“These violent delights have violent ends / And in their triumph die, like fire and powder, / Which, as they kiss, consume” (Romeo and Juliet, Act II, scene 6).
The public’s consumption of Twilight has been as ravenous as a vampire’s legendary thirst for blood. Stephenie Meyer’s phenomenally successful novel series has now spawned the film release of Twilight, the first arc in the currently four-part series centering on the love between the immortal vampire Edward and his 17-year-old high school girlfriend, Bella. Teenage girls form the crux of this fan base. In recent weeks, they have lined up in malls, literally screaming for a glimpse of Twilight’s stars, bought Twilight themed merchandise and tuned in to the glut of media coverage about the film. However, these girls are increasingly not alone in their adulation. Both adult male and female moviegoers are also flocking to see this modern day take on Romeo and Juliet.
The premise is surprisingly simple. Isabella “Bella” Swan (Kristen Stewart) is transplanted to Forks, Washington, from the sunny swelter of Phoenix, Arizona, after her mother remarries and decides to go on the road with her minor league baseball player/husband. Bella settles in a little uneasily with her loving, but stoic father (Billy Burke), the town’s police chief. The dark and dreariness of Forks seems to mimic her mood as she struggles to assimilate to her new home, new school and new life.
Enter Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), the most aloof, impossibly attractive boy in high school. (If you are unsure about the worthiness of this status just attend the film and listen to the collective sighs all around as he comes on screen.) His slightly dangerous, brooding air, his tailored clothing, and slow, almost melodic speech set him glaringly apart from the more clumsy, fumbling boys in school eager for the new girl’s attention in their small town. Indeed, the connection between Bella and Edward is instant; in the smoldering glances he gives her we see the simmering anger and the passion that lies just beneath the surface.
From the beginning Bella is intrigued. She senses something different about Edward. And after he displays a few too many superhuman qualities, she slowly comes to realize he is, unbelievably, a vampire. But true love knows no bounds and Bella is undeterred. As she and Edward grow closer and closer, the danger presented by both of their worlds threatens the likelihood of their romantic future.
Twilight strikes the perfect chord, remaining true to the text of the novel — in essence, a character-driven piece. The relatively unknown cast effortlessly blends into their roles and becomes the real life embodiments of what the majority of fans of Twilight (the book) had envisioned. Their efforts allow the focus to rightfully fixate on Bella and Edward’s complex relationship and their dealings with the culture clash-like obstacles that present themselves, including a traveling vampire coven that feasts on humans and Edward’s “brothers and sisters,” fellow vampires: haughty and beautiful Rosalie, muscular Emmett, introspective Jasper and pixie-like Alice, who are not quite sure what to make of Edward’s newfound love.
The film recalls this emphasis on character as opportunities for special effects are thankfully underutilized. A scene where Edward’s skin is supposed to glow like diamonds in sunlight is seen as a subtle shimmering effect, and, similarly, a fight between two vampires becomes more primal and animalistic when the focus is on hand-to-hand combat, not grandiose displays of technical prowess.
The film is also inventive and not afraid to play with the traditional “vampire” stereotypes. These vampires don’t bare fangs, sleep in coffins or shroud themselves in darkness. Instead they drive expensive sports cars, wear designer clothing, have enviable sound systems and enjoy a good game of baseball.
Twilight also sees the humor in the whole absurdity of the situation and is not afraid to let the audience in on the joke. Some lighter moments in the film include: vampires excitedly using the kitchen for the first time to cook a meal for Bella, under the guidance of the Food Network, and an ongoing insistence of Bella’s father for her to carry pepper spray at all times (as if that could be any help in warding off the undead).
My only real criticism of the film is the casting of Kristen Stewart as Bella. The Bella of the novel series had her teen angst tempered with emotion and romantic sensibilities. This Bella is constantly scowling, seemingly trapped in a perpetual state of PMS. While I can empathize with the pain, it would be nice to see her crack a smile. After all, it’s not everyday that a gorgeous immortal claims you for his own and delivers lines like, “I’ve never wanted anybody more.” Hopefully as the series progresses, Kristen will have the opportunity to evolve and explore the nuances of her character.
Twilight is poised on the precipice of success and near cult status among its rabid fans. The ending of the film clearly sets up the second installment — conflict between the vampires and the resident werewolves in town was inevitable, after all — and the film’s popularity assures the fans that we will not wait long for the continuation of Bella and Edward’s unconventional love story. While it is clearly not a cinematic masterpiece, Twilight can be likened to candy — it’s syrupy, sweet and at times, oddly satisfying. And don’t forget, it has bite.