Jul 05, 2012 01:43 AM
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If you're a part of the crowd who's watched all the Twilight movies up till Breaking Dawn- Part 1, then you would want to skip reading this review; but if you're one amongst those who's refused to hop-on to the vampire-film bandwagon, then perhaps my insights on the movie might convince you to become a Twilighter (or not).
The storyline is pretty simple; Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) is a seventeen year-old girl who's just come to the sleepy town of Forks to live with her dad, Charlie Swan (Billy Burke); who also happens to be the town's Chief-of-Police. She's extremely shy and aloof; her pale complexion and simple beauty only adding to her overall appearance and personality. Soon enough, she's already caught the attention of a few boys who're trying in vain to befriend her. One very handsome young man though is keen on avoiding her; Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) seems to look disturbed and repulsed everytime he's in close proximity to her. Bella hears some rumors about the Cullens and makes a note-to-herself to study Edward and his siblings closely. A few days later, she gets saved from a van by the same mysterious Cullen and is amazed at his sheer speed, skill and strength. Edward however avoids her incessant questionings and warns her against snooping around him and his family. After a few more incidents she discovers who/what Edward really is....................problem is, she's already half in love with him!
I had watched this movie before reading the book, and herein lies the problem with all the films in the Twilight series; one cannot understand the movie without reading the novels beforehand. Bella looked confused and devoid of any emotions. She seemed to be uttering all her dialogues with the same tone of voice. I had presumed Kristen Stewart to be a bad actress while watching the film, only to realize that she was playing the part of Bella Swan to a tee (after reading the book). I could barely follow the proceedings in the movie; true revelation came to me only and I stress only,upon reading the first book. If you're a novice at Twilight, then I'll guarantee that you'll feel puzzled within a few minutes of watching the movie, with only Robert Pattinson's good looks to keep you interested throughout the whole two hours. After reading Stephenie Meyer's Twilight however, I am able to appreciate the lengths to which the casting director went to sign-up actors who best suited the character descriptions in the novel. Forks being the dull town it already is, appears even more dreary (inspite of the evergreen trees) yet dulcet , thanks to Elliot Davis' camera work. One can literally feel the sun shine upon themselves; the same way it secretly emerges from behind the clouds upon Edward and Bella, due to the brilliant cinematography techniques applied. The majesty and mystery of the Forks forest adds to the mood of the story and definitely seems to share some of Edward's personality traits. I'm glad that the producers made the effort to shoot the movie in the same locale as the setting in the book; adds to the authenticity of the plot.
Final grade- C+; good-looking actors+picturesque scenery+commercially spoiled plot= feast for the eyes.
Warning- If you're a big fan of Bram Stoker's Dracula, then I kindly request you to read the Twilight books before venturing onto the films. Otherwise, the 'sparkling like a thousand diamonds in the sunlight' thing will kill the living daylights out of you, and you might imagine poor Mr. Stoker rolling in his grave.
