Phoebe Bridgers Makes Acting Debut in 'Primetime' at Venice — SkimNews
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- Phoebe Bridgers made her acting debut in 'Primetime,' which premiered at the Venice International Film Festival on Saturday, with director Lance Oppenheim having cast her as one of the 'To Catch a Predator'-inspired decoys.
- Robert Pattinson, who stars in the film, said he didn't know Bridgers and Oppenheim were friends; when Oppenheim suggested her, Pattinson responded, 'Phoebe Bridgers? Why don't we just get the queen?'
- Bridgers called the experience 'super intimidating' and initially told Oppenheim 'no way,' but said working with 'incredible people' made it 'fun and free' and that she 'just trusted Lance.'
- Pattinson praised Bridgers' performance, calling her 'unbelievable' and noting she 'was so relaxed' and 'completely got the tone' even on the first day of a 'relatively difficult movie.'
- Oppenheim told The Hollywood Reporter he cast Bridgers because her 'incredibly deep, almost baritone speaking voice' — contrasted with her 'angelic singing voice' — seemed perfect for a decoy role, texting her 'this is so random, but I think you are perfect for this part.'
- Oppenheim recently directed Bridgers' music video for 'Lost Boys' and said he had been friends with her before she became a famous musician.
Why it matters: Bridgers' leap from indie musician to acting opposite a major film star — and earning praise as 'unbelievable' in a 'relatively difficult' role on her first day — signals a credible new creative lane for her. Oppenheim's casting rationale, rooted in her unusual vocal contrast, shows the debut was deliberate rather than celebrity stunt casting.
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