I’m a formerly-resistant Twilight convert who’s now seen the movie twice. I’m about halfway through the third book, and having just finished New Moon, I’ve got more thoughts on the film adaptation as it moves forward, with a new director and possible other changes.
The Twilight books are written in first person and read like a teenager’s gushing diary, with little description of action–or even of characters besides hair color, size, and beauty. This allows readers to project whatever they want to see onto them, but makes it hard to create characters for a performance.
But the books get better as they go along–fewer adverbs and gushing descriptions comparing Edward Cullen to male models, and more action. There are motorcycles, cliff diving, werewolves, more evil vampires, and a daring daylight rescue scene where Bella gets to do the rescuing, for once. So New Moon has the potential to be a better movie than Twilight.
(possible spoilers below. Just sayin’)
It also has the opportunity to turn into a soulless, laughable bunch of CG nonsense. Director Chris Weitz’s Golden Compass was rather bland (and I didn’t read the book, while people who did appear to have hated the film far more than I did), and I doubt he has Catherine Hardwicke’s grasp of what it’s like to be a teenage girl.
As I wrote before, I think it takes a special hand to turn a rambling, sprawling novel that spends huge chunks of time cooing over its leads’ physical beauty into a film with an actual plot and characters that aren’t paper dolls.
It’s harder to see how screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg (from the first movie) will trim bits from New Moon as easily as she did from Twilight. While Twilight was about desire and first love, New Moon is mostly about first heartbreak, and friendship. One has to keep the important parts of Edward and Bella’s relationship while not sacrificing the development of Jacob and the werewolves, because New Moon is really two stories, one bookending the other.
Edward comes jolting back in at the end of the book, as awkwardly as the attack of James and Victoria at the end of the first book, but almost no one will be surprised when it happens. (My sister and I, listening to the audiobook, took bets as to how many hours would pass before he returned.) The first film did a good job of inserting the “bad guys” earlier in the story, streamlining the plot, but this will be harder to do with New Moon.
Rosenberg will have to make all of this coherent, and Weitz will have to prove that he can get believable performances out of his cast. He’ll also have to find a way to make the werewolves intimidating, not laughable, a task that comic movie fans are well aware can be quite difficult. We all saw the first Hulk movie, after all.
Speaking of the werewolves, one of the hardest decisions (after replacing Hardwicke) will be whether or not to keep Taylor Lautner as Jacob. He was spot-on in the first film–puppy-dog cute and eager–but when Jake has to turn action hero, six-five and gorgeous, I can’t see him maintaining. Still, I dislike cast changes mid-series almost as much as director changes, especially for a lead, so I’m kind of taking his side.
But it should tell you something that I felt creepy posting a picture of him shirtless here because he’s so…young.
What I’m really looking forward to, though, is more Alice. And more sass and grand theft auto from her. As long as she gets to do some sweet stunt driving, I’ll be happy. I think.
December 31st, 2008 at 3:46 pm
First of all, Taylor is, if not already 18, very close to 18. Second, if you watch the scene at the end, before the prom, when Jacob and Edward are face to face for the first time, Taylor portrayed Jacobs hate for Edward perfectly.
I think everyone is making a bigger deal of this than it really is…it’s called acting…and I think Taylor can handle acting Jacob in anyway he needs to. So let’s get over the drama and sign him on for the movie already!
December 31st, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Sarah-I’m also a “once skeptic, but now fan” of Twilight, but i don’t think the importance of the series is dependent on Catherine Hardwicke. SHe flopped the LORDS OF DOGTOWN film (it’s sad when a first time documentary film maker makes a better looking flick than the follow-up theatrical), and her expertise of being a teenage girl didn’t help out THE NATIVITY. Hardwicke is far from a hack, but having a reputation of being a “difficult” director made the decision easier to dump this part of the formula. With the commercial sucess of X-men and Harry Potter franchises, where directors are inserted and re-inserted into the mythos, it doesn’t seem like such a big deal afterall.
December 31st, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Debbie – I agree that Lautner should stay on. However, he is only 16 right now. His birthday is in February, so he’ll just be turning 17 just in time for shooting in March. And him being 17 will be a HUGE problem because they are shooting back-to-back for New Moon and Eclipse. He will be under strict child labor laws because he isn’t 18 yet. So if there’s an over-riding reason why he won’t be back, I think it will be because of his age. I think Summit Entertainment who wants to pinch pennies for the sequels so Lautner may be out based on the fact that it will take longer to shoot both films if he is in them. Too bad. I like him.
December 31st, 2008 at 6:22 pm
i agree with debbie, taylor is the perfect jacob and changed hem with be confuse and a terrible mistake. taylor must be always jacob black and i thing that all the fans (at least 99.9%) think the same. whit weitz my only hope is that he make a much better movie that the golden compass because a lot of fans (like me) going to judge hem like a criminal if he doesn’t make justice to the books.
December 31st, 2008 at 9:06 pm
I think that Taylor is a growing boy. Give him a little credit, the kid has already put on 19 pounds, and he promised 10 more by the start of filming in march. I am very impressed that he is so dedicated, and nobody else will be able to portray Jacob Black for ME. Although I find myself thinking back to Midnight Sun and repeating “too young, too young, TOO YOUNG!” over and over again in my head when I see all of the shirtless pics of him online. It’s just not RIGHT, lol.
January 1st, 2009 at 11:38 am
I think That Catherine did a wonderful job and new moon i believe that new moon may possibly be a bit disappointing with a new director. In some ways i think taylor is too young but with the things that teens do these days with friends and stuff i didnt find his age and appearance much of a surprise
January 1st, 2009 at 12:07 pm
for those who believed you COULDN’T get a good representation of Norman Osborn’s hair on film..look at the above photo..lol
January 1st, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I am anxiously looking forward to New Moon the movie but also with some reservation. It will take an exceptional screenwriter to trim the excess while keeping the integrity of the story line as Stephenie Meyer intended, because those of us who have read the novels many times over expect fidelity, I think Rosenberg is up for it. With regard to Taylor staying on as Jacob, absolutely! This young man is right for the role ( as every fan pole seems to suggest) and deserves the opportunity to see it through to the end.
January 1st, 2009 at 5:39 pm
The next time you re-read New Moon (lol) notice that Jacob stays in the eager, happy, puppy-dog-love side of his character for the first half of the novel. There is also a running joke about the fact that he’s two years younger than Bella. Taylor Lautner nailed this “sunny” Jacob in Twilight and we need him to do it again for the first half of New Moon. A hulking 25-year old actor would be all wrong for the first half of the movie when Jacob is supposed to be two years younger than Bella. After his transformation, when he cuts his hair short and turns into the muscular, bitter, Jacob, I believe Taylor has the intensity – and yes, acting skills – to pull this off. Also the fact that he’s a champion black belt in karate shows he has the physicality and competitiveness necessary for the werewolf scenes and the conflicts with Edward. I agree his age during shooting will be difficult but they managed with Kristin Stewart, who was in nearly every scene and didn’t turn 18 until Twilight was almost finished. Give Taylor a chance!
January 1st, 2009 at 10:05 pm
i agree with Debbie, i think that Taylor shows Jacob’s hate for Edward perfectly! Taylor is only 16, 16 people! He will grow! He’s been working out heaps and lets face it, replacing Taylor Lautner would be a huge mistake, i mean lets face it, me and a million other screaming fan girls will go crazy, Taylor has a HUGE fanbase, and he acts jacob really well.
Taylor Lautner IS Jacob Black, when people think of Jacob they see Taylors face now, it’s a HUGE mistake to replace an actor after they have already played the character once. It’s yor funeral summit.
January 2nd, 2009 at 12:22 am
I also agree with Debbie. Taylor does show that hate for edward. I was already pissed off that they changed the director, but if they change Jacob, that will ruin the movie and the next to come. Also look at the sacrafice Taylor has to do for his role as Jacob. Jacob has to be more muscular and so far from what i read in magazines is that everyday since they stopped filming twilight he has been working out to play the part of Jacob. Taylor is JAcob, he is absolutly without a doubt, 100% perfect to play the role of Jacob. If they Micheal Copon play Jacob, i am not even gonna go see the movie. And I am pretty sure that there are a lot of people that will do the same.
January 2nd, 2009 at 1:39 pm
I’ll go you one better. I’m a 41 year old, happily married father of two…and I love the Twilight books. I enjoyed the first movie and have seen it 3 times thus far. I don’t think they are “girls novels” or “womens’ movies” at all…that’s just marketing terms anyway, designed to appeal to various demographics. I find them to be romantic fantasy with a very personal vision.
Robert Pattinson is an amazing find…and the more you see it, the more you see how he channels Edward perfectly, from both “Twilight” and “Midnight Sun.” If he can survive his current bout of “it boy-ness,” he has the potential to be a strong actor. I’ve found it very interesting that the movie was supposed to be Kristin Stewart’s baby…because without Pattinson, it wouldn’t be doing the business it’s doing.
Which leads to the biggest problem for the “New Moon” movie…Edward isn’t in it that much. He has great scenes when he is in it – his return is spectacular. But it’s his abscence that is felt strongly throughout the book. How will they deal with this, while still needing as much Pattinson as they can get into the movie for the viewers. Kristin Stewart is a good actress, but her Bella is a little dry without Pattinson’s Edward. And Taylor Lautner did fine with his brief amount of posing in “Twilight,” but does he have the chops to actually act? An interesting dilemma for this movie.
As for Catherine – I’m mixed. I think she did a good job on “Twilight,” though there are some things I’d liked to have seen differently. And I think she could do a good job on the first 2/3 of “New Moon”…but once it moves to Italy, I’m not sure that would be her forte. and since the novels begin to become more action-oriented will still remaining personal and romantic, this might be the time for a change.
I do think they should keep Lautner as Jacob…I hate re-casting, and I think he can do the job. With the extra muscle he is putting on, as well as with CGI – they can make it work.I’m interested to see how Leah, Seth, Quil and Embry are going to be presented.
Speaking of CGI – I wasn’t overly diappointed in “Twilight”‘s effect…except for the sparkling skin….I’d like to see that amped up a bit more for “New Moon.” Of course, the Volturi present some interesting challenges that I can’t wait to see.
I want to see some kick-ass Alice…she’s a great character and there should be some great scenes with her in this movie.
All in all…I’m looking forward to it.
January 2nd, 2009 at 2:07 pm
If they put rob on more of new moon than he is suppposed to It would ruin the movie he is suppposed up be gone that’s the only way thst the audience can relate to bellas pain. As for Taylor lautner why don’t they hire two actors one for before he changes one for after duh! I’m sure this isn’t completely reasonable but Its the only way I think that they could replace lautner without a huge fan base being lost
January 3rd, 2009 at 12:10 pm
I agree that much ado has been made over nothing with regard to the whole Jacob casting fiasco. Here’s my take: First and foremost, the Twilight saga is the story of Bella and Edward – NOT Bella and Jacob. If Weitz strays from the books, and tries to ‘sex up’ the best friendship of Bella and Jacob – I think the fan base will have a huge problem. Taylor Lautner, if you look at early promos of Twilight, is shown bulked up, mature, and more than a little intense and menacing. I think he can pull off the werewolf transition, and if he is replaced by the blatantly arrogant and show-boaty candidate Michael Copon, I’ll be livid. Copon has belittled Taylor’s size and acting chops publicly in the media, and I find that kind of behavior inexcusable – especially since the role he “covets” is the most self-sacrificing and selfless of the whole series. Meanwhile, all Lautner has said is, “I’m going to do everything I can to continue on.” and he’s left it at that. Bottom line, this is Edward and Bella’s story. I hope the powers that be keep their eyes on that prize and don’t stray from it. I think Taylor nailed Jacob in Twilight and has the ability to deepen and mature the character throughout the series. Keep him in place. And I can’t wait to see what comes on the 20th of November!!!
January 3rd, 2009 at 12:14 pm
PS ?? Bring on MORE ALICE – and some awesome “grand theft auto Volterra!!!! Ashley Greene is amazing, and I can’t wait to see her BFF-ship with Bella bloom!
January 3rd, 2009 at 4:04 pm
I agree Taylor has the potential to be Jacob Black. I mean, its not that hard really. Many fans are going to be really angry if they recast jacob. I know i will! if they cast anyone else, it will make the movie a little bleak, peepl wont watch it with the same excitement as they would have if it was taylor.
what they’re trying to do in new moon is include Robert Pattinson as much as they can without making any major changes. That probably means they’re gonna show edward wherever he is in between scenes. thats no problem, but by adding scenes with robert, they shouldn’t forget to include any major scenes from the book. I was a bit disappointed that there were other scenes in twilight that werent shown in the movie. Some of the scenes might have made a better transition from friends to lovers between edward and bella. For example, a scene in the book was when Edward called Bella over to sit with him in the cafeteria. A few extra minutes in the movie wont hurt!!
And definitely, they have to show more Alice!! She’s also a major part in New Moon. She helps Bella find Edward. With out her visions, edward would be………not there.
January 3rd, 2009 at 4:26 pm
I think that Taylor Lautner should stay. I mean, not everything will be perfect. Michael Copon is not 6’7. It doesn’t look like he can portray “cute” Jacob. Because Jacob doesn’t grow like Bigfoot as soon as the book starts! And they can’t make Jacob too sexy, not that Michael is very sexy.
I also hope that Weitz becomes more serious with his choice of scenes. In Twilight, I along with my friends, were disappointed that they didn’t show the cafeteria scene or the biology scene where Bella faints and goes home. I would say that’s where Edward + Bella’s love bloom. But I was jubilant when I saw the fighting scene. I was disappointed that Meyers didn’t describe the fight, but at least we got to see it on film. Overall, I’m looking forward to how New Moon is going to be. Because if they show more of Edward when he is rebellious against the Volturi or when he calls Bella’s home, I think that will make fans sit right at the edge of their seats! I hope it turns out great!!! =)
January 5th, 2009 at 1:19 am
Actually I think Taylor is terrible at Jacob Black. His acting is good but he doesn’t fit the character so I’d want him to go. Badly. I don’t want him in the rest of the movies at all. Even if I’d go, there’d be a bunch of girls booing when he’s on screen. I’d join them. =) Then when Edward’s on screen there’d be cheering again. *laughs* I realize I’m terrible for saying that but honestly…I don’t like Jacob Black anyway so whatever. Actually keep him. It does make the story believeable because I felt like I hated Jacob Black in the novels anyway. Oh but Seth is very cool. =) Nothing to do with Taylor’s acting though…well you know, the reason why I dislike Jacob Black, personally.
January 5th, 2009 at 2:02 am
I think Taylor should play Jacob. I can not wait for New Moon.
January 6th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
omg thats a great idea do ALL the other books aswell !! x x Me and my friends have read the books and think twilight is so goood and we want to see the other books in action x xx !! x
January 6th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
I think Johnny Depp should be one of the Voluturi! He would be AWESOME, and can you imagine how well a cast that talented would play off of eachother? I can dream, they probably wouldn’t be able to afford him. Taylor is a wonderful Jacob, whether you love him or hate him he plays the part well.
January 7th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
I read all the books and I can’t wait to see New Moon in full screen. I think the new director should still show the voices of Edward and the come back scene should be really big. I didn’t really like New Moon but when Alice appeared I knew that Edward would come back. And that come back is the most exciting part of the book. Especially the conversation of Bella and Edward after their Italy trip, I think that should be seen in the movie New Moon, when Edward was trying to convince Bella that she was awake and telling him how much he loved her and the vote.
January 8th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
I’m pretty sure, after reading that they are going to try to have Rob Pattinson in the movie as much as posssible, they are leaning in the direction of spending more time on the beginning and comeback parts of the book. The whole time that edward is gone just boils down to severe depression, extreme sports, and becoming best friends with Jacob. In a MOVIE version how long will it really take to show that? I hope that’s what they do, because then they won’t have to leave out any minor details from the rescue, I LOVE Alice’s involvment in the rescue, and I know that she would be the one to get cut out.
April 18th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
hey, i like Talor. and i don’t think that they should not let him be Jacob. People might not like this movie as much as they liked twilight, (i’ve heard that about the book). But i know i will because i think that new moon and twilight are both romantic. Even though Edward is not in new moon that much you get to know more about Jacob. And once you see the movie you will love it because Bella actually saved Edward from exposing him self. She hurt herself riding a motorcyle. she almost drowned cliff diving.and Werewolves. and the whole time she is trying not to think about Edward. But she keeps stupid things so that she can hear his soft velvet voice.
November 16th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
exposing him self. She hurt herself riding a motorcyle. she almost drowned cliff diving.and Werewolves. and the whole time she is trying not to think about Edward. But she keeps stupid things so that she can hear his soft velvet voice.