Robert Pattinson stars as a fictionalized version of host Chris Hansen in the A24 film Primetime, which received a seven-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival on September 5, according to reporting from outlets including Variety and Deadline. Directed for the screen, the movie dramatizes the investigative stings of the mid-2000s television segment To Catch a Predator.
Venice Film Festival Premiere of Primetime
Pattinson attended the 83rd Venice International Film Festival alongside partner Suki Waterhouse, according to People. Pattinson wore a white suit with a red tie and dark shoes, while Waterhouse wore a green floral dress and sunglasses. During the screening, the film earned a warm and lengthy reaction from the audience, culminating in a seven-minute standing ovation where Waterhouse cheered for Pattinson from the audience, according to People and Variety.
In Primetime, Pattinson plays a fictionalized iteration of Hansen, now 66, during the original broadcast era of To Catch a Predator on Dateline NBC, which ran from 2004 to 2007, as reported by People. The film draws partial inspiration from a 2007 Esquire article titled “Tonight on Dateline, This Man Will Die.” The narrative examines the hidden-camera stings that targeted adults who believed they were meeting minors online.
Subject Response and Production Background
According to People, Chris Hansen was not involved in the production of Primetime and stated that he has not yet seen the finished movie. Hansen criticized the project for utilizing his name and depicting a fictionalized version of his investigative work without consulting him prior to filming.
The BBC awarded the film five stars in its review, describing Pattinson as extraordinary in the demanding lead role. A24 has scheduled the theatrical release of Primetime for September 25.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does Primetime release in theaters? A24 has set the theatrical release date for September 25, according to People.
- Who does Robert Pattinson play in the movie? Pattinson plays a fictionalized version of Chris Hansen, the host of the television segment To Catch a Predator, according to People and Deadline.
- Was Chris Hansen involved in making Primetime? No, Hansen was not involved in the production and has publicly criticized the film for using his name and depicting his work without prior consultation, as reported by People.
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