Robert Pattinson's method of crying on screen is pretty gross

As we've learned from the set reports of new horror movie The Lighthouse, Robert Pattinson really throws himself into the role.

But one tale of how he makes himself cry on cue is pretty gross (yes, more gross than Pattinson wetting himself).

It come from his co-star Willem Dafoe, who spent a lot of time in each other's company while making the film, because they're the only stars.

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“He’s not interested in craft, I think,” Dafoe told Mr Porter.

“He wants to throw himself into deep water and he feels like it will only be true if he’s drowning. Which, for this role, is perfect because that’s the state he’s going to be in. For me, that seemed wacky. But I’m not trying to judge.

“He has a good sense of the visual, of what’s needed in a close-up. Sometimes he’d beat himself up so bad. He’d stick his fingers down his throat, things like that.”

Pattinson then confirms the story, adding: “I would sneak off into a corner and gag, away from Willem. I think everyone feels very emotional when they’re throwing up, and it’s quite a nice little trick to get there.

“He didn’t know I was doing it until one scene where I was absolutely forced to do it in close proximity.”

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Director Robert Eggers waded in too, saying: “Before every take, Rob was sticking his fingers down his throat. Willem gave me a look as if to say, ‘If this guy f***ing pukes on me…’ ”

The movie finds Pattinson and Dafoe as two isolated lighthousemen who slowly begin to lose their minds, and follows Eggers' previous critically acclaimed horror movie The Witch.

It lands in the UK on January 31.