“Twilight” star Robert Pattinson’s famous alter-ego, Edward Cullen, has been alive for centuries … but recent photos of the actor in period garb have nothing at all to do with the blood-suckingly popular film franchise.
Instead, Pattinson was photographed on the set of his next drama, “Bel Ami,” which currently is shooting in Budapest. The film is an adaptation of Guy de Maupassant’s 1885 novel, and casts Pattinson as a former soldier who rises up Paris’ social ladder by sleeping with well-to-do women. Pictures of Pattinson on the set showed up this morning on Yahoo’s celebrity blog, OMG!
While discussing the role with MTV, Pattinson told a reporter that “there’s something very mercenary” about the sex scenes he’s conducting with co-star Uma Thurman. He also addressed rumors of an orgy scene in the plot, confirming, “There’s a lot of sex in ['Bel Ami.']”
“Bel Ami” will be co-directed by Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod. Right now, it’s expected in theaters by 2011.
Pattinson needs a breakout role to help distance himself from the “Twilight” franchise. “Remember Me” wasn’t it. “Bel Ami” could prove he’s a mature actor, and not just Edward Cullen. It’s interesting to see certain personalities attempting to separate themselves from the roles that made them famous. This week, we’ll see Miley Cyrus try to put Hannah Montana away so she can act in “The Last Song.” But will fans follow? That’s a question Cyrus, Pattinson and other young actors need to answer if they hope to survive in this fickle industry.
www.hollywoodnews.com
Subject: Robert Pattinson goes retro for “Bel Ami” 
Tue Mar 30, 2010 6:09 pm