Shout-out to Robert Pattinson’s Weird Little Voices

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Mickey Barnes’ voice might be described as a blend of a New Yorker, with hints of a beleaguered high-school nerd, and the mischievousness of a cat trying to enter a forbidden room. This comparison seems fitting as Robert Pattinson modeled the character’s voice in part after Stimpy, the cat from the Ren & Stimpy cartoon. In Mickey 17, Pattinson’s latest vocal endeavor, he delves deeper into unusual and captivating realms, proving that his acting abilities extend far beyond the heartthrob image for which he is famous.

Robert Pattinson skillfully imbues Mickey 17 with a trembling, mournful voice, raising it to resemble a door creaking ominously. Unlike many British actors who attempt an American accent by trying to encompass all 50 states, Pattinson focuses on regional nuances and specificity, such as his New England lilt in “The Lighthouse” and the distinct New York tone in “Good Time.” This approach mirrors his character’s personality. He has demonstrated a wide range in previous roles, such as his high-pitched performance as a corrupt southern preacher in “The Devil All the Time” and his French accent in “The King.” Conversely, he has also shown a lower register when portraying Batman and adopting a California drawl in “Map to the Stars.” With such a diverse range of accents under his belt, it’s intriguing when he plays an English character, as seen in “Tenet” and “The Lost City of Z,” given that his posh British accent feels somewhat unusual, almost as if it were a facade too.

Many actors today are known for their ability to transform their physical appearance and expressions, showcasing unique features to great effect. For instance, Barry Keoghan can dramatically shift a scene with mere shoulder movements, while Rami Malek has carved out a career by subtly over or under-emphasizing his blinks. Some actors, like the physical chameleons, may gain or lose weight, or wear heavy prosthetics for screen roles. However, it’s less common to see an actor using their own body as a ventriloquist might, as if it were a puppet.

While Robert Pattinson has long been trying to move away from the ‘pretty-boy’ image he had in the Twilight movies, he rarely alters his appearance significantly; he may dye his hair or grow a beard, but there’s no mistaking him for anyone else. This is part of what makes him such a captivating screen presence – audiences see him as his characters, not just Robert Pattinson himself.

This is similar to Christian Bale, another Batman, whose voice has been distorted and altered across various roles. In interviews, it’s challenging to recognize his true voice, leading one to wonder if this is yet another facet of the acting craft or simply another persona he adopts.

In “The Boy and the Heron,” a film where Robert Pattinson doesn’t appear physically, he provides an unusual, captivating croak for the heron character in the English dub. The transformation is so complete that one might wonder if it’s truly Pattinson behind that peculiar bird. The animation separates us from Pattinson’s natural charisma and physicality; instead, he channels all his magnetic acting prowess through the heron’s beak.

In an interview with Bong Joon Ho for GQ, Pattinson expressed concern to his director in Mickey 17 that if he feels he’s repeating himself, a director might perceive him as inauthentic. This likely explains why Pattinson strives for distinct vocal tones across different roles. After appearing in five consecutive Twilight films, he aims to keep audiences guessing about his next on-screen persona. The unpredictability is reflected in the script of Mickey 17.

In this future film, scientists have developed a 3D printer capable of producing multiple identical human copies for experimentation. While each Mickey is essentially the same individual, Mickey 17 and his double, Mickey 18, exhibit a power dynamic reminiscent of beta and alpha. As Pattinson explained to Empire, if Mickey 17’s voice resembles Stimpy’s, Mickey 18’s voice is “more like Ren.” By lowering his voice slightly, Pattinson gives the newer Mickey a more assertive, gruff personality. Despite their physical and movement similarities, Mickey 17 experiences fear when looking at Mickey 18, not due to what he sees but rather what he hears. Although Mickey 17 is familiar with his multiple’s appearance, he remains uncertain about what the likeness of him might say next.

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2025-03-13 21:54