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When you can live forever what do you live for? | Photo courtesy of Summit Entertainment
It's difficult to review a film that is so purposefully intended for an audience other than myself. With its focus on chaste and forbidden love, Twilight is clearly aimed at those young teenage girls for whom actual, physical love is still some spectral thing and for whom dizzying romance is all. From the first moment that Bella Swan's eyes settle upon those of the mysterious Edward Cullen, it's clear that there is only one point to this movie: plot be damned, Twilight is about a love that can neither be resisted nor explained.
The question then for such a film--the same question that similarly exists in films as diverse as Romeo and Juliet and Brokeback Mountain--is, "Do we believe in the mystical connection between these two people?" The answer, by and large, is yes. That's due mostly to the talent of the two leads. Twilight is a faithful adaptation of Stephanie Meyers' hit novel and one component of that fidelity is some sporadically clunky dialogue that strictly relies on the ability of the actors to pull it off. Do they? Yes. Well, mostly.
We stood grown quiet at the name of love. | Photo courtesy of Summit Entertainment
But back to the plot for a moment for those unfamiliar with Meyers' work--it's fairly straightforward and speeds quickly towards its conclusion. Bella moves to the rainy hamlet of Forks, Washington where she quickly notices the brooding Edward. He is seemingly inapproachable, mostly because he is impossibly pale, rich and beautiful. Their paths quickly intersect and, on first blush, Edward seems to detest Bella. Of course, it's the opposite that's true. He is actually bewitched by her and soon they are circling each other.
There is, however, one large obstacle to their romance: Edward is a vampire and there is no blood he craves so much as that of Bella's. Worse yet, there is another vampire who feels the same way. I won't reveal any more of the story than that. As I indicated earlier, the plot is really secondary to the relationship of the two young lovers anyway. One other note--the film conforms very closely to the narrative of the novel so fans of the book shouldn't be too disappointed by the typical changes and elisions that film adaptations require.
Some older viewers will giggle at the almost absurd seriousness of the declarations made by Bella and Edward to each other. Cineastes will certainly quibble with the direction of Catherine Hardwicke, particularly some visual effects scenes that could have been conceptualized and choreographed with a little more clarity and vigor. Overall, though, Twilight really does sort of...work. Sure, most of its story is firmly lodged in the realm of fantasy but it is a fantasy. If you can suspend your disbelief for a couple hours, you will probably enjoy this glimpse into the passionate world of youth. Who wouldn't want to spend time in that world?
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I think you're being a softie in this review, Josh, but that's OK. Like you said, the movie probably accomplishes what it set to do.
I'm sorry, though, you've conflated Stephanie Myers and Walt Whitman, why?
This film is being widely panned on IMDB. In fact it was being panned in limited / sneak preview release.
The funniest think I read at IMDB was an attempt to compare Twilight to The Dark Knight. Eh?!?!?
Josh, from your plot description I'd say this is about as formulaic as most of the other pap that comes out of "Hollywood." But thanks anyway for the review.
This whole Twilight thing completely flew under my radar until about a month ago... am I the only one?
The film is being almost universally panned at IMDB. In fact it was catching "heck" before general release.
The funniest thing I read was a comparison between Twilight and The Dark Knight. Eh?!?!?!
Young love movies depend on and are designed to appeal to pre-pubescent pre sexually active youth. Which goes a long way toward explaining their limited appeal.
Yes, I'm being purposefully gentle with my words here.
Thanks for sitting through this Josh. I wasn't going to anyway, but I'm more firmly convinced that I wouldn't want to waste concession funds on this much less ticket prices.
brainylagirl--
you've outed me. i always include a link to a lady friend at the end of my articles. hope they're not too distracting.
What's the deal with this plot being in everything now - True Blood, Let The Right One In, etc.?? Does anyone else think it's weird timing?
Also, is Joss Whedon pissed?
We are all just too damned old for this, but if I were 13 I'd bet I'd be all googoo to...well, make that 9.
@AliMiller: No. The first time I heard about it was when I was in the airport over Labor Day and every book store at O'Hare had the "fourth book in the twilight series!" on prominent display and were gushing over the whole thing. I was scared to check it out, remembering what happened with the DaVinci Code (everyone told me it was SO good and they were wrong). I've heard it's cute and sweet, so I'm going to read the first one next week and see if I like it. I'm sure I'll find it sexist and overly sappy, but such is life. Unfortunately, I probably would have loved it when I was 14.
Aw, Josh, that's super sweet. I approve.
it flew under my radar for a while and i regret opening that book...