There really wasn’t any reason for me to want to see “Twilight”. I have never read a single word of the series by Stephenie Meyer, the trailer didn’t appeal to me at all and I recently saw what I consider to be the pentacle of the modern vampire films, “Let the Right One In”. But, I relented and gave the film a shot. After all, Catherine Hardwicke is a fine director and I thought “Thirteen” was a really special picture. It also helps that Robert Pattinson is insanely attractive and that’s always a plus when I’m debating whether or not to see a film. “Twilight” is somewhat of an enigma. It has all the trappings of a blockbuster franchise, but it actually takes time for its characters and the development of their relationships. You find yourself caring about these characters and rooting for them, an odd thought when you consider most of them are vampires. Nevertheless, “Twilight” hooked me from the beginning and didn’t let go. Part of it probably has to do with the fact that the film takes place in Washington – and most of the film is covered in rain and fog. I relate more to films like that. Any time I see a deck in the rain, I think of the Northwest and I think of “The Goonies”. “Twilight” was far more interesting that I ever gave it credit for, and I can’t wait for the next one.
The film centers around Bella (Kristen Stewart), who moves to the small town of Forks, Washington, to live with her father (Billy Burke), the chief of police. Her mother and stepfather have decided to do some traveling and Bella wants her mother to have fun. When she arrives she meets a host of new friends, but is immediately attracted to a kid named Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), who seems to be nothing but repulsed by her at first. Slowly, Bella and Edward begin getting to know one another and we eventually find out that Edward was never repulsed by Bella, but just couldn’t control himself around her. You see – Edward is a vampire and lives with a family of vampires in town, a group dedicated to only drinking the blood of animals. When locals start dying in what most believe to be animal attacks, the Cullens seem to know different. As Bella and Edward get closer and closer, Edward’s family wonders if what they’re doing might be too dangerous. The film ends with a showdown between Edward and a fellow vampire who has been responsible for the killings in and around Forks. But, throughout the film, director Catherine Hardwicke spends her entire focus on developing the relationship between Bella and Edward – paying intricate detail to the quirks therein.
There was something very genuine about this picture. I bought the relationship between Bella and Edward hook, line and sinker. We don’t normally get to see this kind of angst associated with a vampire, and it was a nice twist to see a vampire who was in love with a human but was afraid to kiss her because he didn’t want to lose control. Stewart and Pattinson have great chemistry together and really do carry the film. We want them to succeed and we want everything to work out in the end. Director Catherine Hardwicke started her career really tapping into the teen subconscious and she brings that same skill to this film which could have been just another angst driven bore best with cheesy special effects and a showdown that doesn’t pay-off. The showdown is not the point of this film. In fact, it’s quite secondary. “Twilight” is a film about a relationship that just happens to have some action here and there. Having never read the novels, I am excited to see where the series goes from here. There are so many directions in which this franchise could go – and the ending definitely sets up a sequel to follow.
As mentioned earlier, Stewart and Pattinson are great in their roles. This really is a breakout picture for Pattinson, whose good lucks and charisma will likely lead to far more challenging roles in the future. Billy Burke provides a great supporting performance as Bella’s police officer father, and he really was a surprise here. Peter Facinelli is quite capable as Pattinson’s pseudo-father and Cam Gigandet actually didn’t annoy me here as the antagonist of the picture. Hardwicke did a fine job casting this film and I have spoken with fans of the book series who saw the film who say the casting was nearly perfect throughout. In fact, the fans of the series seem to be rather pleased with this film and, from what I’ve heard, it stays very true to the text. “Twilight” is most certainly going to become another “Harry Potter” franchise. It might not sell as many books as the former, but it will definitely rake in the money at the box office.
As far as first films go, “Twilight” is a strong example of how to kick off a franchise. I found myself enthralled throughout and excited about what might happen next. Those who warned me it was going to be a ‘chick flick’ obviously didn’t know what they were talking about. Sure, there is romance. Sure, there is a love story. But, it’s a love story we haven’t seen before, especially with these strings attached. I want to know more about Edward’s family and their history. I want to know more about the Native America tribe in the town who end the film with a warning for Bella. I hope the next film is able to answer some of these questions and I hope I don’t have to wait two years to see it. I guess I could break down and purchase the books, but I don’t want to spoil the film. I am one of those people who sees the film and then reads the book. “Twilight” was a solid and entertaining jaunt and far better than I thought it would be. Robert Pattinson might be the sexiest vampire committed to screen – and that is reason enough.
Kristen Stewart (Bella Swan)
Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen)
Billy Burke (Charlie Swan)
Ashley Greene (Alice Cullen)
Nikki Reed (Rosalie Hale)
Jackson Rathbone (Jasper Hale)
Peter Facinelli (Carlisle Cullen)
Cam Gigandet (James)
Anna Kendrick (Jessica Stanley)
Director: Catherine Hardwicke
RATED PG-13
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