Robert Pattinson’s 'Primetime' gets nearly 8-minute standing ovation at Venice Film Festival

Robert Pattinson’s Primetime received a nearly eight-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival Saturday, with the actor earning an enthusiastic reception for his portrayal of American television host Chris Hansen. The A24 film, directed by Lance Oppenheim in his narrative feature debut, had its world premiere at the festival’s Sala Grande. Pattinson was joined at the premiere by Oppenheim and co-stars Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo and singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers, who makes her acting debut in the film. Pattinson’s partner Suki Waterhouse was also in attendance and was seen kissing the actor as the audience applauded after the screening.

Pattinson plays Chris Hansen

Set in 2006, Primetime draws inspiration from Hansen and the controversial NBC programme To Catch a Predator, which used elaborate sting operations involving adult decoys posing online as minors to confront men suspected of seeking sexual encounters with children.

The film examines the intersection of journalism, television entertainment and personal ambition as Hansen’s character sets out to make television history. It was inspired in part by Luke Dittrich’s Esquire reporting on a 2006 sting operation that ended with the suicide of Texas assistant district attorney Bill Conradt.

Pattinson initially joined the project as a producer and had not intended to play Hansen. However, the actor said he became increasingly attached to the character while developing the film and eventually decided to take on the role himself.

The film also marks a significant transition for Oppenheim, who previously directed documentaries including Some Kind of Heaven and Ren Faire.

Hansen critical of film

The real-life Hansen was not involved in making Primetime and has publicly raised objections to the film. He has questioned aspects of its portrayal and said the production is fictionalised, while Pattinson has expressed hope that Hansen will eventually appreciate the movie.

At Venice, Pattinson said there was something “magnetic” about Hansen’s television presence and recalled the challenge of recreating his distinctive mannerisms and voice. The film is among 21 titles competing for the Golden Lion at this year’s Venice Film Festival. Its cast also includes Matthew Maher and Bokeem Woodbine, while Bridgers makes her first feature-film acting appearance. Primetime runs for 110 minutes and is scheduled for a US theatrical release on September 25.