Twilight Reader Wrap: Eclipse, New Moon, Impact, and Journalism by Larson Hill
Although we wake up each morning to find a whole new crop of Twilight and New Moon related stories everywhere, like a Twilight version of the movie Groundhog Day, it's not what the media has to say about the Twilight Saga that matters, it's the fans and readers of sites like this one. Although I am a fan of the Twilight Saga, it's your voice that matters most. In the past few weeks a variety of readers have made their opinions known through our Twilight and New Moon articles. The comments and feelings about the Stephenie Meyer based series, starring Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner and Nikki Reed, have been not only diverse but extremely interesting and revealing as to the passion, unity, and loyalty fans have for Twilight and New Moon.
Having read though all of our Twilight comments over the weeks, here are a few topics and issues that fans have tackled and raised in and around TheDeadbolt that shed light on Twilight from the angle of possible violence in Eclipse, older fans wanting to see a few more mature actors in upcoming films, and the impact Twilight is having on kids and parents as they both eagerly anticipate the release of New Moon in November.
Concerned about the violence in Eclipse
In response to our report on the recent Twilight announcement of 30 Days of Night director, David Slade, taking the directing reigns in the third Twilight Saga film, Eclipse, after New Moon, one of our readers expressed concern over a possible departure in style and tone from the Twilight books.
"I really hope Eclipse is not turned into a movie where violence is the key theme. It's still a love story, don't remove the major theme. Although, the fight between Edward and Victoria sounds very cool. Remember, the book didn't go into a lot of detail about what happened with all the rest of the newborns. One of my favorite books 'Riverworld' was turned into a movie. The movie was all about violence and I absolutely hated it. It was a real departure from the book(s). We get enough violence in the real world."
TheDeadbolt Twilight take:
Twilight fans should take comfort that since the books already established the Twilight Saga world, good filmmakers know exactly when what they're shooting looks like another movie. For example, "That's not Twilight, that's 30 Days of Night." Slade can't radically depart from the book but there's no doubt that he will put his own unique stylistic stamp on the aggressive aspects of Eclipse. Given the darker occurrences that take place in Seattle in the third Twilight film, David Slade already has a proven track record with recent vampire related battles in 30 Days of Night, which would make sense why Summit Entertainment brought him onboard. Who knows, but the concerns are certainly well founded.
Representation without total teen Twilight taxation
One aspect of the Twilight Saga that continues to fascinate us from the comments on TheDeadbolt is how Twilight, New Moon, and the entire series has united fans both young and old. Since so many projects - books, movies, TV, etc - often divide fans and parents or simply young and more mature, Twilight is having a unique and positive effect that's been sparking interesting conversation among its more life experienced fans. Interestingly, one of our readers who commented on our Top 5 Twilight Questions Surrounding New Moon feels the Twilight movies should have more of a healthy blend of young and old to appeal even more to its wide, ageless fan base.
"I know, I may be a little older than the average Twilighter, but I am a true fan. I feel that we 'Twilight Saga Moms' should have a little older representation in the movies. Yes, we all fantasize about all the young Cullens and this can be a little disturbing (to our daughters as well as the actors). Wouldn't it be great if we could act our age and go for something a little more ... mature? The Volturi are the perfect outlet for this. Aro, Marcus and Caius should be older as should their wives. If the vampires are 'frozen' in time when they are transformed, who is to say that they ALL are changed before their 20th birthday? Casting a more mature Volturi will give us a legitimate excuse to show up at public events and not pretend we are there for our daughters, nieces, or our neighbor's granddaughter... Please?!"
In direct response, another reader writes ...
"I absolutely agree! I hope the casting agents realize that there is large audience (over 30+) that are big Twilight fans. We do need a little older re[pr]esentation!"
TheDeadbolt Twilight take:
Well, with recent casting of Michael Sheen and Graham Greene, it's a start. It's not perfect on a George Clooney, Brad Pitt level, but what is? For now we'll rest easy with the timeless cliché, "If it isn't broken, don't try to fix it." Also, we all know that other saying, "be careful what you wish for." Still, there's at least two more Twilight movies to go (when Breaking Dawn gets announced), so there's plenty of time.
Twilight, New Moon headlines and irresponsible journalism?
Commenting on one of our Twilight stories that touched on the online tidal waves of Twilight, New Moon, and Twilight Saga related stories, one of our readers feels that so many salacious headlines are nothing more than carelessness on behalf of some writers and editors, which aren't doing the Twilight Saga any favors.
"I think that it is completely irresponsible journalism that is causing the worst part of the whole Twilight saga. The rumors about the actors private moments are just ridiculous. Who is sleeping with who... who is fighting with who.... They need to pay more attention to the movie story and books instead of the actors and their private lives! Leave them alone."
TheDeadbolt Twilight take:
We agree completely. Unfortunately there are at least half a billion people who don't agree, and 250 million of them from the ages of 4 to 84 are writing Twilight headlines.
The positive impact of Twilight and New Moon
Although some may say that Twilight, New Moon, and the Twilight Saga at large is having a negative affect on today's younger generation, one comment from a Twilight mom caught our eye in terms of sincerity and honesty in relation to the books, her daughters, and her role as a parent. It's the type of Twilight comment that makes you stop and think about how some parents are recognizing the positive aspects on the family unit.
"... given all the truly horrid, torrid time wasters that girls can stumble into on the web... That both my daughters gravitated to Meyer' work is telling. For them to be able to engage in and sustain reading not just one but four novels with characters who promote family, loyalty, tenacity, persistence, self-control, friendship, honor!
"It gives me a measure of satisfaction that I must be doing something right. That they can come back to me and say, 'Mom you gotta read this.' And when I have, the stories become common knowledge to draw from as needed.
Nothing adverse about it."
However, on the other side of the fence to the Twilight fans and how they feel Twilight, New Moon, and the Twilight Saga is having an impact on their lives, one young reader gives her own honest assessment of how the Stephenie Meyer based series has already affected her life.
"I am an overly obsessed Twilight fan, and its affected me in many positive ways. Edward does set a good example of how every guy should treat a girl, and I don’t let guys push me around anymore. I’m so much better than that, and threes another way nicer guy out there waiting for me.(one positive affect) I also heard this from others, but a lot of girls decided to wait to have sex until after marriage, because that’s what Edward and Bella chose to do. (i think that is a very positive affect) It has also taught me to be more responsible, and given me hope. Bella (the protagonist) is quite responsible and everyone tells her that she acts much more mature than her actual age. I always thought of myself like that.
"And Bella isn’t some blonde cheerleader, she is a normal plain girl who doesn’t enjoy wearing make-up. I think that shows that you don’t have to be the girl who piles on the make-up and does her hair perfect everyday, just for people to notice you and like you. Its given hope to many people, including myself, that they will someday find there soulmate, there one true love, and that’s also positive, don’t you think? Twilight is definitely one of the best things that happened to me, and if it did change me at all, it was for the better."
TheDeadbolt Twilight take:
Everyone views the Twilight Saga differently in their own unique way. It's a personal experience that touches both young and old. Although you'll see a lot of bubbly excitement from Twilight fans around the web, the Twilight Saga IS having an impact of people in a positive light. I can't think of a project in recent years that has to this degree. It's great to see light at a time when there's so much darkness on a variety of every day levels.
If you were a parent, what more could you ask for? No matter what you think of the Twilight Saga, given how much competition there is among companies, networks, films, TV, games, the web, etc, it is impressive that the Twilight series has been able win the attention of both young fans and parents and have such a positive impact on both individual and family dynamics. If you were Stephenie Meyer, what more could you ask for? All of the Twilight and New Moon money in the world can't buy that stuff.
I know I am probably going to get bombed on this, but I really think Bella should have been a little more interesting. Alison Lohman to me would have played a better bella, her role on Flicka seemed to match up with how an actress is suppose to take a role like Bella, Or even Missy Peregrym looks better in jackets than Kristen Stewart will look. To me she was too rigid and very tom boy, not the innocent girl the needed to be there. If you agree, please give me some feedback. I really loved Twilight, I just don't think Kristen Stewart pulled of Bella very well though. I know for sure that she would not be a great looking Bella vampire, they are going to have to use a lot of computer tricks to pull that off.
Miranda – Chicago
May 18, 2009 - 04:08
Subject:
Taylor Lautner is in the process of going from a boy to a man. We haven't even seen the best of him as an actor. You can see it with Robert, too, but Taylor is going to bring so much more to New Moon than people realize. I can't wait to see him as the bigger, hotter Jacob! I think a lot of us fans are in for a big surprise.
Luaaa – auburn sydney
May 12, 2009 - 23:32
Subject: robert
People are backstabbing Robert about smoking so what if he smokes he smokes you can't do nothing about it..I love you robert pattinson.I agrre with the adult thing i will also like to know about how bella felt making love to edward
shawna – CA
April 30, 2009 - 14:02
Subject: Adults
I wish steph would write a ADULT VERSION of Twilight. LOL, I want MORE DETAILS on Edward & Bella's Romance. I want to READ what it was like for Bella & Edward to Make-Love for the First time! LOL. Honestly Though, I have thought about this from Book One! PLEASE STEPHANIE???
Reply to shawna
amanda
May 01, 2009 - 02:24
Subject: Re: Adults
Like you I wish she would to but we know that wont happen. There is another series I read that is adult and is a paranormal romance series about love, soulmates,vampires.werewolves etc. It is by Keri Arthur and is the Riley Jenson series. The first book is called Full Moon Rising.
rocio carrillo – my space
April 30, 2009 - 12:18
Subject: new moon
i how the movie the new moon will be as great, or better then twilight but i mean the collens are a very cool family 1
niiky – California
April 29, 2009 - 13:11
Subject: Love Jacob
I think if Kristen and Taylor are really going then maybe Taylor can get her out of smoking not like Robert He would Join her But Oh well I think they make a great Couple. oxox
Elizabeth
April 28, 2009 - 19:10
Subject: Older Twilight Fans
Being an older than average Twilight fan myself I have to say that I am really impressed by this article. It is refreshing to see a site actually respond to comments, even recognizing those that have taken the time to comment. I think the thing that draws the older audience in is the sincerity, and the true soulmate aspect of the story. I normaly don't read romance books, but I have read through this series more than 4 times. To me it is one of those works that strays from the normal infatuation that is normally seen in this type of book and focuses on an actual older subject matter. Finding a true soul mate. One of the hardest things in the world to do. It is just a shame that the movie could not portray the same thing.
Shalene – manitoba Garden hill
April 28, 2009 - 15:17
Subject: Shalene Harper
hi im just robert fan and im just 17 years old but robert song never think thats my favorite song it's fine he sing but i love it when he sing lol anyway i have to go now i can't wait for new moon
Heather
April 28, 2009 - 12:14
Subject: Older Twilight Fans
Im part of the older group of fans out there. I have three kids and I go to school full time these books as well as the movie give me an escape. I know that the story is fiction based but I can put myself in the charaters and get away fom the everyday stresses that I have. Maybe, this is why I love the Twilight Saga sooo much or maybe its the fact that I love reading stories about romance and vampires. I hope that the last book Breaking Dawn becomes a movie,because I really liked that book and even though it has a lot of adult issues that it deals with I think that it would be a good movie to watch, but maybe not with the kids. It has been along time since I have read or watched something that drew me in and Twilight has done it. I even thought about trying out for a part in the movie if that tells you anything about how I feel about this saga.
Reply to Heather
amanda
May 01, 2009 - 02:18
Subject: Re: Older Twilight Fans
Im also an older Twilight fan. I thought I might suggest another series i stumbled upon about vampires you might also like. Its for adults (paranormal romance) It is by author "Keri Arthur" and it is her Riley Jenson series. The first book is called Full Moon Rising. It also draws you in and is about soul mates. Just a suggestion until new moon comes out.
weena – india
April 28, 2009 - 10:01
Subject: impact of book/movie
well i wouldn't much go into the impact of fictions. but i loved twilight in that it brought forth a very interesting but fast vanishing concept of eternal love.Its one of thosepoignant ,brittle .love stories that just haunts you and doesn't let you fall asleep easily at night.Although i must say i found the saga a bit cliched,with respect to the end(breaking dawn) and how it came about. bella getting pregnant then getting transformed,and she's this huge shield and then the epic battle (that never actually happened).it was a bit melodramatic.
also when edward left her how bella reacted,getting drawn to jacob etc,(new moon) was too typical.
but twilight the movie,was just astonishing!!!! i am still watching it 3 times a day.i just cant get over the haunting mind blowing visuals!!!!its awesome.
how are they gonna fit taylor lautner into new moon?i mean jacob's supposed to be 6'4" and still growing? i think i will just have to watch the movie.
plm – Ohio
April 28, 2009 - 08:18
Subject: Positive impact
This is the best article I've read written about the books/movies. I agree about the positive impact these books can have. In a different way, it has positively impacted my life. I have had guardianship of a 12 year old for 4 years now, who has a learning disability from being abused by her parents. Over the past 4 years, among the many challenges we have faced to help her, academics is one of them. Because these books were written at a younger reading level, she is able to read them and not get bored like when she reads other books at the same reading level. It's the first time I've seen her ever get excited about reading.
bonnie – new zealand
April 27, 2009 - 20:01
Subject: taylor lautner
me and my friends think he is just the hottest guy ever he is the best thing in the twilight saga..we love u taylor lautnerxoxoxoxoxoxox..
I agree about the older than average Twilight fans. So many of us out here. The Twilight Saga opened up a new world for me. The Cullen family is my favorite....however; I have alot of room for more faves. I am a true fan.
Although we wake up each morning to find a whole new crop of Twilight and New Moon related stories everywhere, like a Twilight version of the movie Groundhog Day, it's not what the media has to say about the Twilight Saga that matters, it's the fans and readers of sites like this one. Although I am a fan of the Twilight Saga, it's your voice that matters most. In the past few weeks a variety of readers have made their opinions known through our Twilight and New Moon articles. The comments and feelings about the Stephenie Meyer based series, starring Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner and Nikki Reed, have been not only diverse but extremely interesting and revealing as to the passion, unity, and loyalty fans have for Twilight and New Moon.
Twilight fans should take comfort that since the books already established the Twilight Saga world, good filmmakers know exactly when what they're shooting looks like another movie. For example, "That's not Twilight, that's 30 Days of Night." Slade can't radically depart from the book but there's no doubt that he will put his own unique stylistic stamp on the aggressive aspects of Eclipse. Given the darker occurrences that take place in Seattle in the third Twilight film, David Slade already has a proven track record with recent vampire related battles in 30 Days of Night, which would make sense why Summit Entertainment brought him onboard. Who knows, but the concerns are certainly well founded.
Well, with recent casting of Michael Sheen and Graham Greene, it's a start. It's not perfect on a George Clooney, Brad Pitt level, but what is? For now we'll rest easy with the timeless cliché, "If it isn't broken, don't try to fix it." Also, we all know that other saying, "be careful what you wish for." Still, there's at least two more Twilight movies to go (when Breaking Dawn gets announced), so there's plenty of time.
Although some may say that Twilight, New Moon, and the Twilight Saga at large is having a negative affect on today's younger generation, one comment from a Twilight mom caught our eye in terms of sincerity and honesty in relation to the books, her daughters, and her role as a parent. It's the type of Twilight comment that makes you stop and think about how some parents are recognizing the positive aspects on the family unit.
"And Bella isn’t some blonde cheerleader, she is a normal plain girl who doesn’t enjoy wearing make-up. I think that shows that you don’t have to be the girl who piles on the make-up and does her hair perfect everyday, just for people to notice you and like you. Its given hope to many people, including myself, that they will someday find there soulmate, there one true love, and that’s also positive, don’t you think? Twilight is definitely one of the best things that happened to me, and if it did change me at all, it was for the better."