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 Mar. 21 2011 at 4:35 pm
Alex_Durham GOLD, Vineland, New Jersey
14 articles 1 photo 234 comments

Favorite Quote:
Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

@blissless sorry i don't agree. i think kristen stewart plays bella phenomally well.

on Feb. 27 2011 at 9:12 pm
LightningForMyAllergies GOLD, White Bluff, Tennessee
11 articles 0 photos 10 comments

Favorite Quote:
When you look at me, you see only a fraction of my reflection, and my reflection shows only a fraction of me.

Your review is absolutely catchy! However, I'm with "Blissless"...no electricity with Kristen Stewart's acting skills. Both the movie and the book remind me of a happily twisted Tuck Everlasting meets today's society and views on young love.

 


Blissless said...
on Feb. 27 2011 at 6:38 pm
Blissless, Milton, Vermont
0 articles 0 photos 10 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Kidnapping" is a strong word. I prefer "Surprise Adoption."

"She directs a young cast of phenomenal talent" .... Really? Kristen Stewart fails. She looked dead through that whole movie, and I didn't feel any electricity at all. She gave me a constant vibe: 'I hate my life'

on Feb. 5 2011 at 8:13 pm
xXsharellieXx BRONZE, New Orleans, Louisiana
1 article 0 photos 4 comments

Favorite Quote:
"I would die whithout books."-Thomas Jefferson

Love your reveiw, it was more than accurate. Somewhat like the book. Hate the movie.

on Feb. 5 2011 at 7:58 am
Occultkitty BRONZE, Wareham, Other
3 articles 1 photo 3 comments

Favorite Quote:
'One kind word can warm three winter months.' -Japanese Proverb-

Your review on this film is great, though I disagree with the statement "this isn't a typical vampire tale";recently many authors have started to create more caring and humane vampires.  

In my opinion the book was better than the film, but I think this about most films because everyone sees the characters in a story differently. 

I love the choice of music for the film soundtrack, it fits well with the story. 

 

p.s People who are slagging Twilight off may want to think about what they are saying, according to Wikipedia (so I don't know if it's true) Stephenie Meyer played a part in the creation of Teen Ink. :p


on Jan. 28 2011 at 5:18 pm
TrueIdentity SILVER, San Diego, California
9 articles 0 photos 3 comments

Favorite Quote:
Let your true self be known

im with you!!! i love twilight and all the other movies. Go twilight!!!!!!!!!

on Jan. 24 2011 at 4:51 pm
Erin Addi BRONZE, Portland, Oregon
1 article 0 photos 3 comments
exactly what i've been trying to write out for the last fifteen minutes. haha 

on Jan. 7 2011 at 9:09 am
peterzthman BRONZE, Andover, Massachusetts
1 article 0 photos 3 comments
There is no point of making a love story about a stupid vampire and his short goth girlfriend

on Dec. 28 2010 at 8:33 pm
sunnyhunny PLATINUM, Litchfield, New Hampshire
22 articles 3 photos 329 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.&quot;<br /> -Ghandi

woah that's really cool though you have my name i just tought I'd let you know Leah S hahaha that's cool

on Dec. 28 2010 at 8:31 pm
sunnyhunny PLATINUM, Litchfield, New Hampshire
22 articles 3 photos 329 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.&quot;<br /> -Ghandi

I have to say that I think the twilight movies are really bad.  Very unoriginal.  I give some credit to the books but they don't deserve the amount of recognition they recieve.

Gigantron GOLD said...
on Dec. 23 2010 at 3:00 pm
Gigantron GOLD, Somewhere, Texas
11 articles 0 photos 36 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;There is a fundamental difference between religion, which is based on authority (imposed dogma, faith), [as opposed to] science, which is based on observation and reason. Science will win because it works.&quot;<br /> <br /> -Stephen Hawking

I wholeheartedly disagree with this review. I have a review of Twilight that is waiting to be published. Perhaps then you can truly see what Twilight isn't that great of a novel...or movie. 

 

=|


on Dec. 19 2010 at 10:58 am
Musicfeedsthesoul07 PLATINUM, Naperville, Illinois
25 articles 0 photos 95 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;Be nice to nerds. Chances are you&#039;ll end up working for one. &quot; - Bill Gates

Dude  ur joking right?

on Dec. 18 2010 at 10:02 pm
Musicfeedsthesoul07 PLATINUM, Naperville, Illinois
25 articles 0 photos 95 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;Be nice to nerds. Chances are you&#039;ll end up working for one. &quot; - Bill Gates

I am a total Harry Potter fan 2.

If I hear one more person scream Robert Pattison's name I will rip my hair out! (I didn't like him as Cedric Diggory either)


awesome13 said...
on Dec. 9 2010 at 7:55 am
i like this movie but i think they copied things from harry potter and sorry to say............ harry potter all the way

on Dec. 5 2010 at 8:19 pm
Dubella456 BRONZE, Glen Gardner, New Jersey
2 articles 0 photos 6 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;Enjoy life, make dreams real, and never give up!&quot; -Me &lt;------------ Its keeps me hopeful.

I am with you!!!!!!!!!

on Nov. 30 2010 at 5:25 pm
i dissagree with most people i LOVE the movie but every one is intitled to thier own opinnion

tard22 said...
on Nov. 22 2010 at 8:34 am
hate! harry potter all the way baby.

tard21 said...
on Nov. 22 2010 at 8:32 am
I hate this movie. Harry Poter all the way

spongebob said...
on Nov. 21 2010 at 2:36 pm
thats totally wrong

on Nov. 10 2010 at 7:44 pm
Moviebuff0202 SILVER, East Setauket, New York
7 articles 0 photos 15 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.&quot;- Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight

Having said that, I will admit that the article itself is very well written.