Comprehensive roundup of Damsel reviews from film festivals and releases

He’s now pulled a 180 with a hilariously oddball performance in the western comedy “Damsel,” The New York Post

Pattinson quickly (and firmly) establishes himself as the star of the movie., Geek Girl Authority

“Pattinson is a stand-out”, Mr Will Wong

Below will be a roundup of media reviews which will focus on Rob’s performance in Damsel.  In the event that the reviewer fails to mention Rob (because surprisingly that sometimes happens), I will provide an extract of their opinion of the film.  Let’s get started with what to me seems like a positive reaction to Rob’s portrayal of Samuel Alabaster at Damsel’s Sundance world premiere.  Note:  This post will update as the film premieres at film festivals, special screenings and worldwide releases.  I will try my best to denote SPOILERS so I apologise in advance if I inadvertently miss letting you know.  

SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL (JANUARY 2018)

If you want to check out initial reactions at Sundance click HERE

VARIETY (SPOILER WARNING)

The movie that surrounds them unfolds with an invisible wink, yet the pace is so stately and deliberate that at moments one is tempted to call it glacial. The rhythm is no accident; the Zellners know just what they’re doing. (They must be fans of Jim Jarmusch’s “Dead Man.”) Yet “Damsel,” if I’m going to be honest about it, is droll and touching and amusing and a little boring, all at the same time. …

Yet they know how to use a star cast. Robert Pattinson, with a gold tooth where his right incisor should be, hits the perfect drawling note of flaked-out cheer as Samuel Alabaster … Pattinson’s performance is clever enough that we have no problem accepting him as the shambling-dude version of a classic good guy, and then, when the film’s plot turns around on him, that same friendly cracker-barrel face suddenly looks like the image of a man who may have a screw loose.

Sean P Means @moviecricket

#Sundance18 review: “Damsel” (Premieres) ⭐⭐⭐ – The Zellner brothers’ offbeat Western starts in one direction, with Robert Pattinson’s city slicker trying to save his love (Mia Wasikowska), but jumps into something far crazier. The tone shifts are jarring, but rewarding.

SCREEN DAILY

His performance in Damsel isn’t as striking as the ones he delivered in Good Time or Cosmopolis, but he clearly enjoys himself playing a gallant pioneer who may not have the mettle required to thrive in the Old West. Pattinson is very smart playing a not-very-bright guy, never letting the portrayal become one-note.

Robert Pattinson Giving the Performance of his Career in GOOD TIME

 

It features a strong performance from the criminally underrated Robert Pattinson, Collider

[Pattinson] once again demonstrating his capacity and range in a commanding, robust performance, The Hollywood News

Not sure if you’re following my retweets of the initial reaction to the film at Cannes this morning, but to say they are overwhelmingly good is an understatement.  Here’s the first print reactions, I will update regularly so stay tuned.  UPDATE: Here’s the link for LETTERBOXD (currently has positive reviews as at 26 June 2017  – may include spoilers – this will update automatically as users add their reviews)

THE SWEET

The Hollywood Reporter (#Cannes70)

Led by Robert Pattinson giving arguably his most commanding performance to date as a desperate bank robber cut from the same cloth as Al Pacino’s Sonny Wortzik in Dog Day Afternoon, this is a richly textured genre piece that packs a visceral charge in its restless widescreen visuals and adrenalizing music, which recalls the great mood-shaping movie scores of Tangerine Dream.

Variety (#Cannes70)

Robert Pattinson hits a career high in Benny and Josh Safdie’s nervy, vivid heist thriller, which merges messy humanity with tight genre mechanics. … A career-peak performance from Robert Pattinson, as a scuzzy Queens bank robber on a grimly spiraling mission to break his mentally handicapped brother out of jail, will attract more eyeballs to this A24 release than the rest of the Safdies’ oeuvre combined, though this “Good Time” is still no commercial picnic. Rather, it’s exciting proof of its makers’ ability to chafe and challenge audiences in a growing range of registers.

Indiewire (#Cannes70)

The actor is astonishing in the Safdies’ rambunctious heist thriller, which takes place in a single frantic New York night. … This time, Pattinson provides the propulsive energy that makes the whole apparatus churn. Pushing beyond the muted roles for which he’s best known, the actor transforms into a vain, reckless character driven against impossible odds.

Weekly update of all career news for Robert Pattinson

We celebrated Robert’s birthday yesterday. How is he 31 already – it feels like yesterday that this 21 year old was filming Little Ashes and How To Be. Time flies they say … and it looks like we’re getting a present on Tuesday (or possibly Wednesday our time). GOOD TIME: The lucky fans in the US will see Good Time before we even see The Lost City of Z (still gutted it somehow missed the cut of the Sydney Film Festival). Brazil however may not get the film until mid April/May 2018. We did get 2 new stills of Connie Nikas and the promise of a trailer. I’m so ready. Some may have seen the theatrical poster – I thought A24 had gone live, they hadn’t – so I’ve deleted the post – but The Film Stage has tweeted so take a look. Don’t know if they have received that officially since it’s all over the internet.  All in GOOD TIME though – we will no doubt see what they want us all to see on Tuesday including official social media. How about those great BTS photos thanks to American Liberty Bail Bonds. I couldn’t believe they’ve been on the internet since April and noone had found them. PAW shared a great interview in Cahier du Cinema which gives us the most information about the film to date.I’m sure I’m not the only person googling Japanese toilets. THE LOST CITY OF Z: Gorgeous photo of Robert talking to James Gray. Estonia finally got on board and is releasing the film. Argentina brought their release date forward and lucky Kiwis will see the film as part of the New Zealand International Film Festival in July/August. Cinemania Spain did a little feature in their May issue as did American Cinematrographer.  Thanks Posh. DIOR: Love the pic used in L’Uomo Vogue. HIGH LIFE: PAW again shared Cahier du Cinema’s interview with Claire Denis who had some great words about Robert. IN OTHER NEWS: I came across a great comment from We Are Movie Geeks about Robert “Anchored by a career-defining performance from Robert Pattinson, GOOD TIME is a psychotic symphony of propulsive intensity crafted by two of the most exciting young directors working today.” *clapshands*.  CineArt have also updated their website confirming the 14 September 2017 release date in the Netherlands. Suze spoilt us with some Rover reminiscing and a wonderful tribute for Robert’s birthday. GQ Style USA gave us some lovely Robert quotes about A24. And Vertigo teased you all with some hard choices for the June choice of 12 Months of Robert. COMING UP NEXT WEEK: The Netherlands can watch Life on Film1, Japan is releasing The Childhood of a Leader on Bluray/DVD on 17 May 2107 and we’re finally getting a Good Time trailer.  See you next week!

GOOD TIME

Release Dates, Distributors & Film Festivals:  US | Brazil

2 New Stills of Connie Nikas

MAGAZINES:  THR “GOOD TIME … could cement them as leaders of next wave of American indies” | Cinema Teaser (France)

Cannes Screening Schedule: 25 & 26 May 2017

Film Update: “Good Time” Trailer Coming Next Tuesday Via .@A24

Weekly round up of career news for Robert Pattinson

 

Not surprising that The Lost City of Z monopolises most of the news for a second week and I have a new favourite promotional still of Henry Costin. THE LOST CITY OF Z: More film festivals and a special screening in London on 35mm no less with David Grann introducing. I also tweeted some links to free screenings in the UK here and here in the UK.  There’s a preview screening in Ireland at Gate Cinema (Cork) on 21 March 2017 and the Irish Times and Entertainment.ie are giving you a chance to win tickets. I also like SpikeIslandCorks’ use of Jules’ edit.  I see so many people using them which is not surprising since Jules should be commissioned to help with all of Robert’s artwork. A new 60 second trailer (which some movie sites are calling new international trailer #2) – I love you Henry Costin beard and all. Oops I said that out loud. Fabulous new UK theatrical poster which I mistook as just a new Irish poster at the time. I’ve also updated the movie reviews with great comments about Robert like this one “Pattinson who pursues his career in an interesting way & who finds here a solid 2nd astonishing role”.  Taiwan has finally added a release date – June it is. TF1 spoilt us with some behind the scenes footage of Robert filming in Colombia. That was a treat. Hope that is included as extras on the DVD/Bluray when it comes out. DAMSEL: Chris Ohlson who is coproducing with Nathan Zellner gave us a sneaky update. IN OTHER NEWS: Aidan Monoghan claims it was a privilege to work on the film – I think the privilege is all ours.  Aidan also posted a photo of promo in the London underground.  The Safdies tell fans to be patient and watch A24 closely for any news on Good Time. Jules amazing edits for LCOZ here and here. COMING UP NEXT WEEK:  The Lost City of Z will be officially released in France and Belgium; BFI Southbank has a special screening introduced by David Grann on 15 March ; there’s a special screening of The Childhood of a Leader at the Mermaid Arts Centre on 13 March 2017 and tickets for DIFF17 go on sale to the public on 16 March 2017. Hope I haven’t missed anything – but I’ll tweet it if I have. See you next week – can’t wait to see what it brings.

THE LOST CITY OF Z

Distributors, Release Dates & Film Festivals: Zeeuws-Vlaanderen FF (Netherlands)  | Festival Passion Cinéma – Ajaccio (Corsica) | London (BFI) | Fontenay-Le-Comte FF | Taiwan | MSPIFF (US) | Wisconsin FF

Movie Reviews *Updated*

*NEW* Irish Poster + Preview Screening at Gate Cinema, Cork *win tickets*

 

It seemed to be a slow start to the week and then … KAPOW – we had some intriguing updates. THE CHILDHOOD OF A LEADER:  I love how many film festivals have screened this film.  We can now add Cologne and Helsinki to the mix.  There are still plenty of UK cinemas adding screenings so check out our UK guide to keep you up to date. Lucky Swedes can now rent the film at TriArt. Ukranian fans will get to see the film on 29 September instead of 22 – which will keep them busy as it is the release day as Queen of the Desert.  I’ve added  a few more reviews to our international roundup post. THE LOST CITY OF Z:  NYFF are currently going to have six screenings – wonder if they will add more.  Exciting for those attending – 3 of the screenings are available for purchase and I understand the other 3 have standby available.  Still no news on which “talent” will be appearing at the premiere.  I know we are all hoping Robert will attend, but I do understand that it is Charlie’s film (even Bleeker Street is pushing that) which if we’re honest it is fair enough.  IDOL’S EYE:  During TIFF Oliver Assayas mentioned a film shut down that may be back on track – Idol’s Eye anyone. QUEEN OF THE DESERT:  I saw a mention from Cassian Elwes that the US would be seeing the film at the end of this year and that they now have a new distributor.  Interesting.  Thanks to Rhonda for finding out that interesting info.  Bulgaria will also get to see the film in December – finally. GOBLET OF FIRE: Imagine my surprise when I came across a “new” limited edition bluray/dvd for preorder.  I’m in. IN OTHER NEWS:  Collider did a great write up on Claire Denis films and they are stoked waiting for High Life.  You’re not alone there Brian – not alone. Michelle teasing us again with her October choices for 12 months of Rob – it was a no brainer for me but still not an easy choice.  For those wondering about what happened to Robert’s GO Campaign birthday page – thanks to Posh we know it was a glitch with the launch of their website.  All is back on track now – so donate if you can.  The Style Council Paris posted a few Dior Rob pics on their instagram calling Robert iconic (well that’s how I read it ha!).  What’s coming up next week – if you’re in the UK you can see The Childhood of a Leader at Ultimate Picture Palace, The Duke Lancaster, Prince Charles Cinema, Institut Français du Royaume-Uni, Barn Cinema and The Courtyard (Hereford) – so plenty of  opportunities to see a screening.  Can’t wait to see what next week brings …

THE CHILDHOOD OF A LEADER

Release Dates, Special Screenings & Film Festivals:  Cologne FF | Helsinki FF | Ukraine

UK Cinemas screening The Childhood Of A Leader *Updated* (Chichester Cinema At New Park, The Station Cinema & Prince Charles Cinema, Ultimate Picture Palace, The Duke Lancaster and Bideford Cinema (North Devon) added)

Sweden:  Rent The Childhood of a Leader at TriArt

Movie Reviews Updated *17 September 2016*

A quieter week this week, or so I thought until the last 24 hours.  Here’s what we found out this week.  THE CHILDHOOD OF A LEADER:  Monday in Australia seems to be The Childhood of a Leader news day. Not sure whether this is 100% accurate, but I came across a mention of an 11 August UK release date. Time will tell I guess. It is having it’s UK premiere though in July at the Edinburgh Film Festival.  How exciting for Jules.  The film is now screening and/or competing in 7 film festivals with the addition of Switzerland, Russia, Scotland and Spain (Majorca).  I guess that explains the possible release date for Spain that I found on Filmin seeing as the Atlantida Film Festival is both online and physical. What about the bonanza of stills – I’m going to ignore that spoilerish one *zipslips*. Thanks Sally & Posh. I tweeted a reminder that tickets are now available for the NY premiere. I updated the Champs-Élysées Film Festival post as they updated their Facebook with an event page for Brady’s Masterclass which also confirmed that it will be followed with a screening of the film (although we already knew the date of time of the screening). LIFE: Netflix will be screening the film in the US from 29 June.  I tweeted that Life is now available on Filmin (Spain) and if you are a subscriber you can see Cosmopolis, Little Ashes and Bel Ami. LOST CITY OF Z: So many of us vying for that job, but Sue I’d love to be paid for just staring. In fact I think we could all just be volunteers for that role. No salary required. QUEEN OF THE DESERT: I tweeted a link to the subtitled Thai trailer. Amazon Italy have finally updated with preorder links.  They also confirmed the July release date I posted about a few weeks ago. I updated the movie reviews as some Australian reviews are trickling in plus how could I go past comments like “[Pattinson] in a fairly small but effective role”.  We should see more coming through next week as there is one more media screening early in the week. I love that Transmission Films has gotten into the QotD spirit with their Twitter and Facebook logos. Fans in Plymouth (UK) are being treated to a free screening in July. I love free screenings *cough*. We also found out that the film will close the Atlantida Film Festival in Spain – that’s two Robert movies at the one festival.  See sometimes patience does pay off. #WeGOForRob:  How lovely of Rob to say thank you. DIOR: Wowza those pics in UHQ – thank you Posh.  Thank you! And if they weren’t good enough we got the BTS video and then a slightly extended version. I agree Sue why don’t they just give us the entire film they did on the day – you know they want to.  Happy Days! IN OTHER NEWS:  Simon Emmett’s photoshoot is on my list of faves (well all photoshoots really), so I love it when I come across untagged versions. Michelle is keeping us up to date on Robert’s films screening on FOXTEL. Lakeshore Records did a Throwback Thursday to The Rover soundtrack and Maps to the Stars is screening on Cinemax|HBO from today until 30 June – which is good considering what a small release it had. Well I think that’s it for this week – hope next week brings us a few more good surprises. I love Robert surprises. Until then …

THE CHILDHOOD OF A LEADER

Release Dates, Special Screenings & Film Festivals:  UK | |Bildraush FF (Switzerland) |  Zarkolo Film Festival (Russia) & Screening date & times  | Edinburgh International FF | Spain | Atlantida Film Festival | Champs-Élysées Film Festival Brady Corbet Masterclass info

New Promotional Stills (Includes link to *Spoiler*)