In 2016 , Pattinson appeared in Paramount Pictures and Plan B Entertainment 's adaptation of '' The Lost City of Z '' , directed by James Gray . Premiered at the New York Film Festival , the film stars Pattinson as British explorer Corporal Henry Costin . Pattinson grew a heavy beard and lost 35 pounds of weight for the film . Earning critical praise for his role , Matt Neg of '' NBP '' described him as " one of the better actors working today " , Keith Uhlich in his review for '' Brooklyn Magazine '' called him " subtle scene-stealer " , and Linda Marric writing for '' Heyuguys '' find his performance " an impressively subtle , yet brilliant . " Pattinson next appeared in the Safdie Brothers ' neo-grindhouse thriller '' Good Time '' , as a bank robber , Connie Nikas , which he has described as a " really hardcore kind of Queens , New York , mentally damaged psychopath , bank robbery movie . " The film premiered in competition at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival and proved to be a turning point in his career . Pattinson 's performance garnered critical acclaim . Guy Lodge of '' Variety '' described it as his " career-peak " , Eric Kohn of '' Indiewire '' called it " his Career-Best " and David Rooney of '' The Hollywood Reporter '' drew comparisons with Al Pacino 's Sonny Wortzik in '' Dog Day Afternoon '' , and ultimately noted it as " his most commanding performance to date . " Pattinson received his first Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Male Lead for his performance in the film
2017 Cannes Film Festival
2017 Cannes Film Festival
Robert Pattinson