Good Time: 8 Behind-The-Scenes Facts From The Robert Pattinson Movie

A refreshing thriller came to audiences with Good Time. Some would say it is a revamped suspense film reminiscent of works by New York City auteurs like Martin Scorcese and Abel Ferrara. Some viewers rate Good Time as one of the best thrillers of the 2010s.

Some fans might say Good Time presents a unique film that comes together from a variety of different elements. Audiences might wonder what events passed to bring moviegoers the kind of original and authentic thriller that Good Time gives to Hollywood.

Real Cops Were Used For The Mall Chase

Part of Good Time‘s allure comes from its authentic feel. New York natives will notice several sites from the film which were shot on location in landmarks less famous than the Empire State Building in the surrounding areas of the Big Apple.

During one scene, protagonists Connie and Nick run away from the police through a mall in Queens. Movie’n’co UK confirmed that the characters chasing the protagonists were played by real police officers for an added element of realness to the sequence.

Benny Safdie Edited The Movie

Fans of Good Time know Josh and Benny Safdie directed the movie. Furthermore, Benny co-stars as Nick Nikas, brother to Robert Pattinson’s Connie Nikas. However, the directors’ roles in the film don’t end there.

Audiences are perhaps captivated by the Safdies for their hands-on approach to their projects. Josh wrote Good Time with Ronald Bronstein, while Benny edited the film with a collaberator.

One Of The Actors Is An Experienced Thief

Safdie fans might recognize Good Time‘s supporting character Ray from their prior film Heaven Know What. Ray is played by New Yorker and Safdie associate Buddy Duress.

In another example of the Safdies bringing reality to their movies, Duress has experienced the world of crime like his characters. The New York Post reported he has been arrested for theft multiple times, even being stuck in prison during the premiere of Heaven Knows What.

Robert Pattinson’s Hair Fell Out From Bleaching

Robert Pattinson says Good Time gives him some of his favorite movie lines. As such, it’s unsurprising he was dedicated to the filmmakers behind the movie and threw himself into his role.

Pattinson’s hair had to be bleached multiple times for his character, and he is quoted in Young Hollywood saying some of his hair fell out as a result. He says shooting the film was “exhausting,” but that he was determined to work with the Safdies because he knew the project was “special.”

Some Scenes Were Shot In Secret

Good Time was shot on location all over New York City and its surrounding counties on Long Island and in Westchester, helping give the realistic and all-encompassing feel of the area. Furthermore, sometimes the Safdies didn’t give a heads up to the people who they filmed around.

The directors told The New York Times a chase scene filmed at The New World Mall in Queens was shot unbeknownst to the shoppers in the building. Benny said that “that was the best way to capture the energy of the mall.”

Robert Pattinson’s Part Was Written For Him

Good Time is one of Robert Pattinson’s highest-rated movies, and it’s hard to imagine the movie without him starring. It might be surprising to learn that the movie was always meant for him.

Pattinson told Indiewire that when he first met with the Safdies, Good Time had no script. However, when he signed on to work with them after being impressed by their projects, they promised to come back with a script in six weeks. When the time passed, they returned with one.

The Title Comes From Prison Slang

Many fans call Good Time an amazing cerebral crime thriller, and it’s hard to argue that the film doesn’t draw the viewer into a seedy underworld. Furthermore, the title is tied directly with the life of crime.

“Good time” is prison slang. The term means time reduced from a prisoner’s sentence for good behavior while incarcerated. Pattinson’s character Connie is meant to have been let out of prison early for good behavior but heads right back to criminal activity.

The Therapist Is A Lawyer And Represented Two People From The Film

During the opening sequence of the film, audiences are introduced to Nick and his therapist in a session. He also returns at the end of the film. Safdie fans won’t be surprised to learn that the therapist character is played by a working psychiatrist.

Josh Safdie told Dazed that he was arrested while filming, the explanation for the arrest being a “long stupid story.” However, he goes on to say Peter Verby, who plays the therapist, is a criminal defense lawyer and that he represented the director after the movie wrapped. He had also represented Buddy Duress, who plays Ray.

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