Alas, it’s that time of year again. When Twi-Hards flock to the theaters and go ludicrous over Robert Pattinson’s jawline and Taylor Lautner’s toned and tanned six-pack abs. Something, which I’ve noticed, Twi-Hards never get over. Shrieks are STILL always associated when these appear on screen.
And Breaking Dawn- Part 1 gives exactly what the passionate Twilight fans want. A wedding, a steamy honeymoon, and Bella’s transformation from human to vampire. Not to mention a baby– in the form of Kristen Stewart and Rob Pattinson’s advantageous gene pool! What else could the fandom possibly ask for?
My answer would be nothing, but I’m wrong. Director Bill Condon gave the fans more than expected.I have to admit I was honestly impressed with the production, cinematography, and direction Condon took. Especially considering the over melodramatic and silly content he had to work with.
First, the little things. Condon used many aspects of the soundtrack from the orginal film. It was a great move, which I know will not go unnoticed by the true die hard fans. As well as the chess playing scenes between Edward and Bella. The American cover of this book is a exactly that– a chess board with a white queen piece dominating with a single red pawn across the board. It was a metaphor for what the story told and I’m glad they made a note of it here too.
I also want to note how good Stewart and Lautner were. No longer was I watching a really annoying, heavy sighing Stewart, but instead a much improved actress who shined, I think, more than she ever has before. Again though, with the silly content she was given. Regardless, however, it was really nice to watch. Same goes for Lautner– Jacob’s various scenes with the Cullens, and with Bella were I think the best throughout. Until he has to, you know, convince the audience that his imprinting on Renesmee isn’t creepy at all. Poor kid.
The other thing too– honest, good humor. Finally, some genuine smiles and laughter from all of the characters. Not the cheesy attempts made at it from Stephenie Meyer in her text, but really good stuff that’s more applicable to a modern audience. Some intentional, some not, but either way it works. Kudos to Condon for that. The shots of Bella’s friends and family making toasts during the wedding– Jessica and Bella’s father, Charlie come to mind. I loved them both here.
And lastly, Bella’s final moments as a human. The birth scene was intense. It was real too– not made pretty, but filled with blood and panic. And the montage of her human life just before she opens her eyes. A reflection that is tragic really, because she’ll never be that girl again.
Look, I’m not a crazy-blinded fan of this series. Yes, I read the books, but I was so very disappointed with the final installment, what with Bella getting pregnant in the first place, something I still think is entirely impossible, the imprinting of Jacob on Renesmee, something that just gives me the creeps, and the thing that bothered me the most– the highly anticipated non-occurring showdown against the Volturi. To me, I don’t care that Bella gained her sweet shield power as a vampire that prevented it. It should’ve happened! I found it to be too shiny and cheesy, and can honestly say I don’t find Meyer very impressive.
My apologies to the fandom.
With that said, though, I understand why the critics are going to pan this. In our culture, Jacob imprinting on a baby looks as bad on screen as it did on the page. And the bruises on Bella– it just looks bad too. Readers know that that isn’t what was intended, but it won’t be forgotten.
But like I said though, this movie gave the fans exactly what they wanted. So because of that, they have all reasons to be happy, and can trust that Condon will make the second part of this installment something to look forward to as well.
