This year’s 2012 Cannes Film Festival will showcase films from “Twilight” power couple Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. Both “On the Road” and “Cosmopolis” will premiere at the prestigious event, allowing the actors to distance themselves from their vampire alter-egos. Both Stewart and Pattinson (aka Robsten) are starring in a number of intriguing new projects from big budget blockbusters to offbeat indies. Here is a guide to their upcoming films.

“On the Road”

Release Date: May 23, 2012 (Cannes Film Festival)

Plot: Based on the iconic beatnik novel by Jack Kerouac, the star studded indie is set to compete for the esteemed Palme d’Or award at Cannes. The film follows Sal Paradise (Sam Riley), who embarks on a cross-country road trip after the death of his father. Along the way, he and his friend Dean Moriarty (Garrett Hedlund) encounter a fascinating array of characters. This includes a newly married 15-year-old girl named Marylou (Stewart).

Reasons To See It: The first successful on-screen adaptation of the cult classic story stars such accomplished actors as Viggo Mortensen, Amy Addams, and Kirsten Dunst.

“Cosmopolis”

Release Date: May 25, 2012 (Cannes Film Festival)

Plot: The film will debut at Cannes this year and compete for the Palme d’Or (against Stewart’s film “On the Road”). Directed by “body horror” filmmaker David Cronenberg it chronicles a day in the life of a 28-year-old billionaire named Eric Parker (Pattinson). Based on the eccentric Don DeLillo novel, the film is a strikingly imaginative portrayal of sex, violence, and New York nightlife.

Reasons to See It: The film allows Pattinson to break away from his tween persona and take on an unconventional adult role. Though Cronenberg’s films are not for everyone, they seldom prove dull. With a cast that includes Juliette Binoche, Paul Giamatti, and Samantha Morton, “Cosmopolis” may be one of the most thought-provoking films released this year.

“Snow White and the Huntsman”

Release Date: June 1, 2012

Plot: An obscure spin on the classic grim fairytale “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, the action packed drama is one of the most anticipated films of the summer. It focuses on the relationship between Snow White (Stewart) and the huntsman instructed to kill her (Chris Hemsworth).  Unable to take her life, the Huntsman trains Snow White to become a warrior with the power to kill the Evil Queen (Charlize Theron).

Reasons to See It: After the failure of “Mirror Mirror”, audiences are in need of a decent reimagining of the classic story. Furthermore, the trailer promises visually stunning scenes and inventive fight sequences. Since most of the summer blockbusters this year are male driven, “Snow White and the Huntsman” offers a rare female centered narrative. “Bel Ami”

Release Date: June 8, 2012

Plot: Based on the Guy De Maupassant novel, the drama is set in 1890′s Paris. George Duroy is a penniless former soldier who through the good grace of an old friend becomes a prominent journalist. Matters become complicated when George falls for the charitable gentleman’s wife. His obvious affection for her smears his blameless reputation. Determined to retain his newfound position in society, George begins to seduce several women of the upper class, who agree to fund his lavish lifestyle.

Reasons to See It: Pattinson looks devilishly handsome in period costumes and the story is immensely appealing. Filmed in some of Europe’s most beautiful cities, “Bel Ami” is also quite scenic.

Reasons to See It: Set in 2006, “Black List” offers insights into the post 9/11 world.

“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2″

Release Date: November 16^th 2012

Plot: Immortal lovers Edward (Pattinson) and Bella (Stewart) fight to save their rapidly aging child, Renesmee. To do so they are forced to face a vicious gang of vampires known as the Volturi.

Reasons to See It: Since this is the final “Twilight” film, it’ll be audience’s last chance to catch the unwaveringly popular franchise on the big screen. It also marks Robsten’s last outing as the now iconic couple.

“Cali”

Release Date: 2013

Plot: An unflinching foray into L.A street life, the story centers on a twisted pair of lovers, Mya (Stewart) and Chris, whose repressible acts include peddling a deceptive snuff film. In order to escape with the money that she earned from selling the film, Mya fakes her own death. Her plan is threatened after she is  forced to come back home and rescue her younger sister.

Reasons to See It: Stewart has fared well in gritty dramas before, such as “The Runaways”. Though little is known about the project, its intriguing premise is easy to distinguish from the gaggle of upcoming features.

“Mission: Black List”

Release Date: 2013

Plot: The film is based on the harrowingly informative book by Army interrogator, Eric Maddox, “Mission: Black List #1: The Inside Story of the Search for Saddam Hussein – As Told by the Solider Who Masterminded His Capture.” The film examines the psychological methods used to locate and kill Saddam Hussein. Pattinson recently signed on to portray Maddox while a director has yet to be confirmed.

Author: Justine Ashley Costanza

Source: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/338163/20120507/robert-pattinson-kristen-stewart-films.htm