Kristen Stewart and the Twilight Balance of Feminine and Feminist in New Moon by Nadya Vlassoff
The
first book in the Twilight Saga introduced Bella
Swan to a mass audience, a young female character
who navigates her way through the conflicting
waters of self-awareness and change. With the
arrival of the handsome and mysterious Edward
Cullen, those rough young seas become even more
emotionally difficult to wade through. As the
saga continues, New Moon picks up where Twilight
left off as we see the deeper development of Edward
and Bella’s relationship. Although us Twilight
fans become invested in the progression of their
relationship, New Moon is rife with conflict when
Bella finds herself confronting life without her
man. And it’s this very conflict, both internal
and external, that has some Twilight and New Moon
fans voicing their opinions throughout the online
Twilight community over what it may or may not
say about whether women need their male counterparts
for emotional stability and are dependent on men
for self worth and identity.
Is there more to this than meets the Twilight eye?
In recent months since New Moon has been in the public eye, Twilight Saga author, Stephenie Meyer, has gone on record to say that she never intended to imprint a feminist angle into her story. On her official website, Meyer admitted that the story crosses different genres. The romantic angle is most certainly present, coupled with an adventurous spirit, but what sets the story apart from others in the fictional vampire genre is the development of each character in The Twilight Saga.
Mending a Broken Heart
With
so much pressure on the Twilight stars of New
Moon, Kristen Stewart is tasked with depicting
one of the decade’s most popular female protagonists
in a series that continues to garner more attention
by young girls and women of all ages by the
day. In New Moon there’s a definite clash between
Bella’s love for Edward, her own emotional fortitude,
and coming to a point of self-realization. The
New Moon novel paints a depressing picture of
Bella as she struggles to live each day with
a painful inner void after the loss of Edward.
Wrought with emotional turmoil, Bella’s only
supporting link to the real world is Jacob Black
who steps out of the Twilight shadows to become
the major male presence in New Moon.
Although there’s an emotional void that Bella confronts because of Edward, it’s not unlike the turmoil that anyone struggles with when they fall head-over-heels in love for the first time, male or female. Young couples often split and go their separate ways, especially during the emotionally volatile period of high school. Despite what some female fans think in terms of strong, positive messages for young females, the ripple effect of conflict within Bella, at this stage of her life, is justified. Bella isn’t the only one grieving either, as her turmoil affects those around her, from her father to Edward who’s dealing with his own sense of loss in a different way.
When dealing with any new relationship that goes south, it takes time to mend a broken heart. But it’s often because of the loss and emotional journey that many young women find a stronger sense of themselves. Not always, but without loss there can’t be inner recovery to come out a better woman. Does it mean Bella needs Edward to be her own person? No. It’s a journey she’d most likely take with any guy, Edward or not. It’s what she learns about herself and the world she lives in that’s most important.
In New Moon, exactly how Kristen Stewart will rise from the ashes in a positive light is an intriguing question. It’s no small feat for a girl of five feet, four inches, but like any young woman who has had to mend a broken heart, it is not impossible.
Heroine or Damsel in
Distress
One
of the most important character development
challenges for Kristen Stewart is to bring Bella’s
emotional turmoil to life in a believable manner
on deeper levels than what we saw in Twilight.
On an acting level, Bella’s conflict will require
some form of personal identification with the
character’s torment. Again, Stephenie Meyer
expressed her thoughts about the female presence
in the films and Kristen on her website, writing
that she was excited for Stewart to play Bella
because of her diverse acting ability. Spin?
Maybe. But given what Bella faces in the shadows
of love, it’s interesting to wonder exactly
how Kristen Stewart is connecting to her character’s
pain behind the camera. At 19, is Kristen Stewart
a damsel in distress within some of the larger
emotional towers of Bella Swan? I don’t mean
whether Stewart knows Bella enough, of course
she does, but rather how she’ll relate to and
overcome certain challenges that she may or
may not have experienced in real life.
Given the already established New Moon source material, is Bella Swan a damsel in distress or a young woman in transition? It depends. Is the glass half empty or half full? Who’s the one that really needs to be rescued, Bella or Edward? Although some may see things from the female angle only, New Moon also speaks to the perceptions that men have toward women. It’s a two way street that some may say portrays Bella as a weak young woman.
For Kristen Stewart, as an actress, there’s
a delicate balance of emotion that needs to
be conveyed in translating Bella’s depression
to the big screen. Like Robert Pattinson, who
faces his own challenges with Edward, there’s
deeper, more evolved substance to translate
than Twilight. Although I’m confident that the
final translation will be effective, it’s exciting
to wonder how Stewart will walk the fine line
between grieving girlfriend and recovering daredevil.
Interestingly, the image of Kristen Stewart
as Bella in the recently released official New
Moon teaser poster doesn’t show any signs of
pain or depression, with Taylor Lautner’s Jacob
Black standing as a shield between Bella Swan
and Edward Cullen. If anyone, you can see the
pain in Edward’s expression and posture. Instead
Bella maintains her own “independent” gaze,
which is angled away from both Edward and Jacob.
From
a positive female vantage point, the image of
Bella on the New Moon teaser appears to be a
sign of strength. Although Bella does rely heavily
on Jacob in New Moon (who doesn’t rely on someone
at a time of loss?), with Edward still living
in her mind, Bella only has herself to rely
on when making a profound life-altering decision
in New Moon. In the fast paced acting world
of Hollywood filled with young female actresses
who are often away from home and their families,
it’s safe to say that Kristen Stewart has had
to rely on herself countless times to find the
strength to survive in such an adult (often
male) dominated industry. And to some degree
when looking at New Moon, this is where Bella
and Kristen meet.
Although Bella is fearless at times, there is a co-dependency that even Stephanie Meyer may not have anticipated. Is she a damsel in distress during her depression or simply vulnerable? As with any popular novel, the characters begin to lead new lives beyond the author’s hand and expectations. If anything, it appears that Kristen Stewart is stepping into the unique shoes of a classic heroine with a contemporary twist.
Girl Power and Presence
Over the past few months, most of the Twilight
and New Moon headlines have largely focused
on Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. In relation
to New Moon news, some weeks have felt as though
Kristen Stewart is simply a supporting player
in the shadows of the Saga. With so much attention
on Pattinson and Lautner, it also feels as if
Stewart has to work even harder to maintain
her own unique presence within Bella, as the
character deals with conflict. Sure the New
Moon cast members are friends, but it sometimes
looks like the male co-stars of New Moon are
overshadowing the lead female. After all, the
major demographic of The Twilight Saga is female.
Is there an added challenge for Stewart to not
be washed away by a tidal wave of Edward and
Jacob lovers? Could something as unseen and
unspoken as this have an impact on her performance?
Who knows, but it’s certainly an inner dilemma
that some women of all ages can relate to in
real life. Both Bella Swan and Kristen Stewart
will need every ounce of that Stephenie Meyer
dubbed diversity to ensure neither gets swept
away by the male New Moon stars.
Despite
the criticism and the negative stereotyping,
what many fans of The Twilight Saga have come
to realize is that the story is not about feminist
expectations, weak messages for young women,
or poignant portrayals of heroism. If you look
close enough, sure, you can see anything. That’s
the end result of art, creativity, and individual
perceptions. What one young female gets out
of New Moon and Bella may not be what others
take away. New Moon is a love story that pits
the characters against their own flaws in order
to find the balance within themselves.
For Bella Swan, her journey in New Moon is essential to developing her own understanding of love and loss as a young adult. By no means does this create a template that all young girls and women MUST follow as a guide to handle conflict. Instead it punctuates the intensity of first love relationships, which many of us will feel for the rest of our lives. Kristen Stewart is merely bringing the emotions of her character to life. The execution of that depiction can only be enhanced by her personal development and growth as a person after similar real life experiences. It’s the same for any actor yet often a bigger challenge for younger actors just stepping into the world as an adult, which mirrors our own first steps into real world love. In the end, it’s simply a story about love and conflict that many women of all ages can (or will eventually) relate to on some level.
WHAT THE HELL R YOU TALKING ABOUT OF COURSE BRONZIE NEEDS BELLA Y HE WAS GONE HE SHOULD OF BEEN CRYING HIS EYES OUT FOR WHAT HE DID TO HER SHE SHOULD HAVE MADE HIM SUFFER,LET HIM STAY IN FORKS WHEN HE CAME BACK AND WENT TO SCHOOL AND BEG AND PLEADED FOR HER TO TAKE HIM BACK AND MAKE A FOOL OF HISELF BEFORE SAYING "YES I WILL TAKE YOU BACK"
hermit
May 31, 2009 - 10:05
Subject: damsel in distress?
I've read the books carefully several times, and in my humble opinion she saves him every time.
I applaud Steph for getting all of Bella's suffering nearly right, because Bella doesn't just loose the person she is in love with, she looses an entire family that she was already a part of, and has resolved with herself to become her entire future. My only fear is that the suffering that Steph brings to the book will not be successfully captured in the films.
After reading the first glimpse of "Midnight Sun" from Meyers's website, I don't see how anyone can figure Bella as a damsel in distress at all. I honestly don't think that is what Steph ever intended, and I earnestly hope that she finishes the series from Edwards point of view and puts all of this feminist gossip to rest.
It is a superhuman love story, (I hope everyone else should get so lucky as to experience that in there life). If you have had that kind of love, after you immerse yourself in it, can you settle for something less? Would you feel guilty if you did? That is what "New Moon" is to me, I think I understand what Stephanie is saying, (and it brings me to tears).
Ya'll she lost her other half in New Moon. This article is ridiculous!!! Edward and Bella are more in love than anyone in the real world. It's not saying women need men!! Bella was very strong in the book just by getting out of bed each day and facing reality!!! Everyone needs that one special love and anyone would be completely devastated it they lost it. Especially so suddenly like in the book
Reply to Spidermonkey24
Dani
May 25, 2009 - 11:28
Subject:
I taotlly agree
Maria – Seattle
May 24, 2009 - 19:36
Subject: Go back to your tabloids...
This is a very interesting article. It raises a number of valid points. I'm a fan of all the books, I did like the first film, but it's sad how the internet is being flooded with trash, inaccuracies, sensationalized stories surrounding Twilight and a majority of fans are lapping it up like puppies. Then when an interesting and thought provoking article comes along, it's like it's the worst thing in the world.
My daughter read this and asked me to read it too and she asked me several relevant questions and we actually had a decent "discussion" about some of the issues raised. Doesn't mean any of it is right or wrong, but it sparked discussion. I can guarantee that any number of tabloid headlines about Twilight would not have had the same effect.
Just because you don't understand something, don't agree or don't have the attention span doesn't mean something is "dumb". That's what the tabloids are for. Thank you, Nadya. I enjoyed it very much, and so did my daughter.
april – phoenix
May 24, 2009 - 12:36
Subject: the article!!!
first of all bella and edwards love is more then any other persons in real life if the person you love with all your life left you wouldnt you have troble staying on your feet!! this article is dumb!!!!
Ellie
May 24, 2009 - 12:14
Subject:
Interesting article, but I'm not to keen on reading between the lines when there really is no reason to do so. I have seen other feminist theories on this story, mostly negative grasping at straws just to have their say in the world of the Twilight saga. This is article is balanced and made me think rather than angered me, but again you can't really analyze a book when there is nothing there to analyze. If Bella becomes a damsel in distress does that mean Edward eventually becomes whipped just like Jacob and the other Quileutes when they imprint? That's another negative that Stephenie didnt intend to throw in. It's a book about teenagers and you can't dissect the life of a teenager. People are complex as it is and when you are a teenager you do things for the first time, for Bella's character, her relationship with Edward is her first, and of course with no previous experience she won't know how to handle things. I think Stephenie Meyer handled it fine and should be enjoyed for pure entertainment. Although I agree that Kristen Stewart should promote New Moon just as much as Taylor Lautner and Rob Pattinson (the boy is not even in the movie as much).
Tina – Illinois
May 24, 2009 - 11:22
Subject:
I agree everytime Rob and Kristen comes out in the media the camera is always focused on Rob P. Which is totally unfair, cause the whole Twilight Saga is about Bella. I saw the movie first but i fell in love with the books. I believe that Kristen will portray Bella even better in New Moon and the series to follow. After watching Twilight I started to watch her other movies and she is a very talented actress. Especially if you have seen The Cake Eaters, Speak, Panic Room, and Adventureland. She is able to portray the character well that you feel the pain of the character. Hopefully they give her more or equal time. But I think she will prove herself, just like her co-stars always praises her for her performance.
Reply to Tina
shannon
May 24, 2009 - 13:00
Subject:
I totally agree with you tina. I also saw the movie first liked it so i read the books and i love them. I also have started watching her othwer movies.
j.c.
May 24, 2009 - 09:32
Subject:
i believe that a women indeed can be independent. However when u are going through a break up at 17 i to would be like BELLA..... its just a fictional book and I believe nothing was put in any wrong way in it, but you will always have those who dislike certain things which is fine, but please let the books and movies be thanks a FAN....
MOM stephanie
May 24, 2009 - 09:22
Subject: bella rocks
the simplicity yet profoundness of bella in twilight was portrayed brilliantly by kristen. and yet, i believe in showbusiness, male actors dominates the most because girls and women are more compassionate and loving, adoring stars and sometimes even take them seriously. as we go along with the saga, the real essence of the story lessens, because we focus on the stars more, the male stars. yes, bella really is the 'major' of the story, showing us life lessons and girl power. but we slowly taking her in for granted. btw, i think the only thing kristen comes into picture was when we eagerly waits for her to date rob. let us support girl power, support kristen because she r.o.c.k.s. atw!
Kim – Virginia
May 24, 2009 - 09:19
Subject: Level Playing Field - Female vs. Male
I agree with Aquarius....Summit has been sending RP out everywhere to promote New Moon. Now, I don't know if that is because he is more available because of filming or because close to the entire female fan base is in some way in love with Edward. It could only be because up until 4 days ago, Kristen was still filming in Vancouver. But this franchise is not the only place you see the strong female talent reduced to wallflowers. Remember when American Idol used have female American Idol winners. That is when guys used to watch the show too. Now, I think you have such a different demographic watching AI(tweens & their Moms living vicariously through the, or for them rather), you don't even see a female making it in to the Top 3 much less into the finale 2 for a chance at the top. Our young girls need to get back into that mode of Girl Power out there - I think that this generation has lost that unfortunately and it worries me.
aquarius – USA
May 23, 2009 - 23:44
Subject: Level Playing Field
Nadya Vlassoff has a point. Put the story aside, the power balance between R.P. and K.S had been out of proportion. While it might be a level playing feild from the start between the male and female cast, it is no longer the case since New Moon production. Apparently Summit , the studio behind this franchise has put their focus and pampers squaly on the males casts while reduce the female ensembles to nothing less thatn wall flowers. There is no evidence that this studio appreciates their young talents equally regarless of gender. They sending the R.P. as the principal face of the movie in any promotion, lucrative events, while keeping the entire female casts shadowing in the back. Legion female fans of all ages from all walk of lile had been a single driving force dertermine the financial sucess of Twilight , including the book author, director and pricipal female cast. The inequal treatment of the casts had been becoming more and more glarring in the past couple weeks. As one of those female fan, I call all of of you Twilight fan out their who love Bella to voice your support for K.S. and demand equal treatment, because we girl needs to support one another ! In this date and age, it is possitive girl power is what we need.
John – henderson
May 23, 2009 - 23:42
Subject: bella
why are you mesing up the movie new moon? why did you hop on the dirt bike why? do you like robret paterson? please reply
The
first book in the Twilight Saga introduced Bella
Swan to a mass audience, a young female character
who navigates her way through the conflicting
waters of self-awareness and change. With the
arrival of the handsome and mysterious Edward
Cullen, those rough young seas become even more
emotionally difficult to wade through. As the
saga continues, New Moon picks up where Twilight
left off as we see the deeper development of Edward
and Bella’s relationship. Although us Twilight
fans become invested in the progression of their
relationship, New Moon is rife with conflict when
Bella finds herself confronting life without her
man. And it’s this very conflict, both internal
and external, that has some Twilight and New Moon
fans voicing their opinions throughout the online
Twilight community over what it may or may not
say about whether women need their male counterparts
for emotional stability and are dependent on men
for self worth and identity.
With
so much pressure on the Twilight stars of New
Moon, Kristen Stewart is tasked with depicting
one of the decade’s most popular female protagonists
in a series that continues to garner more attention
by young girls and women of all ages by the
day. In New Moon there’s a definite clash between
Bella’s love for Edward, her own emotional fortitude,
and coming to a point of self-realization. The
New Moon novel paints a depressing picture of
Bella as she struggles to live each day with
a painful inner void after the loss of Edward.
Wrought with emotional turmoil, Bella’s only
supporting link to the real world is Jacob Black
who steps out of the Twilight shadows to become
the major male presence in New Moon.
One
of the most important character development
challenges for Kristen Stewart is to bring Bella’s
emotional turmoil to life in a believable manner
on deeper levels than what we saw in Twilight.
On an acting level, Bella’s conflict will require
some form of personal identification with the
character’s torment. Again, Stephenie Meyer
expressed her thoughts about the female presence
in the films and Kristen on her website, writing
that she was excited for Stewart to play Bella
because of her diverse acting ability. Spin?
Maybe. But given what Bella faces in the shadows
of love, it’s interesting to wonder exactly
how Kristen Stewart is connecting to her character’s
pain behind the camera. At 19, is Kristen Stewart
a damsel in distress within some of the larger
emotional towers of Bella Swan? I don’t mean
whether Stewart knows Bella enough, of course
she does, but rather how she’ll relate to and
overcome certain challenges that she may or
may not have experienced in real life.
From
a positive female vantage point, the image of
Bella on the New Moon teaser appears to be a
sign of strength. Although Bella does rely heavily
on Jacob in New Moon (who doesn’t rely on someone
at a time of loss?), with Edward still living
in her mind, Bella only has herself to rely
on when making a profound life-altering decision
in New Moon. In the fast paced acting world
of Hollywood filled with young female actresses
who are often away from home and their families,
it’s safe to say that Kristen Stewart has had
to rely on herself countless times to find the
strength to survive in such an adult (often
male) dominated industry. And to some degree
when looking at New Moon, this is where Bella
and Kristen meet.
Despite
the criticism and the negative stereotyping,
what many fans of The Twilight Saga have come
to realize is that the story is not about feminist
expectations, weak messages for young women,
or poignant portrayals of heroism. If you look
close enough, sure, you can see anything. That’s
the end result of art, creativity, and individual
perceptions. What one young female gets out
of New Moon and Bella may not be what others
take away. New Moon is a love story that pits
the characters against their own flaws in order
to find the balance within themselves.