Robert Pattinson has responded to Chris Hansen’s criticism of his portrayal in Primetime, saying he hopes the former television presenter will regard the film as a compliment.
Pattinson was speaking at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday, where the A24 drama had its world premiere. He plays Hansen in the film, which is inspired by the Dateline NBC investigation To Catch a Predator.
Hansen has described Pattinson’s performance as “overly dramatic”, although he conceded that the actor had produced “a pretty good imitation” in the trailer. He has also complained that the film uses his name, as well as those of former colleagues and family members, in what he considers a largely fictional story.
Asked about the criticism, Pattinson said: “I would hope in some ways, like the amount of inspiration that his character has given so many people who are involved in this film for years now, I hope it’s some kind of compliment.”
The actor said he had not initially intended to play Hansen. He began work on Primetime as a producer but gradually became attached to the role, describing Hansen’s presence on the original programme as “magnetic”.
“Something he’s doing is the reason why people are still talking about that show 20 years later,” Pattinson said. “It’s not to do solely with the subject matter.”
To Catch a Predator was a recurring segment on Dateline NBC in which Hansen confronted adult men who had communicated online with decoys posing as minors. The suspected child molesters were then confronted on camera, often with police involvement.
Hansen was not involved in the making of Primetime and has said he has not seen the finished film. He previously walked out of a private screening after declining to sign a non-disclosure agreement requested by the studio.
Director Lance Oppenheim has said the film explores the pressures and competing ambitions behind the television operation, rather than presenting a straightforward account of Hansen’s life. Primetime is due to open in US cinemas on September 25.
