Primetime Review: Robert Pattinson Shines in an Intriguing Yet Uneven Film
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Primetime Review: Robert Pattinson Shines in an Intriguing Yet Uneven Film
Primetime movie review covering Robert Pattinson's performance, Lance Oppenheim's direction, and the film's uneven writing.
Directed by Lance Oppenheim, Primetime is set in 2006 and tells the story of ambitious NBC television journalist Chris Hansen (Robert Pattinson), the host of To Catch A Predator. With producer Andie Bender (Merritt Wever) and Xavier Von Erck (Matthew Maher), the leader of the online civilian vigilante group Perverted-Justice, Chris introduces a format where suspected online child predators are lured to suburban decoy homes rigged with hidden surveillance cameras. Twenty-three-year-old Dan Plumb (Skyler Gisondo) joins the team as a decoy passing off as a minor. After impressing NBC bosses with high ratings, the show secures a coveted primetime slot, bringing increased pressure and scrutiny.
Adapted from Luke Dittrich's 2007 Esquire article Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die, the film features a story by Ajon Singh inspired by real-life events. Lance Oppenheim directs with a stylish approach, incorporating aesthetics from 2000s investigative television shows, including CRT monitor blues, VHS tones, surveillance footage, extreme close-ups, and a 1.50:1 aspect ratio. However, the screenplay is a mixed bag with uneven writing, a niche narrative style, an unengaging personal life track for Chris, and an abrupt finale.
Robert Pattinson delivers a nuanced and effective performance that successfully conveys Chris's cold narcissism and lust for ratings. Skyler Gisondo gives a fantastic performance in a crucial part, while Merritt Wever and Matthew Maher leave a huge mark. Phoebe Bridgers (Del Harvey) and Anna Faris (Mary, Chris's wife) have limited scope. The film also features sinister music by Ari Balouzian, unique cinematography by David Bolen, realistic production design by Alex DiGerlando, realistic costumes by Alex Bovaird, and functional editing by Daniel Garber.
Source: Bollywood Hungama - Movie Reviews
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