Twilight | Teen Ink

Twilight MAG

November 30, 2008
By Anonymous

“Twilight”– based on the first book in the best-selling series by Stephenie Meyer – is a faithful adaptation that will satiate the thirst of fans and simultaneously captivate new audiences.

The movie follows the story of Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), a normal girl thrust into a secret supernatural world when she falls in love with her mysterious classmate, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). He just happens to be a vampire.

Ditch your preconceived ­notions of vampires; this isn't a typical vampire tale. If you are looking for clichéd stereotypes with fangs, coffins, and stakes through the heart, this isn't the movie for you. Director Catherine Hardwicke and screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg stay true to Meyer's vision and create a film that ­exposes “Twilight” for what it essentially is: a story of the ­ultimate forbidden love.

Hardwicke once again proves her knack for portraying raw teenage experiences, as she did in “Thirteen” and “Lords of Dogtown.” She directs a young cast of phenomenal talent. Leads Stewart and Pattinson throw themselves into their roles and portray their characters exceptionally well. The chemistry between the two is electric.

Stewart gives a fresh, honest take on Bella. Her straightforward interpretation allows viewers to live vicariously through Bella and experience what she does. You feel her longing and desire.

Pattinson conveys Edward's inner turmoil flawlessly. His complex perception of the ­character creates a believable Edward. He conveys his feelings of vitality and emotional reawakening through his ­expressions.

The movie also has an outstanding supporting cast. Billy Burke as Bella's father, Ashley Greene as Alice Cullen, and Michael Welch as Mike Newton all deserve a nod for excellent portrayal of their characters.

The film itself is visually ­dynamic. The movie is shot in crisp blue tones. The costumes are pallid, veering away from traditional vampire attire. Bella's wardrobe ­becomes closer to the Cullens' as she grows closer to them. The nomad vampires appear savage in clothes taken from their victims.

Filmed in Portland, Oregon, the movie features stunning views and beautiful landscapes. Because of the small budget, action sequences were done physically. Though some may find the special effects lacking, the simplicity enhances Hardwicke's unique documentary-style filming. Using extreme close-ups and whimsical angles, the camera work gives the movie an intimate, realistic feel.

The music ties in to the story perfectly. Consisting of moody, angst-filled rock songs, the soundtrack fits the tone. From Muse's upbeat “Supermassive Black Hole” playing during a game of vampire baseball, to Iron and Wine's romantic “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” at prom, the songs set the mood for the scenes.

A longer film would have ­allowed more time to explain the essentials of the plot, making it easier for those who have not read the book. Although it mirrors the book very closely, many scenes had to be cut. The danger of the nomadic vampires is threaded throughout the movie to create more tension. The essence of the story is present, making changes in details insignificant; the movie's creators successfully captured the elements that made readers fall in love with Bella and Edward.

The book and the movie are equally ­satisfying, albeit in different ways, and neither is better. While you can imagine the detailed story unfolding in your head when reading the book, the movie creates a sweet condensed version for the big screen. Both allow you to lose yourself in this passionate, unorthodox romance.

All components work to­gether nicely in “Twilight” to efficiently bring the book to life. The film is a beautiful mixture of romance, action, comedy, and horror, containing aspects that will appeal to everyone.


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This article has 367 comments.


on Sep. 9 2010 at 2:14 pm
WritingLoverForever PLATINUM, Bowling Green, Ohio
32 articles 2 photos 198 comments

Favorite Quote:
It's not about success; it's about significance.

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

Trust me, I'm gonna read the rest of the books. I just have to find time to do it. I'll probably borrow a copy from my friend who's obsessed with twilight.

Mardelzor said...
on Sep. 9 2010 at 11:13 am
I agree with you. The movies aren't completely different...except for the first one which killed it in my opinion. But when I first went to see Twilight, I thought it was amazing and went back the next day to see it again with my cousin, then as soon as it came out we ran to the store, bought it, and came home to watch it. Yet...as we watched it at home and discussed some more, we began to see what they had left out, what they could have done better, the stupid bits they added to it, and how they had ruined it. I still love the books, although I don't agree with this...frenzy it has made our country's youths including myself, get into.

Mardelzor said...
on Sep. 9 2010 at 11:08 am

I have one thing to say...read the rest of the books. Especially Breaking Dawn. Then You'll see which one was better. :)

 


Mardelzor said...
on Sep. 9 2010 at 11:05 am
I think this review was very well written, descriptive, and flowed nicely. However, I must disagree on the praise of the movie and that neither the books nor the movie were better than the other. My friends and I fell in love with Bella and Edward back in 8th grade, but the movie was a big dissapointment. We thought Stephanie Meyers was an amazing author, but personally I wish she'd done the movie as well. In the movie, they did a rather poor job of showing emotions, I mean, the only thing Kristen did was blink rapidly over and over whenever she got 'nervous', and Rob was just kinda...stiff...I mean, I'll give it to him that he did okay with the conflict like touching her, but other than that he showed no real love or anything! Yes, Mike and Charlie were perfectly cast, but Angela was supposed to be really sweet and in the movie she was more bff's with Jessica who is kind of a b with an itch underneath her bouncy exterior. I liked having Angela as one of the only truly good and honest people in the books. So all in all, the movie was a large dissapointment. They did make up for it in New Moon and Eclipse though, with the change in directors and the sticking closer to the plotline.

KyleS. GOLD said...
on Sep. 8 2010 at 10:30 pm
KyleS. GOLD, Lake Tapps, Washington
17 articles 0 photos 13 comments

Favorite Quote:
I will not say do not weep, for not all tears are in evil.

I've seen Twilight (unfortunately) and I've read the book. I could tell from the beginning of this article that it is well-written, and some would say that it is "descriptive," but I would say that it is more "deceptive." Apart from the story itself, the movie was horrible, almost a joke, actually. You are right about one thing, however; people can lose themselves in this film, but what they're losing is their minds.
As for the story itself (or at least the way it's been transmitted to us; the way that the Leaf from the Tree of Tales has been unfolded), and the way people react and obsessive over this film, I see it as a sign of the corruption of our age.

GummiBear said...
on Sep. 8 2010 at 5:21 pm
I hate Twilight mostly because Bella has absolutely NO independence without Edward and Edward is a STALKER!! Who watches people in their sleep? That's so creepy. And the movie was even worse. The make-up and costumes aren't even the half of it. Also, Robert Pattison isn't all that good looking.

on Sep. 4 2010 at 12:42 pm
LihuaEmily SILVER, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
7 articles 3 photos 196 comments

Favorite Quote:
"It is said that there's no such thing as a free lunch. But the universe is the ultimate free lunch." -Alan Guth

Highly descriptive! Thanks.

on Aug. 13 2010 at 6:01 pm
I LOVE you books, i have read almost all of them. right now i am in the middle of  the book breaking dawn! YOU ROCK

on Aug. 13 2010 at 2:18 pm
AEAluvsanimals SILVER, Yorba Linda, California
6 articles 0 photos 64 comments

Favorite Quote:
"All creatures bleed the same blood. He who spills the blood of any of god's creatures, he spills the blood of man." - Private Journals , Landerath
Dragon's Milk.
"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live."- Dumbledore
Harry Potter 1

Ever see panic room? It stars Jodie Foster and...you guessed it, Kristen Stewart. Her character was a little dry, but still better acting than twilingt. Ask anyone over their teens who has a boyfreind or husband, or any good writing teacher and theyll tell ya. Try harry potter for something not petty, superfcial, and corny.

http://capybaraunicorni.wordpress.com/


on Aug. 13 2010 at 9:17 am
whispersofthenight GOLD, Tallahassee, Florida
10 articles 2 photos 35 comments

Favorite Quote:
I am an artist; I paint with words.

Very well-written review, but I have to disagree with you. The books were better than the movie, and even the books (in my opinion) weren't that great.

on Jul. 24 2010 at 1:55 pm
DiamondsIntheGrass GOLD, Martinsville, New Jersey
14 articles 1 photo 278 comments

Favorite Quote:
Worry is simply a misuse of the imagination.

beautifully written article, but i have to disagree on all of your opinions.  i personally found the entire thing a HUGE disappointment. 

on Jul. 22 2010 at 2:25 pm
deus-ex-machina14 BRONZE, Stewartsville, New Jersey
1 article 0 photos 439 comments

Favorite Quote:
"There are two main tragedies in life. One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it." -Oscar Wilde

I think you're a great writer and you state your opinions concisely and with good back-up reasons. Personally, the movie was a little disappointing for me after reading the books, which I prefer. I will say that they got a great location for shooting and the appearances of the characters down. Nice article!

on Jul. 22 2010 at 12:26 pm
WritingLoverForever PLATINUM, Bowling Green, Ohio
32 articles 2 photos 198 comments

Favorite Quote:
It's not about success; it's about significance.

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

Twilight is truly a captivating story. The Twilight saga is the greatest book/movie series since Harry Potter, in my opinion anyway. I have seen all the Twilight movies, but only read the first book. And just as you mentioned in the review, it is impossible to label the book or movie as the better version of the two. Awesome job on this review.

on Jul. 3 2010 at 6:33 am
hello.beautiful PLATINUM, New York, New York
35 articles 29 photos 67 comments

Favorite Quote:
Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. -Habakkuk 1:5

I agree, the books are definetley better.

on Jul. 3 2010 at 6:33 am
hello.beautiful PLATINUM, New York, New York
35 articles 29 photos 67 comments

Favorite Quote:
Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. -Habakkuk 1:5

I agree with what you said.

on Jul. 3 2010 at 6:31 am
hello.beautiful PLATINUM, New York, New York
35 articles 29 photos 67 comments

Favorite Quote:
Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. -Habakkuk 1:5

Personally, I prefer the books. But it's not the same if you see the movie, then read the books. Read them first, they're so good!

on Jul. 3 2010 at 12:32 am
marsbareater12 SILVER, Somerville, Other
5 articles 3 photos 7 comments

Favorite Quote:
"What is thy assians name?"
"Bob."

I agree. I am a twi-hard, but they can't act. I aslo don't like Steph Meyers writing. The fanfic people were the ones who brought the charaters to life.

on Jun. 30 2010 at 10:32 am
OMG THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! I HATE Robert Pattinson as Edward... I think he pretty much sucks in general except for his TINY role in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire... his head is just WAY too deformed. Have you noticed, in Twilight, when Edward is attacking James and they are against the mirror and Edward growls how weird his head looks?? It's, like, wider than long!! I think Rob Pattinson has some facial issues.... 

TuffGurl said...
on Jun. 30 2010 at 10:28 am
This is a good review! I just hate the cast, except for Peter Facinelli because he is exactly what I thought Carlisle should be! But I especially hate Kristen Stewart and Rob Pattinson in this... but I think I would hate any actor in this because no one can live up to the books :) The Twilight Saga are my comfort books, and whenever I go on vacation these are the first four books I pack -- well, three, because I usually start Twilight the night before :)

on Jun. 18 2010 at 11:23 pm
The books are amazing and really capture the reader's inner fantasy. Though the books aren't totally different from the movies, I see why the movie isn't as good. The movie is something you get sucked into at first, but then you realize what a bad movie it really was. I love the plot and storyline. Not that it gets old, it's just bad. Somehow you can still fall in love with the movie. And needless to say, I am a twihard. Haha. Well, great review. You didn't insult the movie but at the same time you expressed you feelings for it in a subtle manner.