Director Lance Oppenheim’s “Primetime” offers a disturbing examination of television host Chris Hansen through Robert Pattinson’s transformative performance. The film explores Hansen’s role in the popular “To Catch a Predator” segments, which transitioned from NBC’s “Dateline” to its own primetime slot in 2006, competing directly against ABC’s “Lost.” As ratings pressure mounts, Hansen becomes increasingly obsessed with boosting viewership numbers, leading him to make increasingly questionable decisions.
The narrative follows Hansen as his personal life deteriorates, with his marriage faltering and his infidelities threatening exposure by tabloid journalists. Meanwhile, his producer Andie considers leaving for a competing network, and a new decoy named Dan struggles to balance aspirations of acting stardom with his uncomfortable role on the show. The situation intensifies when Hansen learns of a potentially high-profile target in Texas and pursues the story at any cost.
Pattinson delivers a remarkable portrayal, capturing both Hansen’s distinctive physical mannerisms and his carefully rehearsed speech patterns with unsettling precision. The cinematography employs a claustrophobic 4:3 format with grainy, saturated imagery that creates an intensely uncomfortable viewing experience. An ensemble cast including Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, and Anna Faris supports Pattinson’s central performance, while sharp editing by Daniel Garber and an unsettling score enhance the film’s horror-movie atmosphere.
Originally reported by Variety →
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