1. Depth of story/character. For example, from the very beginning, Bella's opening lines address dying. Not shopping. Or boyfriends.
2. "Bella" (Kristen Stewart). She is natural, pretty, smart, real, independent. She loves the old, beat up pickup truck her Dad gives her. She'd rather go to a bookstore than try on dresses.
3. Writing. Some quotes:
"One of the best things about Charlie—he doesn't hover." (Bella, about her Dad)
"Your mood swings are giving me whiplash." (Bella, to Edward)
"What if I'm not the hero? What if I'm the bad guy?" (Edward, to Bella)
"I tell you I can read minds and you think there's something wrong with YOU?" (Edward, to Bella)
"I don't have the strength to stay away from you anymore." (Edward, to Bella)
"Your scent. It's like a drug to me. You're like my own personal brand of heroin." (Edward, to Bella)
"So you're worried, not because you'll be in a house full of vampires, but because you think they won't approve of you." (Edward, to Bella)
Edward: "You better hold on tight, Spider Monkey. Do you trust me?"
Bella: "In theory."
4. Direction. The initial scene between Edward and Bella is marked by repulsion, fascination---the meeting of two people who know they will forever affect each other in some way. And the big revelatory plot point, when Bella confronts Edward about his 'nature,' is a sweeping, yet intimate, intense forest scene. This director defines romanticism.
5. Color. The color grading (color changing and correcting done in post production) is superb, doing what color does best: setting mood. The cool rainy blues. The color that goes into and out of Bella's face.
6. Originality of vampire concept, incorporating Native American legends regarding wolf tribes vs. vampire tribes. This is most certainly not another vampire flick.
7. Soundtrack. From Edward listening to Debussy's "Clair de Lune" to Radiohead's "15 Step," it sounds as great as it looks.
8. Casting. Edward (Robert Pattinson) is heart-stoppingly beautiful and sheer perfection in this role. Kristen Stewart is a likeable, natural beauty. We care for her because of who she is and live vicariously through her point of view. "Jacob" (Taylor Lautner) is another lovable force who will be more visible in the next Twilight series film, "New Moon."
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2 comments:
As a male I must disagree J! The obvious metaphor of the Christian teen celibacy movement is that love is looking not biting- and so if you're idea of love (which makes the teens scream) is 2 hours of watching two 'lovers' stare at each other smoldering ala a Spanish soap opera, this is for you. In the next installment the hunky Indian becomes a wolf! Plus I thought the female lead seemed pretty flat. Some originality sure - but for guys who don't want to see their monsters Abercrombie & Fiched I'll take Kolchak and "The Night Stalker" anyday :)
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