Bella Swan
The only problem I could see with her character translated to screen is that, unless the viewer has read the books, they won't understand Bella's lack of fear with Edward. It's just kind of pronounced and thrown out there but a movie-goer who has no knowledge of all the inner workings of Bella's mind will likely find this strange. But, again, how in the world do you squish ALL of Stephenie Meyer's essential intimate details of Bella's mind into one movie... how many pages is the novel? That's a difficult project for anyone to take on.
The Problem With Critic Reviews
I already know the critics will not get this movie. They lack the perspective and insight into the characters and the depth of the story that only the book Twilight can give the viewer. Without the proper perspective they won't have the appreciation for the Romeo and Juliet-esque love story that fans of the books will. They are going into the theaters with their notepads and just saying "okay, impress me". They are judging the mechanics of the movie and just turn their noses up in the air at anything without some sort of controversy, scandal, and politics.
For fans, it's about the book. It's about seeing the characters they hold dear to their hearts manifested physically. For fans it's about the greatest love story of all time. It's about fun. Critics can't appreciate a film that caters to something so meaningless in life as just having something to jump up and down and squeeee over. Stephenie Meyer's books do that to us but in a very deeply emotional way that has changed our lives dramatically and the movie Twilight is just an accompaniment to the thrill her world of vampires brings us, but don't expect the critics to understand that.
12 comments:
Lisa, I am so very grateful for the beautiful way you have described the movie without giving it away in any way. I have tickets for the 12:05am showing tonite and can not wait!!! I am a 41 year old mother of two, who has found renewed hope in love through the writings of Stephanie. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this site and twilightmoms.com. Most people that know me think I am out of my mind in this "obsession" with Twilight, too bad...They just haven't read the books, so they just don't get it. I saw Robert and Kristen on the Today show this morning and WOW are they overwhelmed with the fans. Again, thank you for the great review and look forward to reading up coming stuff. Much love, Michele B. Bend, OR
I agree that no critic will be able to grasp what the film is trying to portray. In fact I don't think anyone who hasn't read the book will truly be able to enjoy Bella and Edward as much as we do. Stephanie's books took us somewhere that a movie will never be able to go, no matter how good it is. Each of us has our own interpretation of Twilight. My favorite part may not be yours and vice versa, but we want something sort of tangible and thats where the movie comes in. I'm sure The actors have done a wonderful job. I look forward to seeing if some of my favorite moments on the movie screen!
Thank you so much for the great review, you did a wonderful job on it.
I agree with you on the critics. I think they always give the strangest movies the most stars. I think that Twilight has enough fans to give it's premiere weekend a lot of money. That should show the critics a thing or two no matter what they say I hope Stephenie will know that the critics didn't appreciate her work as much as her fans do. We support her and will continue to do just that.
I'm so excited for tomorrow night. And I can't wait for the movie to be released on DVD so I can own it. I'm also excited to see what Stephenie has in store for us in the future, I can only hope there is more. What pressure she has on her.
Kudos to you, Lisa, for a GREAT review! I'm a huge fan of the books and am attending a Friday night showing of the movie (drat my responsibilities that keep me from the midnight showing tonight!).
I'm so glad that you included the part about the 'regular movie critics'. If they haven't read the books, they're going to tear this movie apart. I seriously doubt that this will sway the most closet-case 'Twilighter' from seeing this movie over and over.
Lisa--thanks for a positive movie review! I agree with you about the critics, who are usually dry old men who will will never understand Twilight and why the fans love it so much! The Twilight series has given me a fun way to connect with my 13 year old daughter--we read and discussed all 4 books together, and now we're going to see the movie tomorrow, just me and her. Thanks again!
I agree that those who haven't read the books will probably be a little lost but I'm hoping that enough was able to be brought onto the big screen that the Twilight mania will continue and we will be able to see the other books made into movies! Thanks for the (mostly) unbiased review! To Michele B in Bend, OR...I am also a mother of two...and 40...and those who I've been able to admit it to that I'm obsessed also think I've lost my mind! Oh well! I just got into Twilight in Oct and read all 4 books in two weeks, then read them all again. I've never done that before - even for Harry Potter. The books let me escape some of my life and get lost in a wonderful the romance/suspense/life of others! Thank you Stephanie Meyers!
Lisa thanks for your review. My new thing to find funny with the reviewers is how they are trying to stay the abstinence on Bella & Edward's part is a metaphor for AIDS, I was like whoa, get outta your little glass box and realize that this isn't a typical movie and your preconcieved notions of film are appliable here!
Bravo! I like that last paragraph :)
I don't expect the critics to understand or anyone actually that has not read the books. I think this movie was made for us...lol
Lisa-your reviews are insightful yet not too much so. Thanks again.
Oh and Steph- if you read this...thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Now that I've seen Twilight three times, I dared to read your review. As always you are on target, eloquent, and articulate in your thoughts. Thank you for the time you put into all three parts of this review!
Here Here! I agree with everything. Having seen this movie 3 times, and more times to come and read Twilight 8 times this movie was the cherry on top. My husband went with me the 3rd time and loved the baseball scenes. Being a mom 40yrs with only boys I had to convert 6 coworkers to my coven/obession. It was great to go with people who have true appreciation for the books and the movie bred from it. thank you Lisa for all you do and this perfect assesment of the movie.
seems likely that they will come out with a Twilight sequel pretty soon, there's a crazy lot of ticket sales at stake
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