Teen heart-throb Robert Pattinson stars in his third Hollywood hype Remember Me opposite Lost’s Aussie, Emilie de Ravin. Not to be confused with Melvyn Bragg’s novel, this romantic drama set in New York paints a sentimental image of love, loss and learning.
The Plot
Tyler Hawkins (Robert Pattinson), a troubled, brooding, young adult lives introspectively, avoiding direction of any sort. With his tobacco-tainted vision, he sees little else besides his younger sister, Caroline (Ruby Jerins) his shabby apartment shared with best friend Aidan (Tate Ellington), and a morning ritual of pensive journal-writing in a particular cafe.
Since the loss of his elder brother, Tyler has lacked control of his emotions and after getting himself inappropriately involved in a spontaneous street fight, he is hurled into jail by police officer Neil Craig (Chris Cooper). Having been bailed out by wealthy father Charles Hawkins (Pierce Brosnan), with whom Tyler has a bitter, awkward relationship, Aidan convinces Tyler to manipulate Ally Craig (Emilie de Ravin) after discovering she is the officer’s daughter.
Initially Tyler is reluctant, though he finds an unexpected comfort in her company and the contrasting personalities heal each other by sharing their wounded childhood and loneliness. While the young pair rapidly develop a passionate relationship, specific people and events cause enough turmoil for both Ally and Tyler to question themselves and one another.
The Thoughts
I was admittedly sceptical to see this film, though after some convincing I tiptoed into a virtually empty hall and felt relieved that the only others were a scarce handful of mature couples, along with the odd lonesome soul. As I orally crushed my M&M Peanuts, I began to shift in my seat as a swarm of females, some in large groups; others in couples, filled the once peaceful hall within minutes. By the time the film had started, I could actually count the number of empty seats. I looked around and realised somewhat ashamedly that I was one of those many, many females.
Remember Me started with a heartbeat-skipping opening scene concerning Ally’s mother, which I was impressed with considering my assumption of a fairly generic romantic drama. Nevertheless, as the scene switched over to the “dreaded” Robert Pattinson, I rolled my eyes at his awkward attempt to play the lost, unruly, and emotional Tyler Hawkins. The physicality was perfect; the character, dull.
Astonishingly I found the character of Ally, played by a fresh-faced Emilie de Ravin, more intriguing than her male counterpart. Rather than resembling a sentimental mess, she came across as strong, free-spirited and very charismatic, proving able to look after herself and her father effortlessly. Contrasting “wet blanket” Tyler, she brought vivacity and significance to his gloomy days of cigarette fumes and empty beer bottles, and after a few scenes of bantering and sexual tension, I warmed to their chemistry and began rooting for their relationship.
I was, however, yet disappointed by the bizarre outbursts of emotion which Pattinson had so awkwardly endeavoured to convey; though his skill as an actor had slightly improved since cringing in the Twilight saga, the general lack of experience and control is almost palpable. Although the script was embedded with clichés, for the majority I considered it appropriate; taking into account the situation of the two lovers, and ultimately the genre of the film.
The most appalling descent was the final scene – just when I had reluctantly admit to myself that I may have enjoyed the film, I threw in the towel and left the oestrogen-heavy cinema hall shaking my head at the director’s low attempt at shamefully incorporating American propaganda; a manifestation that was ridiculously irrelevant in its context.
The Film Buzz Review Rating: 6/10
UK Release Date: 2 April 2010
Director: Allen Coulter
Writer: Will Fetters
Links: IMDB, Official Site
