NOTE:  When post is updated recently added reviews will be highlighted in blue

Here are the initial reviews from the press screening for “Life”.  I always find it interesting how extremely opposite people’s reactions can be.  I’ve included translations that are straightforward via Google or Bing, otherwise I’ll just post the links for the ambiguous ones under “Lost in Translation”.  If anyone wants to translate for us, we would be more than appreciative.

 

THE COOL

Boston Herald:

“Robert Pattinson is perfectly cast as Stock, a man adrift with an ex-wife from a teenage marriage and guilt filled about the young son he never sees.”

Canvas:

“Stock (a show-stealing Robert Pattinson) first meets Dean at an LA party hosted by director Nicholas Ray.”

Cereality (German):

“When choosing his actors, he proves equally good talent. Although many still on the theatrical qualities of Robert Pattinson, despite two films with Director David Cronenberg doubt. He proves a very convincing performance as Dennis Stock, however, and finds a good counterpart in Dane DeHaan.”

Cine Premiere (Mexico)

“Robert Pattinson makes a respectable Dennis Stock.”

Cine-Vue:

“DeHaan and Pattinson are also both terrific, at once elegant and charismatic, yet equally uncomfortable in the skins they inhabit. … This also affords Pattinson time out of the spotlight in one of his strongest roles to date. ”

 

I have added this to The Rover Review Roundup, in case people are wondering why it’s appearing on the site today, but this extensive analysis is a fantastic read.  I’m just extracting the comment about Robert below, but you really need to head on over to FashCam and read the entire article.  It’s more than worth it:

“Along the way he picks up Rey, the brother of one of the car robbers, a seeming dullard, played by Robert Pattinson of Twilight fame. Rey is first presented as Eric’s hostage, ransom for the return of his car but gradually the two begin to carve a partnership necessary to their mutual survival in this uncertain and violent landscape. Rey reveals he and his brother came to Australia from the States to seek mining work, suggesting that some basic industries may still be operative. When Rey later displays the ability to speak Mandarin, we must reassess our opinion about both him and the geopolitics of this world. The part is a breakthrough performance for the actor who brandishes a convincing Southern accent and reveals a depth of emotion in what is one of the most skilfully interiorized and physically nuanced performances of the year, and if the film had been seen by more people, certainly merits awards nominations.”

And this is why Rob choosing indie roles like Rey are so important, for others to actually want to see a film and recognise his talent.  I feel like framing this article.

 

For those who may remember I did separate posts for Aussie, US and UK reviews.  There has been so much praise for Rob in this role (more so than not as I’ve proven below) that I’ve put them all together in this one post.  I’m planning to do this in the future with all of Rob’s films, but I started with The Rover because you all know how close that is to our hearts here at RPAU.  Obviously I might miss a few reviews because yeah I have to actually get off the internet occasionally, but I’ll have a good go at it.  And for the sake of completeness, all reviews will be posted under each movie in our “Films” page and that way it can act as a forum to discuss the film.  Don’t worry I will post reminders when they are updated.  And for fairness we will be posting ALL reviews *grumblegrumble*.  It does seem, however, that the biggest surprise for most in The Rover wasn’t the ending, but Rob.  I’ve also added reviews that I’ve used Google to translate, however, I’m only including the straightforward ones.  For those that are ambiguous, I will include under the heading “Lost in Translation”.  If anyone wants to translate for us, we’d be more than appreciative.

THE COOL

2SER.FM

The Rover creates an atmosphere of hopelessness, punctuated by sharp, sudden violence. The film follows Guy Pearce’s unnamed character as he seeks to get back something that was taken from him. For most of his journey he’s stuck with Rey, played by Robert Pattinson in astounding form. Their relationship is an awkward one, which quickly switches between death threats and saving each others lives, more than once.

I loved this film. The cinematography is stunning, the sound design sets the perfect mood and the acting is brilliant. The breathtaking shots of deserts, mountains and towns make the setting as important a character as any of the actors. [my emphasis]

28DaysLaterAnalysis

“Still, the characters Eric (Guy Pearce) and Rey (Robert Pattinson) keep the film enthralling. The Rover is one post-apocalyptic thriller that offers tension through its minimalist approach to storytelling.”(Overall: 8 out of 10 (an intriguing story with damaged characters, enough conflict, what is the protagonist’s character arc?)

5 Second Review

“Great performances by Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson. Mind you: this is no Twilight.” (Score: 8.5/10)