A new film called“Primetime”is hitting theaters September 25, and it’s taking on one of the most talked-about TV phenomena of the 2000s:“To Catch a Predator.”Directed by Lance Oppenheim, the movie stars Robert Pattinson as a fictionalized, deeply unflattering version of Chris Hansen, portrayed as a narcissistic crusader driven by fame as much as justice.
The film doesn’t just rehash the show’s greatest hits. It dives into the ethical problems that plagued the operation, including a suicide that was turned into an episode. Skyler Gisondo plays a conflicted decoy named Dan, and Merritt Wever co-stars as a producer. The real decoy from the show, Dan Schrack, has since expressed regrets about his involvement, which adds another layer to the story.
Chris Hansen is reportedly furious about how he’s depicted. Whether you think the movie is fair or not, it’s sparking a bigger conversation about where journalism ends and entertainment begins, especially when real people’s lives are on the line. Are you planning to see“Primetime”? Let us know what you think.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.