It's no stretch to say that Robert Pattinson is taking a huge step forward in the film world in this week's "Cosmopolis." The man better known as Edward Cullen is being directed by one of Hollywood's finest, David Cronenberg, in a movie that's getting some of the best reviews of his career. One even called the film a "game-changer" for the star, and that's something Pattinson has had difficulties coming to terms with.
Pattinson told MTV News during "MTV First: Robert Pattinson" that he knew the first sign of change was coming when Cronenberg told him that he wanted him for the part of Eric Packer. The "Twilight" star's at first couldn't grasp why he would be the actor chosen for such a challenging part.
"That was one of my first questions. 'What do you see in me? Why? Why? Why are you hiring me?'" Pattinson said. "Cronenberg is one of those people when you're asked who you want to work with, he doesn't even come into my head. Because that's like saying, 'Want to work with Orson Welles?'"
Still, Pattinson hasn't let his involvement with Cronenberg or the good "Cosmopolis" reviews go to his head. Instead, he's looking to keep himself challenged with a role in Werner Herzog's "Queen of the Desert" as Lawrence of Arabia.
"I think as soon as you feel validated, you're a bad actor," Pattinson said. "You have to constantly feel that there's a 99% chance of failure. Total failure. Devastating failure. You should feel like every single job is the potential which you're never going to get another again. Not in a bad way -- you should feel good about it, because then you're in it. It's all about living in the present."
That doesn't mean Pattinson isn't pleased with the good response, though.
"It's a relief not to get sh-- on. I've had a lot of sh-- on my end," he said with a laugh. "You get those first few reviews and it's [a sigh of relief]. And after then you start desperately seeking out the bad ones."
"Cosmopolis" opens in limited release today.
Do you think Pattinson has matured as an actor? Let us know in the comments section below or on Twitter!
