Chris Hansen, the host of the controversial television series 'To Catch A Predator,' has described the new film 'Primetime,' starring Robert Pattinson as himself, as "bizarre" and "detached from reality." Hansen shared his immediate reactions after watching the movie, which dramatizes the creation and execution of his sting operation-based show.
"It was so bizarre, and so in and out of reality, it's hard for me... obviously I'm not objective because the character is, you know, me, but it was so detached from reality or anything I've ever experienced, then or now, doing the investigations," Hansen stated in a video posted to his X account. He further questioned the film's purpose, adding, "I'm not sure what the point of it was."
'To Catch A Predator' was a segment on 'Dateline NBC' where Hansen confronted individuals who were allegedly attempting to meet minors, who were in fact adult decoys. The show would typically end with Hansen exposing the sting operation as authorities, positioned nearby, prepared to make an arrest.
The series concluded in 2007 under a cloud of controversy, notably after one of its targets died by suicide as law enforcement approached his home, with Hansen's camera crew present. Throughout its run, the show faced ethical scrutiny regarding the balance between law enforcement objectives and entertainment value.
'Primetime' premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it received a seven-minute standing ovation. Hansen, however, has voiced skepticism about Hollywood's motivations for producing the film. "We don't know, but I'll find out," he remarked on the podcast 'Serialously With Annie Elise,' regarding the producers' intentions.
While Hansen expressed reservations about Pattinson's portrayal, he acknowledged that his family found it to be a "pretty good imitation." He also noted that he had been in discussions for a 'To Catch A Predator' film years prior and had considered Denis Leary as a potential actor to play him.
'Primetime,' directed by Lance Oppenheim, marks the director's first fictional feature film, having previously focused on documentaries such as 'Some Kind of Heaven' and 'Spermworld.' The film, featuring actors including Anna Faris and Phoebe Bridgers, is slated for theatrical release on September 25.