Pattinson's 'Primetime' Smashes Box Office and Infuriates Chris Hansen

Lance Oppenheim's debut narrative feature, "Primetime," offers a profound and unconventional exploration of the 2000s television phenomenon "To Catch a Predator." Robert Pattinson, in a performance hailed as one of his career's best, delivers a memorable portrayal of Chris Hansen, the enigmatic host of the controversial program. The film, which deftly blends dark comedy and psychological thriller elements, delves into themes of vigilante justice, the commodification of true crime as entertainment, and the moral complexities inherent in such pursuits. Oppenheim's extensive background in documentary filmmaking, including projects on Florida retirement communities and the upcoming Elizabeth Holmes documentary with Nathan Fielder, positions him uniquely to craft this untraditional and incisive portrait.

The narrative of "Primetime" extends beyond Hansen's story, deeply immersing viewers in the journey of Dan Plumb (Skyler Gisondo), a young, earnest, and naive aspiring actor preparing to audition as one of the show's decoy actors. With his boyish looks and ability to alter his voice, Plumb is deemed a perfect fit by producer Andie Bender (Merritt Wever) and quickly thrust into the abnormal and demanding environment. While he initially thrives, the sheer lack of emotional support and adequate preparation takes a significant toll on him, leading to emotional and moral struggles. Concurrently, Hansen and Bender grapple with their own challenges as the show's skyrocketing ratings lead NBC to move it to a coveted primetime slot, pitting them against established competition like ABC’s "Lost." This success, however, brings immense pressure to escalate the profile of their catches, sowing discord within the production team. Hansen's personal life also unravels, marked by his wife's (Anna Faris) frustration over his prolonged absence and infidelity, a subplot that, while considered the least compelling, contributes to his deteriorating state of mind.

The film is celebrated for its exceptional performances. Robert Pattinson's depiction of Chris Hansen is particularly noteworthy; his often bizarre and unpredictable choices are authentic to the character he creates, reflecting Hansen's self-perception as a hero while subtly exposing his unhinged and ultimately pathetic core. Pattinson's full commitment allows him to completely disappear into the over-the-top personality. Skyler Gisondo shines as the heart, soul, and conscience of the story, delivering a subtle and vulnerable performance that serves as a perfect foil to Pattinson's domineering presence. Gisondo's unflinching optimism makes his character impossible not to root for, portraying him as a fish out of water among sharks, both the predators he’s meant to trap and the opportunistic producers prioritizing ratings over his well-being. Phoebe Bridgers makes an impressive acting debut as a fellow decoy, driven by her belief in the cause rather than acting ambitions, convincingly portraying both underage girls and boys. Merritt Wever, known for elevating any project, infuses producer Andie Bender with depth, portraying her as a silent, cunning manipulator who, despite her ethically shady actions, is addicted to the chaos of the show rather than being a straightforward villain.

Visually, "Primetime" is a striking departure from contemporary cinematic norms, favoring intense practical lighting and high saturation over flat, dark aesthetics. Director Oppenheim utilized approximately 25 different cameras, contributing to a diverse visual palette that ranges from grainy security footage to surrealist sequences. Editor Daniel Garber seamlessly weaves these distinct looks into a moving collage, creating a film that often feels like a riveting fever dream. The score, composed by Ari Balouzian, is an eclectic mix of period-appropriate needle drops and original music that blends smooth, nostalgic jazz with heart-pounding, dissonant percussion, acting as both a tone poem and a guiding force through the film’s sharp shifts. Alex DiGerlando’s production design and Alex Bovaird’s costuming meticulously capture the essence of 2006, further enhancing the film's immersive quality. Despite a slight drag in the third act, the film maintains its intrigue and ultimately sticks the landing, proving Oppenheim's talent extends far beyond the documentary realm.

Upon its release, "Primetime" generated significant buzz, including a seven-minute ovation at its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. However, the film drew a notable reaction from the real Chris Hansen. Initially, Hansen expressed displeasure, describing Robert Pattinson’s impression as “overly dramatic” and leaving A24 offices without viewing the film due to legal agreement issues. After eventually seeing it, Hansen characterized the film as “bizarre and so in-and-out of reality,” finding it “detached from reality or anything I’ve experienced” during his investigations, and questioned its overall point. A24 has clarified that the film is “inspired by true events” rather than being a strict biopic. Pattinson, for his part, expressed hope that Hansen would eventually appreciate the portrayal, viewing the character's inspiration as a form of compliment. At the box office, "Primetime" made a strong debut with $2.7 million in previews and was projected to earn $17 million to $20 million in its opening weekend, contending with major releases like "Avengers: Endgame Encore," "Heart of the Beast," and "Resident Evil."