the mirror - but I'm trying not to give too much away here - so I should probably shut up!

How did you go about casting the leads, especially Robert Pattinson?

Powell Jones had acted in a short I made in 2003 and which was a surprise success. The part had only been a small one and I hoped to write a part for him in the future based on his unique and cheerful real life persona.

Johnny White has appeared in my films since I was a teenager - he was friends with Joe Hastings' sister and started off as a zombie extra in something we made when we were young. Then gradually we realized how funny he could be. It was kind of like I trained him up to act on screen.

I have used Mike Pearce in my films since film school where we met. We made a kind of feature film on the side for fun on the weekends as a release whilst at film school - in which he starred.

We found Rob after lengthy casting sessions that went on and off for over a year. I pretty much instantly knew he would be right. I think he forgot his lines and just started improvising which is exactly what I wanted – someone who could just become the character and leave behind the kind of "Techniques" trained in at drama schools.

We cast Rebecca right at the last minute during pre-production. We got word that her husband David Mamet liked the script and she had family in England to visit so it all fell into place. Up until then we had planned to cast someone much older and English - but we felt like taking a gamble, I guess.

How was Robert as an actor? tMF's articles about the young actor are some of our most popular. Is the talent deserving of the hype?

As I say he seemed to fall into the part very easily and was up for exploring parts of his own persona and how his character would interact with the others. It was interesting because Mike would come up with something great - but then if you tried to get him to repeat it or focused on it too long, it would go stale, whereas Johnny would get better the more you rehearsed and shot. Luckily Rob fell between those two - he could be very consistent but didn't take several takes to warm up. Between the three of them I would find a rhythm and a method to get them all working together.

Rob definitely comes alive when the cameras roll though. His performances were always heightened by pressure - he would often in rehearsals say – OK it's not right now, but I know what is needed and I’ll get it on the day.

This took an awful lot of faith in him but he was pretty much true to his word.

My favourite bits of his performance are things like the lost way he stands by his meager belongings at the car boot sale. He managed to say a huge amount with his posture and eyes - even from afar. Or the way he tries desperately to interact with Jeremy and certainly his moment talking to himself in the mirror. At the very end of the film the last words he says are "That was wicked" and I was never really sure if it was his actual reaction to that take or a piece of improvisation. But it was a wonderful way of expressing his new state of mind at the end of the film.

It was funny because he told us he had a part in a Harry Potter, but as you can imagine, many actors in England have had tiny parts in those films. Plus he really underplayed it so I didn't think much of it at the time. It wasn't until we had cast him I watched the Harry Potter film he was in and realized he was a major part.

Hype is always a dangerous thing, but I would say that his most truthful performance to date can be found in this film.

Can you identify with any of the characters in the film? Please tell us more!

Well most of the young actors are my friends - and the characters are based largely on their real personas. Although I've never really been in the same scenarios as Art I can identify with the feeling of wondering if you are any good, whilst you try to keep working away at your creative endeavors. The initial seed idea for the film was interest in the nonsensical or ridiculous nature of, or indeed the helpfulness of self-help and therapy books. I was also observing many of my peers all facing the dilemma of what to do with/ how to live their lives. These are young middle class males with most things arguably stacked in their favour and yet despite (or perhaps because of) the amount of choice open to them they are paralyzed. So in most ways the film is kind of an assessment of my peers, I guess.

Interview with How To Be producer, Justin Kelly

I'm an auditor and I love movies, but I never had the chance to actually do more than review them. I've read that you're a Lawyer and my observation is that being a professional, you've done something for this movie that can be described, at best, as thoughtfully planned with a complete strategy. Tell us, how did you become interested in producing a movie? What would be some of the reasons for the interest?

I enjoyed working in intellectual property litigation but found that there was not enough work to keep me busy. I had always considered working in law to be a useful means to an end (I did Theology at University of Bristol, UK) and decided to do something else while benefiting from my legal background. I decided to get more into the media industry and film producing seemed like the best fit for my interests and skills.

Buying shares for a company to actually manage the film is not a novel idea but it certainly gives the impression that the people behind the movie know what they're doing. Can you tell us more about how it went about- some interesting bits of stories about the investors and how you've been able to convince them to join and become shareholders themselves?

Selling shares in a new film production company all depends on the people behind it and the projects they have. Oliver Irving and I had How To Be and we worked with friends, family and many other people we met to raise the funds necessary. Ultimately we were up front about the risks but sort to assure investors that we were competent and they were taking a bet that might just work.

What do you think are the major selling points of How To Be?

Major selling points of How To Be are casting Robert Pattinson, its take on modern day issues, the music, production values and dialogue.

Can you identify with any of the characters in the film?

Identifying with characters in the film: a bit of all of them!

Are there other projects you and the filmmakers are discussing right now? Can you give us some hints?

We are in discussions on other projects and look forward to announcing more info soon.

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[ Official How To Be movie site ] [ IMDb movie details ] [ How To Be @facebook ] [ Previous article on Robert Pattinson @tMF ]

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Comments (24)

Interesting Interview

Congrats to tMF on the interesting interview with the filmmakers. They gave great insight on the feel of the movie, and especially Robert Pattinson's acting in it. It's especially nice to see Robert interested in doing indie films like How to Be and Little Ashes.

Great interview Jed!

Jan , August 08, 2008 | url

Well done

A wonderful read. Many congratulations for getting these interviews. Loved it. I'm a film geek and this is the sort of interviews I love reading.

Joanne , August 08, 2008

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That was an interesting read. I enjoyed what they said about Robert. I'm thrilled with anticipation about watching this film.

Priscilla , August 08, 2008

Rob's smaller roles are starting to get the attention

It's wonderful that in this article they mentioned Robert's talent, which many sites seem to glaze over, as they tend to focus on his looks. I am glad his smaller roles like How To Be and Little Ashes are getting more attention, which I feel they should! I won't lie what initially attracted me to this was the talented Robert Pattinson, but the more I read about the movie, the more I am excited to see it in itself. I can't wait until I am able to see it!

lifeisfast , August 08, 2008

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Thank you so much for this. I really enjoyed it. Love to see How to be get a release and not just rely on the DVD.

When they do the DVD I hope there are new extras. I'd love an indepth interview with Rob on the role.

Caz , August 08, 2008

Robert Pattinson - becoming one of the greatest actors of his generation...

First of all, tMF - thank you for an in depth look at this film. I'm so excited for How To Be to be released. It looks immensely funny, and now hearing more about it from the perspective of the director, makes me crazy with anticipation!

Of course Robert Pattinson is going to be the main reason people want to see this film, especially here in the States...but, as long as he and the film get the attention it deserves, I can't say that I mind the 'why' of what gets this film seen. The same goes for Robert's other 'independent,' Little Ashes. I'm excited to see Rob in these two films, more so than that other one making all the headlines...it is in How To Be and Little Ashes, that we will really see Robert dazzle us.

So many see him as an image - a heartthrob; however he is much more than 'just a pretty face.' His talent, both in acting and musically, goes much deeper than many realize. And he's only 22...imagine what he'll be able to do, now that he's becoming a household name.

Oliver Irving says of Rob in this interview: "He managed to say a huge amount in his posture and eyes - even from afar." That right there is something many actors can't do: act without words. Yet in every one of Robert's films - and I've seen them all with the exception of the three yet to be released - he can convey several emotions, with just one look; one glance into his eyes say so much...

He's something special, and definitely someone to keep your eye on.

blearyeyedmesgirl , August 08, 2008 | url

Rob Pattinson GREAT in How To Be

I saw the film last night and I truly enjoyed it! Johnny White is such a friendly and funny individual in person! the film was great! Great Humor and a lot of quirky moments from Rob in the film! You really believe and feel he character of Art. He is extremely talented and he can go nowhere but up after this film! I cannot wait for Twilight and especially Little Ashes.

If you get a chance to see the film, see it!

Willa , August 08, 2008

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Will can you write up a full review for fans. We'd love to hear more from you.

Caz , August 08, 2008

Excellent article

Thanks again for such an interesting article on the film. I too am more excited about seeing How to be and Little Ashes than the film that shall be nameless. Rob is an exciting new talent and these two roles sound as they are really doing him justice. Thanks to the director/producer of How to be for picking him. I hope they get a limited cinema release for the film. I for one will be buying the DVD and hope there are lots of new extras.

Hol , August 08, 2008

Fascinating article

Thank you very much for this report. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I've loved all of Pattinson's work so far (Daniel Gale is a particular favourite character) and I'm sure I'll love his performance in How to be. I hope it gets a cinema release. I'm super excited to see him in Little Ashes.

Jen1 , August 08, 2008

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Excellent - now if you could do a similar one with the director/producer of Little Ashes I'd be in seventh heaven.

Judith , August 09, 2008

Pattinson was Awesome

I saw the film last night and loved it. Very quirky and VERY Rob. He's great at physical comedy. What a great all rounder he is as an actor. I admire him even more if thats possible. A lovely film. I'd have liked to have seen the parents fleshed out more but overall an excellent and refreshing film.

Shel , August 09, 2008

i want to see it!

how can i see this movie?? i love robert and i want to see this movie really badly!

Alexandra , August 09, 2008

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I'm really looking forward to seeing this film and I know I keep saying this but it really does look a bit like the film Igby Goes Down (which is one of my favourite films with another talented young actor, Kieran Culkin). No one can deny that Robert Pattinson is gorgeous and he will be a major selling point for the film but the more and more you watch him the more you appreciate his acting ability rather than his looks, there is a lot more to him than a pretty face and i'm really excited to see where his career takes him.

HelenG , August 10, 2008

Same again for Little Ashes Please

He's definately more than a pretty face. An unusual talent. One to watch for sure. Thanks for the article. I love reading indepth articles on films I want to see. If it doesnt get to the cinemas I'll definately be getting the DVD. Can I second the request for a similar one on Little Ashes.

Elizabeth , August 10, 2008

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Here's a well written fan review of Rob in How To Be. The author made the treck to the film's screening and it seems it was well worth it.

http://www.robert-pattinson.co.uk/press/2008/08/how-to-be-review-at-riff/

Judith , August 10, 2008

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I love this site as you get to read interestign articles like this. I'm always searching for articles on Rob Pattinson's work so thank you. The film sounds very refreshing. I wihs we saw more likr this in the cinema. I'd like to add my request for a similar article on Littlr Ashes.

Kate , August 11, 2008

Great read and yes can we have an article on Little Ashes

This is just the sort of film I want to watch. Its so frustrating when they dont get cinema releases. I am sick to death of the same old american teen films we have to suffer. I also dying to see Little Ashes so add me to the list of peoplr who wants to read more on that production.

Erica , August 12, 2008

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To all those people who just wrote: "I saw the movie last night."----> I go green with envy!!!!

You lucky ones!! I´m soooo looking forward to this movie. I guess I read everything about it, as far as I know, and all I hear makes me more and more curious.

Thank you so much for this great interview, it was really fun to read, and we got to know some of the scenes better (which we don´t even know... but nevertheless).

And, I´m of course in for a similar artikel about little ashes!!

Go - guys - go!

Lucia , August 20, 2008

So excited for this to be on dvd and hopefully in theaters!

This movie sounds really awesome. Can't wait to add it to my dvd collection. I just hope that it is released in the US so I can get it. I do hope that it will also be in theaters here. I want to see it. I think that I will be able to relate to Art.

Ike. , September 01, 2008

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I'm excited and nervous to see this film. I know what it feels like to be in your early twenties and have a life you don't know what to do with, and I see this preview and I know too many people who were like that when we were that age. It should be a fascinating movie to watch.

Wendilynn , October 09, 2008 | url

Seattle film festival

The Seattle Film Festival has started accepting entries for film made by January 2008, which this movie qualifies. I sent a comment on the How to Be website also.

Here's the link: http://www.seattlefilm.com/abo...&year=2008

Wendilynn , October 13, 2008 | url

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I really can't wait to see this film. It looks so amazing and kinda funny. I really like Robert Pattinson as well. He's wiked. I'm so happy!
I mean I can easily relate to Art-I mean,we're both Londoners in need of self-help. At least it's getting released here for definite. I want the whole world to know about How To Be cos it looks wiked!!!!

Steffi , October 18, 2008

I want to see this movie, but how?

According to everything ive searched, you cannot watch this movie online, and its not in theaters, and apparently there isnt even a DVD? is this true?? How do i see it? If its playing at film festivals, thats not possible for everyone to go to, cuz its in different countries, was there a dvd made for this movie? Could i order it online somehow??

Caitlin , December 04, 2008

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