Robert Pattinson is having quite the year, starring in major films and taking on new roles. His latest project, Primetime, sees him portraying the real-life host of the American TV show To Catch a Predator, which aired from 2004 to 2007 and focused on hunting alleged child abusers. For Pattinson, who became a father almost three years ago, the film's plot resonates deeply.
“"It's both the most terrifying thing that can happen to you, whether you're a parent, or even if you're not," he told BBC News at the film's screening at the London Film Festival. "It's the most unimaginable sin possible," he added.
A Complex Legacy
The new A24 crime thriller depicts NBC journalist Chris Hansen conducting sting operations on would-be predators. While the show was a ratings hit, it raised questions about the boundaries between investigative journalism, police activity, and reality television.
Reflecting on the show's complicated legacy, Pattinson stated:
“"The show was this kind of microcosm of saying, 'oh, we can do something about [child abuse], and we can do something about it really, really, really quickly.' And in some ways, that's correct, but it also makes for incredibly powerful TV, and that's when it gets into slightly dicey territory."
