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 Nov. 30 2011 at 8:05 pm
Ice_Queen PLATINUM, Peoria, Arizona
49 articles 7 photos 13 comments

Favorite Quote:
Love is anterior to life, posterior to death, initial of creation, and the exponent of breath.
-Emily Dickinson

Good vampyres are in the House of Night, too. Although the later books are becoming more complex and need an analytical mind to comprehend.

on Nov. 30 2011 at 8:04 pm
Ice_Queen PLATINUM, Peoria, Arizona
49 articles 7 photos 13 comments

Favorite Quote:
Love is anterior to life, posterior to death, initial of creation, and the exponent of breath.
-Emily Dickinson

Yeah, whatever. Somebody needs to read my review.

browneyedcat said...
on Nov. 30 2011 at 4:57 pm
browneyedcat, Melbourne Beach, Florida
0 articles 0 photos 47 comments
The book was great. People just don't realize in this economy and era there's a lot of hate and darkness. We need happy endings nowadays. That is why the twilight series are so popular. 

wanda said...
on Nov. 16 2011 at 6:21 pm
i never watched a single movie of twilight,now i regret t,im gonna tri to catch up!

hey.girl said...
on Nov. 11 2011 at 11:02 am
hey.girl, Kandy, Other
0 articles 0 photos 5 comments

Favorite Quote:
"my hands are full of red as yours but my heart is not full of fear as yours"

this is the best fictional story 4ever

BABY said...
on Nov. 8 2011 at 5:09 pm
SO TRUE tWILIGHT AND ALL OF THE OTHER BOOKS AND MOVIES ARE GREAT.:)

on Nov. 6 2011 at 12:30 pm
peace,love,music, Lancaster, Ohio
0 articles 0 photos 1 comment

Favorite Quote:
“I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.” -Marilyn Monroe <3

I hate it when people hate on Twilight. It's a great book & movie , even if some people are too stubborn to say so.

Lit.rox BRONZE said...
on Oct. 31 2011 at 7:33 am
Lit.rox BRONZE, Kandy, Other
4 articles 0 photos 28 comments
This is fictional, still very interesting.I like it.

on Oct. 28 2011 at 12:31 pm
NiklausMikaelson1864 SILVER, Southwest Harbor, Maine
5 articles 0 photos 46 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Please note that I am saying this as I twirl my metaphorical mustache." ~Talon McCallister

I LOOOOOOOOOOVE Harry Potter...but how were some things copied?

on Oct. 28 2011 at 12:29 pm
NiklausMikaelson1864 SILVER, Southwest Harbor, Maine
5 articles 0 photos 46 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Please note that I am saying this as I twirl my metaphorical mustache." ~Talon McCallister

If you really want scary vampires, check out the Vampire Diaries!

on Oct. 28 2011 at 10:37 am
Moonflawer BRONZE, Lenexa, Kansas
3 articles 0 photos 5 comments

Favorite Quote:
Take me above your light;Carry me through the night;Hold me secure in flight;Sing me to sleep tonight

i absolutly hate this! vampires are sooooo tupid! there supposed to be scary not sparkly!bleh

Ghosting said...
on Oct. 28 2011 at 7:18 am
Ghosting, St Peter Port, Other
0 articles 0 photos 3 comments

Favorite Quote:
In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different - Coco Chanel

I don't mind Twilight, but those crazy fangirls who refuse to believe that Twilight is a fictional story do bug me. :P

Lexie96 GOLD said...
on Oct. 27 2011 at 6:05 pm
Lexie96 GOLD, Havana, Illinois
11 articles 0 photos 378 comments

Favorite Quote:
Now Cinderella don't you go to sleep, it's such a bitter form of refuge, oh don't you know the kingdom's under siege, and everbody needs you. - The Killers

Or maybe the director needs more lessons, ever seen Kristen Stewart in Panic Room or The Women? The girl is a good actress, and plays Bella right. As for Rob, well, he was in Harry Potter with a superb director and he was fantastic in that... so, yeah, I have to say maybe the director is at fault.

on Oct. 27 2011 at 1:43 pm
I absolutely despise twilight but reading this article makes me want to go home and watch it over and over.

Daniitee2 said...
on Oct. 27 2011 at 1:21 pm

Twilight is not my thing. Though who doesn't love a guy with abs and turns into a werewolf?! That's the high light of the whole movie for me

 


iLuv:^) said...
on Oct. 25 2011 at 2:38 pm
I love twilight... do you?

on Oct. 20 2011 at 12:49 pm
NiklausMikaelson1864 SILVER, Southwest Harbor, Maine
5 articles 0 photos 46 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Please note that I am saying this as I twirl my metaphorical mustache." ~Talon McCallister

Seriously,bro...don't hate. You can loathe Twilight all you want, just don't go all hater on a person for writing about it.

beccasky said...
on Oct. 12 2011 at 10:48 am
I completely agree. This is a great artical but I hate Twilight. I don't understand what's so great about it? The actors need some lessons I think.

on Oct. 11 2011 at 3:16 pm
LexieN14 BRONZE, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
4 articles 0 photos 3 comments

Favorite Quote:
fluffy muffins and bluffing muffins

what r you talking about, girl?

on Oct. 11 2011 at 3:13 pm
WORST ARTICLE EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!