Robert Pattinson looks to be treading a similar career path as his Goblet of Fire co-star Daniel Radcliffe — Poster Boy for big franchise trying to prove he’s more than one character. Of course, Radcliffe has the benefit of a big franchise people actually respect, while Pattinson is stuck in the successful but pop-culture-punchline of a franchise that is Twilight. In any case, he’s making his stand as a Legitimate Actor, much as Radcliffe did with turns in the play Equus and indie film December Boys.

Pattinson already has How to Be and Little Ashes under his belt, but both of those films were, except for the occasional over-exuberant Twilight fan, mostly ignored stateside (both commercially and critically). So it stands to reason that for many who have grown accustomed to seeing the actor’s face splattered over the tabloids, Remember Me will be the first time they see him outside of the Twilight and Harry Potter films. Can he break free of a perpetual association with Edward Cullen?

Remember Me now has a trailer, and a fairly promising one at that. Co-starring Emilie de Ravin, Chris Cooper, and Pierce Brosnan, the film is a romantic drama rife with familial tensions and unexpected truths. It looks to have handled subject matter that could easily turn schlocky with at least some grace and deftness, and the presence of a strong supporting cast is also a good sign. Another plus for me is the fact that Rachel Getting Married scribe Jenny Lumet co-wrote the script, and if anyone knows how to write dysfunctional families and relationships, it’s her. Pattinson may not be moving far from his angsty glowering in Twilight, but at least he’s showing off hints of a real pulse here.

Check out the trailer after the jump, courtesy of MySpace, as well as the full synopsis.

Here’s the official blurb from Summit:

In the romantic drama ‘Remember Me’ Robert Pattinson plays Tyler, a rebellious young man in New York City who has a strained relationship with his father (Pierce Brosnan) ever since tragedy separated their family. Tyler didn’t think anyone could possibly understand what he was going through until the day he met Ally (Emilie de Ravin) through an unusual twist of fate. Love was the last thing on his mind, but as her spirit unexpectedly heals and inspires him, he begins to fall for her. Through their love, he begins to find happiness and meaning in his life. But soon, hidden secrets are revealed, and the circumstances that brought them together slowly threaten to tear them apart. Remember Me is an unforgettable story about the power of love, the strength of family, and the importance of living passionately and treasuring every day of one’s life. ‘Remember Me’ also stars Academy Award® winner Chris Cooper (Adaptation), and Academy Award® nominee Lena Olin (Chocolat).

Allan Coulter directed the film, with Will Fetters serving as Lumet’s co-writer. The movie will be released on March 12th 2010.

Tags: Allan Coulter, Chris Cooper, Emilie de Ravin, Jenny Lumet, Pierce Brosnan, Remember Me, Robert Pattinson, Will Fetters