Why do stools float sometimes. What causes floating poop. When should you be concerned about floating stools. How can you prevent floating stools. What medical conditions are associated with floating poop.

The Science Behind Floating Stools: What Makes Poop Float

Floating stools, while often harmless, can sometimes be an indicator of underlying health issues. But what exactly causes poop to float? The primary culprit is usually excess gas in the stool. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not typically due to fat content.

Research has shown that when floating stools are degassed, they weigh the same as sinking stools. This finding suggests that trapped gas, rather than fat, is responsible for the buoyancy of floating poop.

Common Causes of Excess Gas in Stools

• High-fiber diets rich in fruits and vegetables
• Swallowing air while eating or drinking
• Consumption of gas-producing foods
• Certain digestive conditions

Is a high-fiber diet bad for you if it causes floating stools? Not necessarily. While a diet rich in fiber can lead to increased gas production and consequently floating stools, fiber is essential for digestive health and overall well-being. The key is to maintain a balanced diet and pay attention to any persistent changes in your stool characteristics.

Medical Conditions Associated with Floating Stools

While floating stools are often benign, they can sometimes be a symptom of underlying medical conditions. One such condition is steatorrhea, which occurs when there’s excess fat in the stool due to malabsorption issues.

Conditions That May Cause Steatorrhea

1. Celiac disease
2. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
3. Cystic fibrosis
4. Chronic pancreatitis
5. Small intestine diseases (e.g., tropical sprue, Whipple disease)
6. Bile acid deficiency

Can floating stools be a sign of a serious health problem? While not always indicative of a severe issue, persistent floating stools accompanied by other symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Other conditions that may cause floating stools include gastrointestinal infections and malabsorption disorders.

When to Consult a Doctor: Red Flags in Floating Stools

While occasional floating stools are generally not a cause for concern, certain symptoms accompanying floating poop warrant medical attention. These red flags can indicate more serious underlying conditions that require professional evaluation and treatment.

Concerning Symptoms to Watch For

• Foul-smelling, sticky stools
• Blood in the stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or discomfort

Should you see a doctor for smelly, sticky stools? Yes, if your floating stools are consistently foul-smelling and sticky, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider. These characteristics can indicate nutrient malabsorption, which may be caused by various conditions such as damage to the small intestine, pancreatic enzyme deficiency, liver disease, or HIV/AIDS.

Understanding Blood in Floating Stools: Causes and Implications

The presence of blood in floating stools is a serious concern that requires immediate medical attention. Blood in the stool can manifest as bright red streaks, maroon-colored stool, or black, tarry stools, depending on the source of bleeding within the digestive tract.

Potential Causes of Bloody Stools

1. Anal fissures or hemorrhoids
2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis)
3. Gastrointestinal cancers
4. Diverticulitis
5. Peptic ulcers
6. Polyps in the colon or rectum

How urgent is it to seek medical help for bloody stools? If you notice blood in your stool, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, fever, or significant weight loss, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. In cases of severe bleeding (large amounts of blood or black, tarry stools), emergency medical care is necessary.

Diagnostic Approaches for Floating Stools

When you consult a healthcare provider about floating stools, they will likely employ a combination of diagnostic methods to determine the underlying cause. The diagnostic process typically begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination.

Common Diagnostic Procedures

• Stool analysis
• Blood tests
• Imaging studies (e.g., CT scan, MRI)
• Endoscopic procedures (e.g., colonoscopy, upper endoscopy)
• Breath tests for malabsorption

What questions might a doctor ask about floating stools? Your healthcare provider will likely inquire about the duration and frequency of floating stools, associated symptoms, recent dietary changes, and your overall medical history. Providing detailed and accurate information can greatly assist in reaching an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment and Prevention Strategies for Floating Stools

The treatment approach for floating stools depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, especially when floating stools are diet-related, simple lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. However, if a medical condition is responsible, targeted treatment will be necessary.

Dietary Modifications to Reduce Floating Stools

1. Gradually increase fiber intake to allow your digestive system to adjust
2. Stay hydrated to support proper digestion
3. Limit consumption of gas-producing foods
4. Eat slowly and avoid talking while eating to reduce air swallowing
5. Consider keeping a food diary to identify trigger foods

Are there specific foods to avoid if you have frequent floating stools? While individual responses can vary, some common gas-producing foods to limit include:

• Beans and lentils
• Carbonated beverages
• Dairy products (if lactose intolerant)
• Artificial sweeteners
• Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower

Monitoring Your Digestive Health: The Importance of Stool Awareness

Maintaining awareness of your bowel habits and stool characteristics is an essential aspect of overall health management. Regular monitoring can help you detect changes early and seek timely medical attention if needed.

Key Aspects to Monitor in Your Stools

• Consistency and form
• Color
• Frequency of bowel movements
• Presence of mucus or blood
• Associated symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain, bloating)

How can you effectively track changes in your bowel habits? Consider keeping a simple log or using a smartphone app to record your bowel movements, noting any significant changes or concerns. This information can be invaluable when discussing your digestive health with a healthcare provider.

Floating Stools in Different Age Groups: From Infants to Elderly

The significance and implications of floating stools can vary across different age groups. Understanding these differences is crucial for appropriate health management and timely medical intervention when necessary.

Floating Stools in Infants and Children

In infants and young children, floating stools are often normal and can be attributed to their diet. Breast milk, for instance, contains enzymes that can lead to frothy, floating stools. However, persistent floating stools in combination with other symptoms like poor weight gain or developmental delays may warrant further investigation.

Floating Stools in Adults

For adults, occasional floating stools are generally not a cause for concern. However, persistent floating stools, especially when accompanied by other digestive symptoms, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. In some cases, they may indicate malabsorption issues or other digestive disorders.

Floating Stools in the Elderly

In older adults, floating stools may be more significant due to the increased risk of digestive disorders and malabsorption issues associated with aging. Careful monitoring and regular health check-ups are particularly important in this age group.

Do the causes of floating stools differ among age groups? While the basic mechanisms remain the same, the underlying causes and their frequency can vary. For example, lactose intolerance may be a more common cause in adults and older children, while dietary factors might play a larger role in infants and young children.

The Role of Gut Microbiome in Stool Characteristics

Recent research has highlighted the crucial role of the gut microbiome in overall health, including its influence on stool characteristics. The diverse community of microorganisms in our digestive tract plays a significant part in breaking down food, producing gases, and affecting stool consistency.

Factors Influencing Gut Microbiome

• Diet
• Antibiotic use
• Stress levels
• Sleep patterns
• Environmental factors

Can probiotics help with floating stools? While research is ongoing, some studies suggest that probiotics may help reduce gas production and improve overall digestive health. However, the effectiveness can vary depending on the individual and the specific probiotic strain used. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Floating Stools and Digestive System Disorders

While floating stools are often benign, they can sometimes be a symptom of various digestive system disorders. Understanding these potential connections can help in early detection and management of underlying conditions.

Digestive Disorders Associated with Floating Stools

1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
2. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
3. Pancreatic insufficiency
4. Gallbladder disorders
5. Celiac disease

How can you differentiate between benign floating stools and those indicative of a digestive disorder? The key lies in paying attention to additional symptoms and the persistence of floating stools. If floating stools are accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, or changes in appetite, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.

Nutritional Implications of Floating Stools

Floating stools can sometimes indicate issues with nutrient absorption, which can have significant implications for overall health and nutrition. Understanding these potential connections is crucial for maintaining optimal health and addressing any underlying issues.

Nutrients Commonly Affected in Malabsorption

• Fats
• Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
• B12
• Iron
• Calcium

Can floating stools lead to nutritional deficiencies? If floating stools are due to malabsorption issues, there is a risk of developing nutritional deficiencies over time. This is particularly true for fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids. Regular medical check-ups and blood tests can help detect and address any nutritional imbalances early.

Lifestyle Factors Influencing Stool Characteristics

Various lifestyle factors can significantly impact digestive health and, consequently, stool characteristics. Understanding these influences can help individuals make informed choices to promote optimal digestive function.

Key Lifestyle Factors Affecting Digestion

1. Diet composition and timing
2. Hydration levels
3. Physical activity
4. Stress management
5. Sleep quality and duration

How does exercise affect stool characteristics? Regular physical activity can promote healthy digestion by stimulating intestinal contractions and reducing transit time. This can lead to more regular bowel movements and potentially reduce the occurrence of floating stools. However, intense exercise may sometimes cause temporary digestive disturbances, including changes in stool consistency.

Technological Advances in Stool Analysis

Recent technological advancements have revolutionized the field of stool analysis, providing more accurate and comprehensive insights into digestive health. These innovations are enhancing our understanding of various gastrointestinal conditions and improving diagnostic capabilities.

Cutting-edge Stool Analysis Technologies

• DNA-based microbiome analysis
• Metabolomics profiling
• Advanced imaging techniques
• Artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostics
• Wearable digestive health monitors

How are these technologies changing the approach to digestive health? These advanced tools are enabling healthcare providers to detect subtle imbalances and potential issues earlier than ever before. They’re also facilitating more personalized treatment approaches based on individual microbiome profiles and metabolic patterns.

Global Perspectives on Floating Stools

The perception and significance of floating stools can vary across different cultures and geographical regions. These variations are influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, environmental conditions, and cultural beliefs about health and digestion.

Cultural Variations in Digestive Health Perceptions

1. Traditional medicine systems (e.g., Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine)
2. Dietary habits and preferences
3. Attitudes towards discussing digestive health
4. Access to healthcare and diagnostic tools
5. Environmental factors affecting gut microbiome

Do different cultures have varying norms for what constitutes healthy stools? Indeed, cultural norms and dietary practices can significantly influence what is considered “normal” in terms of stool characteristics. For instance, cultures with high-fiber diets may have different expectations regarding stool consistency and frequency compared to those with lower-fiber diets.

Future Directions in Understanding and Managing Floating Stools

As our understanding of digestive health continues to evolve, new avenues for research and management of floating stools are emerging. These developments promise to enhance our ability to diagnose, treat, and prevent various digestive issues.

Emerging Areas of Research

• Personalized nutrition based on gut microbiome profiles
• Novel probiotic and prebiotic therapies
• Gene therapy for inherited digestive disorders
• Nanotechnology in gastrointestinal diagnostics and treatment
• Artificial intelligence in predicting digestive health outcomes

What potential breakthroughs can we expect in managing floating stools? Future advancements may include more targeted therapies for specific digestive issues, improved diagnostic tools for early detection of gastrointestinal disorders, and personalized dietary recommendations based on individual microbiome and genetic profiles. These developments could significantly improve our ability to manage and prevent issues related to floating stools and overall digestive health.

In conclusion, while floating stools are often harmless and diet-related, they can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. Maintaining awareness of your digestive health, including stool characteristics, is an important aspect of overall well-being. If you experience persistent floating stools, especially when accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and guidance.

Why Do Stools Float Sometimes?

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Are Floating Stools?
• Why Would Stools Float?
• When To See a Doctor
• Treatment
• Prevention

Stools, or poop, usually sink to the bottom of the toilet, but sometimes, they can float. If your poop never sinks to the bottom of the toilet bowl, you may have too much gas in your intestines.‌

Normally, floating stools aren’t a cause for concern. Read on to learn more about why stools float, what floating stools say about your health, and more.

When stools float, it means the poop stays on the surface of the toilet water instead of sinking. Normally, poop sinks to the bottom of the toilet bowl.‌

Floating poop doesn’t mean you’re sick, but it can be a symptom of various conditions.

There are several reasons why poop floats and never seems to sink.

Too much gas. You may have too much gas in you due to your diet, which can make your stools float.  

Some people think that floating poop is caused by fat, but it’s usually caused by gas. Research has indicated that once floating stools were degassed, they weighed the same as sinking poop. This indicates that gas was responsible for making floating stools float, rather than fat inside the poop.

Gas in your digestive system is usually caused when you swallow air or eat certain types of foods that break down into gas. 

If you eat a high-fiber diet with a lot of vegetables and fruits, you may get floating stools because digesting high-fiber foods releases more air during digestion. This leads to air or gas being trapped in the stool, making it float in the toilet bowl.

Medical conditions. If your poop floats, there’s a slight chance you have steatorrhea, which means you have too much fat in your poop. Steatorrhea indicates you can’t absorb fat properly, and it can be a symptom of the following conditions:

• Celiac disease
• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) due to cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis
• Diseases affecting small intestines such as tropical sprue, Whipple disease, and lymphoma
• Bile acid deficiency

You may also have the following conditions if you have floating poop:

• Gastrointestinal infection
• Malabsorption, which means you’re not absorbing nutrients as well as you should

Floating stools don’t necessarily mean you have an underlying health condition. To determine if a health condition is causing this, you should be on the lookout for other indicators. 

If your floating stools are smelly, sticky, or bloody, for example, you should see a doctor. Your doctor will give you a proper diagnosis and walk you through the process of understanding your condition if you have one. Here’s a closer look at what might cause these symptoms.‌

Smelly and sticky stools. Smelly and sticky stools are typically a symptom of nutrient malabsorption. This means your body isn’t able to completely absorb and digest nutrients from your gastrointestinal tract due to damage to the small intestine, not having enough pancreatic enzymes, liver disease, HIV/AIDs, or other conditions.

If your floating stools are smelly and appear sticky, you should contact your doctor.

Blood in your stool. If your floating poop is accompanied by blood, it could be caused by:

• Bleeding in your anus or rectum
• Cancer of your digestive system
• Blood vessel abnormalities
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease such as Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis
• Ulcers in the stomach or small intestine
• Polyps
• Diverticulitis ‌

If you find blood in your stools, you should see a doctor. If you’re experiencing weight loss, dizziness, or fever in addition to finding blood in your stools, you should talk to your doctor immediately. You should also get emergency medical help if there is a lot of blood in your poop, or if it is maroon or black and tarry.‌

Your doctor will be able to determine what is the exact cause of bloody poop through imaging tests and physical exams.

When you visit your doctor, they will likely ask you several questions about your medical history and your current health to determine why you have floating stools. They will also ask you about your diet and how long you’ve been having this issue so they can make any needed diet and medication recommendations.

Unless there is a medical condition causing you to have floating poops, there is no need to do anything to treat or prevent them.

Monitor your pooping habits. Always be aware of any changes to your stool and bowel movements. If you’re suddenly pooping more or less, or your poop looks very different, you should report these changes to your doctor. Your doctor will find it easier to diagnose any health conditions you may have if you keep an organized record about your pooping habits.

Changing your diet. Sometimes, preventing floating poop can be as easy as changing your diet, since floating poop can be caused by eating foods that cause you to have more gas.

You should avoid the following foods if you have a problem with too much gas:

• Hard candy
• Fizzy or carbonated drinks
• Gum‌

Keep a food diary so you can keep track of what you eat and narrow down what foods are giving you gas. You should bring this diary to your doctor so you can talk to them about how you can change your diet.

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Why Do Stools Float Sometimes?

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Are Floating Stools?
• Why Would Stools Float?
• When To See a Doctor
• Treatment
• Prevention

Stools, or poop, usually sink to the bottom of the toilet, but sometimes, they can float. If your poop never sinks to the bottom of the toilet bowl, you may have too much gas in your intestines.‌

Normally, floating stools aren’t a cause for concern. Read on to learn more about why stools float, what floating stools say about your health, and more.

When stools float, it means the poop stays on the surface of the toilet water instead of sinking. Normally, poop sinks to the bottom of the toilet bowl.‌

Floating poop doesn’t mean you’re sick, but it can be a symptom of various conditions.

There are several reasons why poop floats and never seems to sink.

Too much gas. You may have too much gas in you due to your diet, which can make your stools float. 

Some people think that floating poop is caused by fat, but it’s usually caused by gas. Research has indicated that once floating stools were degassed, they weighed the same as sinking poop. This indicates that gas was responsible for making floating stools float, rather than fat inside the poop.

Gas in your digestive system is usually caused when you swallow air or eat certain types of foods that break down into gas. 

If you eat a high-fiber diet with a lot of vegetables and fruits, you may get floating stools because digesting high-fiber foods releases more air during digestion. This leads to air or gas being trapped in the stool, making it float in the toilet bowl.

Medical conditions. If your poop floats, there’s a slight chance you have steatorrhea, which means you have too much fat in your poop. Steatorrhea indicates you can’t absorb fat properly, and it can be a symptom of the following conditions:

• Celiac disease
• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) due to cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis
• Diseases affecting small intestines such as tropical sprue, Whipple disease, and lymphoma
• Bile acid deficiency

You may also have the following conditions if you have floating poop:

• Gastrointestinal infection
• Malabsorption, which means you’re not absorbing nutrients as well as you should

Floating stools don’t necessarily mean you have an underlying health condition. To determine if a health condition is causing this, you should be on the lookout for other indicators. 

If your floating stools are smelly, sticky, or bloody, for example, you should see a doctor. Your doctor will give you a proper diagnosis and walk you through the process of understanding your condition if you have one. Here’s a closer look at what might cause these symptoms.‌

Smelly and sticky stools. Smelly and sticky stools are typically a symptom of nutrient malabsorption. This means your body isn’t able to completely absorb and digest nutrients from your gastrointestinal tract due to damage to the small intestine, not having enough pancreatic enzymes, liver disease, HIV/AIDs, or other conditions.

If your floating stools are smelly and appear sticky, you should contact your doctor.

Blood in your stool. If your floating poop is accompanied by blood, it could be caused by:

• Bleeding in your anus or rectum
• Cancer of your digestive system
• Blood vessel abnormalities
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease such as Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis
• Ulcers in the stomach or small intestine
• Polyps
• Diverticulitis ‌

If you find blood in your stools, you should see a doctor. If you’re experiencing weight loss, dizziness, or fever in addition to finding blood in your stools, you should talk to your doctor immediately. You should also get emergency medical help if there is a lot of blood in your poop, or if it is maroon or black and tarry.‌

Your doctor will be able to determine what is the exact cause of bloody poop through imaging tests and physical exams.

When you visit your doctor, they will likely ask you several questions about your medical history and your current health to determine why you have floating stools. They will also ask you about your diet and how long you’ve been having this issue so they can make any needed diet and medication recommendations.

Unless there is a medical condition causing you to have floating poops, there is no need to do anything to treat or prevent them.

Monitor your pooping habits. Always be aware of any changes to your stool and bowel movements. If you’re suddenly pooping more or less, or your poop looks very different, you should report these changes to your doctor. Your doctor will find it easier to diagnose any health conditions you may have if you keep an organized record about your pooping habits.

Changing your diet. Sometimes, preventing floating poop can be as easy as changing your diet, since floating poop can be caused by eating foods that cause you to have more gas.

You should avoid the following foods if you have a problem with too much gas:

• Hard candy
• Fizzy or carbonated drinks
• Gum‌

Keep a food diary so you can keep track of what you eat and narrow down what foods are giving you gas. You should bring this diary to your doctor so you can talk to them about how you can change your diet.

Top Picks

Robert Pattinson: photo of the most stylish man of 2018

Robert Pattinson was destined for the evil fate of the eternal ex-vampire. Instead, he drove an aspen stake into the heart of a disgusted character, resurrected his acting career, and at the same time became the most stylish man of the year according to GQ.

Taffy Brodesser-Akner

Feb. 15, 2018

Hands down – let’s drink ayahuasca. This is such an Amazonian hallucinogenic creeper that takes you on a journey to the center of yourself, often accompanied by a shaman, usually in a special secluded place – a great pastime for two.

I agree wholeheartedly. Yes, Rob, let’s do that. In the name of an article for GQ, let’s slide deep into our subconscious through sticky psychedelic tunnels until we find ourselves inside the movie Being John Malkovich. By the way, I read about ayahuasca on the Internet: in the process of using it, you often and profusely vomit. Well, fine: I’m with both jaws for vomit! After all, we just met, and this is the shortest way to get to know each other with all, so to speak, giblets. Me and Pattinson! In the film adaptation of the novel “Nausea”! It’s just that it’s going to be hard to interview, maybe we can cancel it?
“Hand on,” Pattinson persists, “we will swim with the sharks.” Nobody wrote an article about a star like that before, did they? The best way to experience existential horror and balance on the verge of life and death. Yes, but ayahuasca was also about that – about a trip on the verge of reality, no? And then again, how am I going to interview with a shark around my neck? It is truth too. Let’s go further.

“Deal, Pattinson continues, I will come to visit you!” Yes, an international superstar wants to climb into my territory – to see how ordinary hard workers live there. Find out where I drink coffee every day, eat a cookie with a latte, pick up the children from the kindergarten. Me and Pattinson rendezvous in New Jersey Well, let’s go. Children need nosebleeds at ten minutes to four to pick up. But bad luck, the day after tomorrow he will fly to Paris to shoot for Dior, and you can’t postpone the interview for later – the deadline is running out.

Suddenly, Pattinson’s eyes light up. He knows again what we’ll do. “Let’s do a fecal transplant!” the actor exclaims. This is already his ninth proposal (I omitted some in order to spare you, dear reader) for our joint pastime, but the first, directly related to experimental medicine not approved by the Ministry of Health. He just recently read an article about it – and he reads about everything: about psychology, linguistics, poop – and he cannot stop thinking about the opportunities that open up to those who decide on this procedure. “You can put the shit of a great athlete inside yourself and become a great athlete yourself!” Can you imagine? Who knows, it’s just that the article says that a woman with chronic fatigue syndrome transplanted poop on her own and is now in perfect order.”

Okay, fecal transplant, check the box. So the doctor will get into our guts and swap poop. Why not? In the end, nothing threatens us except blood poisoning and death. So yes, hands down. Personally, I’m for it. I had previously agreed to all his proposals in order to be imbued with his enthusiasm. Maybe he just wants to try something new, see something new, be someone new. It seems that now this is generally his only criterion for choosing classes and projects. Everything must be new.

“Let’s go swimming with sharks. No one has ever written an article about a star like this before?”

In Safdie Brothers’ Good Time last fall, Pattinson played his first lead role in years; the actor himself says that this film is shot in the “panic genre”. Robert plays a small-time crook who tries to protect his little brother after a failed robbery attempt. During the day, his hero rushes about like a squirrel in a wheel and for all the time does not make a single correct decision.

As we continue to plan our next date, I try not to think about what all of Pattinson’s previous inspirational proposals have in common, which is that they are designed to minimize my ability to ask questions. We’ll be on hallucinogens, or in a shark’s stomach, or in an operating room. Although no, that’s not the point. The main thing is the thirst for life, which Robert felt in himself again after many years. Still, that’s the whole point. He spent his youth filming Twilight, where he played a vampire who, for the most part, thoughtfully stood in the frame as an inert noise detector for Kristen Stewart’s undead heroine. When filming was completed, Pattinson found himself surrounded on all sides by an ocean of admirers, his world squinted to the size of a tiny paranoid ward. It is no wonder that, having freed himself from the coffins stuffed with the “Twilight” legacy, today he wants to do what he always wanted to do: to act in sophisticated films full of energy, dynamics and difficult truths. After “Twilight” things could have turned out differently; after all, Hollywood loves English-accented supervillains. But it would be standing in the frame again: special effects, green screen, hours of waiting in the trailer. In addition, according to the actor, “in order to act in such films, you need special self-confidence.” He doesn’t have one.

Few have seen his latest films, but Pattinson didn’t count on it. That’s not the point.

Instead, the actor dived head first into the rough arthouse – after all, that’s the typical strategy of every first teen idol who wants to be taken seriously. But Pattinson is a little different: he chooses films without any regard for prestige or winning roles. What unites his latest works is, above all, the presence of a talented – often unknown – director, as well as characters that are scary to play. Few people have seen these films, but Pattinson did not count on it. That’s not the point. Nevertheless, so far he has never made a mistake in choosing. He seems to have great taste.

Cosmopolis, his first post-Twilight film, gave the actor the opportunity to work with his idol and beloved director David Cronenberg and try his hand at something remotely reminiscent of a black comedy.

He began to notice that supporting roles are usually much more eccentric and freer, that they do not have the restrictions imposed on the performers of the main roles. Then he starred in several such roles: in Rover, Queen of the Desert, Lost City of Z. You can watch The Rover, an Australian post-apocalyptic thriller about revenge and kidnapping, and not even realize that this is a Pattinson movie until the very end credits. “Is it true?” the actor asks, beaming. He likes it: the best words I could ever say to him.

He learned about the Safdie brothers by chance. A poster caught my eye at the time of their latest film, the heroin drama God Knows What: a close-up of Ariel Holmes with tangled hair, looking past the camera in red lighting. At the time Robert Pattinson saw this shot on a cinephile website, the movie had not yet been released. But he instantly contacted Safdie, saying that he wanted to be involved in their next project. I repeat: he has not seen the film.
“Good Time” didn’t exist before Pattinson, even as an idea: the brothers were working on another project, but invited Robert to a meeting and showed “God knows what. ” “He said he wanted to be part of our cinema,” says Josh Safdie. – Rob is constantly turning over stones to find a worm under them and eat it. Great hunter of novelty.

The actor knows that a movie like “Good Time” would never have received such attention from the press if not for Pattinson’s name on the poster. True, here and now he can not say anything worthwhile about this film. He doesn’t like “selling movies”. That’s the rub of Robert Pattinson. He is able to disappear into his roles. But in an interview, he is still taken for a sensational boy who knows that he will definitely be asked about his personal life and who hates every second of such conversations. So he keeps looking at me, waiting for me to snap.

Pattinson began filming Twilight when he was twenty-one years old, and during the four years of the series’ existence, he and his co-stars were constantly hauled around malls for promotion. Nervous girls wanted to know everything: when will Edward and Bella finally start fucking? How does he style his hair? He answered them: “Twelve-year-old virgins lick them for me. ” Studio officials lectured the young actor on what to say at such events and what not, and for subsequent interviews they planted a whole bunch of press agents nearby so that they could give him an electric shock if he again decided to blurt something out.

At the height of the “Twilight” frenzy, he and his friends called several Uber drivers, changed clothes in the restroom of the restaurant so that the photographers would not know which car Pattinson got into, and then sent the cars in opposite directions, because fuck off. He constantly traveled in the trunk of a car, because – fuck you all. He rented five cars and kept them, along with a set of clothes, in parking lots in different parts of the city. If he was being followed, he drove to one of the parking lots, changed clothes and car, and left. One day, returning home from Venice, Robert saw that he had a tail behind him. He drove around the city for several hours – he did not want to know the address of his new home. In the end, already at dawn, I pressed the brake, got out of the car and went up to the photographer. “You got your pictures,” he said. “Now can I go home?” And in response I heard: “No, the boss ordered not to return until I find out your new address. Sorry dude.” He no longer tried to talk to the paparazzi and appeal to humanity.

He constantly traveled in the trunk of a car. He rented five cars and kept them, along with a set of clothes, in parking lots in different parts of the city.

In the end, he still won, and not because the tabloids took pity, or Twilight ended, or he and Kristen Stewart broke up because of the same paparazzi. No, he won because he had more money than them: they just couldn’t afford to spend so much money on gas and so much time on endless hours of chase that no one would pay them for.

“As soon as I saw the tail, I immediately took to my heels. For a while, this worked. They said: this dude is a complete hemorrhoid. He cracked the code and got free: “There are many ways to easily disappear. But for this you have to lead a rather strange life. It just takes some effort that others don’t want to put in.”

In the end we decide to go play golf. Robert never played, I only did it on the instructions of the editors, so we don’t know anything about this sport, we can’t even properly place the ball on the stand and we don’t know where to aim. There are people on the court in front of us, there are more people behind us, and everyone wants to play calmly and without interruption; apparently, we have not been able to properly appreciate the seriousness with which people take golf. Therefore, instead of continuing to torture ourselves and those around us, we go to a restaurant, take giant glasses of beer the size of a small aquarium, and order hot dogs with ketchup and mustard. I again timidly try to turn the conversation into a slightly more intimate channel. But Pattinson still answers: why should I? I remember all his interviews that I had to read, and I answer that, they say, there can be only one reason: then, that he probably wants to be heard.