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FIRST LOOK

First Look: Robert Pattinson as Salvador Dalí in Little Ashes

by Alex Billington
October 29, 2008
Source: MTV

As much as I hate mentioning Twilight, I can't go about covering this unless I do just that. Twilight star Robert Pattinson (who plays the "adorable" Edward) already has another performance entirely shot and in the can. The film, titled Little Ashes, is about the young life and loves of well-known artist Salvador Dalí, filmmaker Luis Buñuel and writer Federico García Lorca in Madrid during the 1920's. So that makes two different Dalí projects, given this isn't the other biopic starring Al Pacino and Cillian Murphy. Normally I'd pass up writing about this until I knew more, but I'm a fan of Dalí's art and am curious to know more about his life. With that said, MTV has debuted the first few photos from the film.

MTV explains that in the film, Pattinson (also seen in the photo above to the right) plays an 18-year-old Dalí who moves to Madrid where he begins experimenting with the cubist style that launched his young career. Dalí developed his eccentric fashion and the signature mustache during the early years that Little Ashes will portray. Seen in the photos along with him are Matthew McNulty as Luis Buñuel and Javier Beltran as Federico García Lorca. I can't say I know much more about it, but I'll be keeping my eye on it.

Little Ashes is directed by British filmmaker Paul Morrison, of Solomon & Gaenor and Wondrous Oblivion previously, with a script penned by first-time writer Philippa Goslett. The film first premiered at the Raindance Film Festival in the UK a few weeks back and is being distributed in the US by Regent Releasing. No official release date has been set for Little Ashes, but we can expect it to see it play in very limited theaters during the first-half of 2009.

Filed under First Look, Indies, Movie News

From around the web:

Jo

EW also has some other images from the film. I have read some reviews from people who saw the film at Raindance and it sounds fantastic. Here's a description of one scene that was logged on a blog. :- "It begins with a dark cloudy night with Dali and Lorca jumping out of a rowing boat into the ocean. It's so dark they can barely see each other, but then the moon comes out and the whole scene is transformed, both characters look ethereal in the moonlight. The filming follows them as the twist around in the water, it films them from below and above until you can barely tell who's who, in the same way they feel themselves becoming one they become one in the eyes of the audience too. Under the moonlight they share their first kiss, all pretence dropped they are entirely themselves. It is one of the most romantic scenes I have seen. When it cuts back to the scene later in the film there is a powerful feeling of longing for the simple beauty which they shared that night, one which they both know they can never return to."
Jo

Here's another comment which focuses on the moment Dali watches Lorca have sex with a woman: "The sex scene .. is a magnificent scene because the sensuality comes second to the acknowledgement that each of the three characters is suffering in their own personal hell. Dali's eyes are filled with tears and he struggles to understand his powerful reaction to what he is witnessing, Margarita is finally getting the man she wants but feels like she is being used, a toy in someone else's love affair, and Lorca hates himself for using a woman he knows loves and respect him to express his love for another. " It sounds like a quality production.
Chubby O'Toole

sounds like I need to buy another bottle of Jergens and some moist towellettes!!
Tracy

Yes, the reviews from Raindance were outstanding. The three leads--Pattinson, Javier Beltran, and Matthew McNulty--all got raves. Beltran, in particular, is evidently outstanding as the heartbroken Lorca. I am beyond excited for this film, and am happy to see it get some publicity. By the way, Robert Pattinson actually has two films in the can and getting ready for release. The other is the indie How To Be, which is currently doing very well on the film festival circuit and should hopefully get a limited release in 2009 as well. Both roles are *miles* away from Edward Cullen and Twilight. I really can't wait for people to see what he is capable of doing.
c

littleashesrelease.com
samy

I like the Lorca guy but...RPattz looks ridiculous..i'm really disappointed. They should've casted a Spaniard there, wtf??! a British guy for Salvador? *cringes*
Silver

I cannot wait to see this movie. The reviews from those who've seen it, have been amazing.
Aymie Ellen`

Why? He's so ugly in that.
Faryal

I'm hoping to see this film as well as How To Be... I love Salvador Dali's work and find the artist to be extremely intriguing; I'm expecting to see that Robert Pattinson has done him justice.
Krystal

Ok. This is confusing, how can Rob Pattinson look so amazing in twilight, and then they make him GAY in Little Ashes? Girls are going to freak! I'm the biggest twilight fan there is out there, and i'm going to see this movie, but only to go see how horrible they make him look! He's not meant to play in a gay roll. This is ridiculous.
Guy Q

Krystal... Firstly there is nothing wrong with being GAY.. if anything Rob is a very talented actor and playing a GAY character does not make him any less of an actor or GAY for that matter. I'm sure he is comfortable with his sexuality and his fans should praise him for this and not judge him on the characters he portrays. Anywhoo wouldn't it be absolutely fabulous if he was GAY.. PS its role.. not roll.. ok so now i'm just being pedantic
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