Literally. Just saw this poster on Aint it Cool and LAUGHED OUT LOUD. This movie is gonna be awesome, guys. Awesome in that it could potentially be worse than Twilight. I mean, LOOK AT THIS THING. Click to enlarge for the full effect.
It looks like daytime television. It looks like a pose that would appear on the cover of Soap Opera Digest. I know this because I’ve been on and off watching soaps for 11 years (I was bored during winter break one year in middle school…so sue me) and subscribed to SOD for a brief period of time. That might as well be Carrie, Austin & Mike from Days of our Lives circa 1999. I mean, COME ON. And Edward’s white white skin makes me laugh on its own. Cause it’s just so white. And sometimes, it sparkles!
Listen, I’m seeing this movie opening weekend. I’m just not expecting it to be any good.
I’m so disturbed right now. But also can’t stop laughing. Is this guy for real or is he fucking around? Is he drunk? On some other drug? I repeat WHAT IS HAPPENING.
Thanks to Dave Chensky’s Twitter account for bestowing this glory upon me
Both Chris Weitz & Stephanie Meyer have released statements in the form of letters to the fans, reassuring them that New Moon is gonna be hawt. I believe those were Ms. Meyer’s exact words, in fact. I didn’t realize any fans WERE actually upset about this switch up, but apparently I was wrong. Check out the comments section for any article written about her departure, and you’ll find quite the bit of discontent. Even journalists and bloggers have their doubts, as many point to The Golden Compass as an example of why New Moon shouldn’t be in the hands of Weitz.
It’s not that we’re pulling for Hardwicke’s return to the franchise (despite finding the direction of Twilight one of its high points), but have Summit Entertainment’s decision makers forgotten that Weitz was the man behind the failure of The Golden Compass movie, the last pre-Twilight teen-book-phenomenon that was supposed to be the next Harry Potter? I’m not saying that the lightning of poor-choices-concerning-what-to-keep-and-what-to-cut-from-the-source-material, or even uninspired direction (un)inspiring lackluster performances from his actors, would necessarily strike again, but come on; look at the man’s resume: American Pie aside, there’s not a hit on there… nor anything to suggest that he’d bring anything interesting to the adolescent quadrology’s second chapter.
I still maintain that ultimately switching directors was a good decision, and if given the right budget and fx team, Weitz will do a great job. Below is the letter from Weitz.
Dear fans of Twilight, New Moon, Bella, Edward and Jacob,
In the past few days I have been involved in a whirlwind romance with Stephenie Meyers’ extraordinary books.
And I am very grateful to have received her permission to protect New Moon in its translation from the page to the screen.
For fans of the books and of the film of Twilight, this may come as an unexpected twist. So I want to write briefly to try to put you at ease, and to give you reason to hope for and expect the best.
For the last decade of my career as a director, I have chosen to make adaptations of complex and involved works of literature. This has always begun with the love of a book and its characters, story, and theme; and it has always involved a respect of and responsiveness to the feelings of other people who loved those books.
When I saw the film of Twilight, I was alternately entranced and left hungry for more. I was also struck by the extraordinary passion for the characters, story and theme that was evident in the people sitting in the seats around me. My job is to live up to that devotion.
Like many of you, I am a fan of Catherine Hardwicke’s work. I can’t really say much about why she is not doing New Moon because I wasn’t involved in those decisions. But I can say that I will devote myself to making the very best and most faithful version of New Moon that can be brought to the screen. To those who doubt that as a male director I can capture Bella’s experience, I can only say that emotion is universal and that my work has often involved working with some of the most talented actresses in the world.
For the rest, the proof will have to be in the pudding. But I promise to remain responsive to your hopes and fears.
I thank you for this opportunity and for your faith.
Very best,
Chris Weitz
And from Stephanie Meyer
Hey guys,
There’s been a lot of worry and speculation on the boards lately, and I want to let you know what’s going on.
First of all, like you, I’m sad that Catherine is not continuing on with us for New Moon. I’m going to miss her, not just as a brilliant director, but also as a friend. She has such a distinct, authentic voice that did amazing things for Twilight. I’m looking forward to every movie she does in the future.
And she didn’t leave us empty handed. We still get the benefits of her amazing casting and the beautiful visual world she created. This foundation puts us in a good place for New Moon.
Summit Films is moving forward with a new director for New Moon. They’ve asked Chris Weitz, director of American Pie, About a Boy, and The Golden Compass, to join us, and I am very pleased to announce that he’s agreed to be a part of our Twilight world. I’ve had the chance to talk to Chris, and I can tell you that he is excited by the story and eager to keep the movie as close to the book as possible. He is also very aware of you, the fans, and wants to keep you all extremely happy. (Torches and pitchforks are not going to be necessary.)
I’m excited to work with Chris and I think he brings a lot to the table, not the least of which for me is that he wrote the screenplay for and directed one of my favorite movies of all time, About a Boy. I’m really looking forward to seeing his vision for New Moon.
And according to newmoonmovie.org, there may be a new Jacob Black already. Take this news with a grain of salt, but follow this link for evidence and video of the heir apparent. Can’t say I’d necessarily complain…
Nikki Finke is reporting that About a Boy & Golden Compass director Chris Weitz has been asked to direct the Twilight sequel.
…my source says Summit Entertainment liked the look of that even if it didn’t heat up the domestic box office (but did better overseas). I don’t have official confirmation yet that this Twilight sequel offer has gone out to Weitz. But my insider says another reason it came down is because Weitz and Summit’s president of production Eric Feig are longtime pals. The source tells me Weitz is “still considering” the offer to helm New Moon and possibly also Eclipse if the sequel and threequel movie adaptations of Stephenie Meyer’s series of vampire books are made back-to-back.
While I’d have never jumped to “I know! Chris Weitz!” when asked who should helm New Moon, I can’t say I hate the idea. Interested to know how this pans out – if in fact he was offered the job and if he will take it.
In my post detailing why Twilight was such an awkward experience, I mentioned how I thought Catherina Hardwicke was the ultimate reason for it all. Literally since the moment the movie ended, I’ve been mouthing off about how much I hated her direction and how they should get someone new for the sequel.
Well, looks like my wishes may be coming true. Nikki Finke broke the news earlier today, followed by reports coming from Harry Knowles & Neil Miller.
Here’s the statement straight from Summit Entertainment Co-Chairman/CEO Rob Friedman as spoken to Finke via phone call –
Catherine and Summit have agreed to part ways on the sequel because our visions are different…Summit’s targeted end of 2009 or early 2010 release of the film, New Moon, does not work with Ms. Hardwicke’s required prep time to bring her vision of the film to the big screen.”
According to Finke, the real reason for Hardwicke’s departure is that Summit wasn’t happy with her behavior or direction and that the films quality is due more to DP, Elliot Davis & Editor Nancy Richardson. Yes, it had a huge opening weekend, but the drop off has been insane. Personally I’d guess they are also disappointed with its box office performance, believe it or not. Remember how we all thought Twilight would be the next box office Titanic, with tweens all across the country gladly spending their parents money on repeat viewing after repeat viewing? Yeah, didn’t happen. The drop off has been huge, far larger than expected.
Obviously, I’m thrilled with this decision. I have hope now that New Moon won’t be laughably cheesy (even though the text is ripe with potential awkwardness…) and that the effects might actually look good! Obviously if you’ve read the book, you know why having great special effects becomes slightly more important.
How do you feel about this? Happy to see her go? Who should take up the mantle next?
Finally saw Let The Right One In and can’t get it off my mind. Especially after this past couple months – watching every episode of True Blood, reading & seeing Twilight and approaching the end of New Moon, this film has a very particular resonance. It really takes the question of “What if vampires were real and you fell in love with one?” and answers it with quiet, beautiful & terrifying honesty. If such a scenario were possible, anyone involved would be facing the harsh reality of a difficult, disturbing and often disgusting life. It would only take the open hearted innocence of a child to be aware of this possibility, but move forward anyway. Understanding this immediately separates Let The Right One In from its predecessors. Its protagonist, Oskar, is of an age where he can perceive the difference between right and wrong, but isn’t in a place yet where the magnitude or consequences of any given act can really sink in or seem tangible. He meets a girl who is smart, pretty enough and most importantly, pays attention to him – gives him the respect he can’t find anywhere else in his life. So she is a vampire too – what does that matter? What should be a grave thought to an adult or even a teenager is lost on a twelve year old.
***Spoiler Alert***
The real world ramifications demonstrated in this film are beyond harrowing. There is no synthetic blood, no hunting animals for these vampires. There is only the thirst for honest to god human blood that must be quenched somehow. In the case of Eli, the indeterminately aged woman trapped in the body of a 12 year old, she has Hakan, an older man posing as her father, go out, slit someone’s throat, drain him of all his blood and bring it back for Eli to drink. Eventually we come to realize, though it’s never spelled out or made perfectly clear, that this man is in love with Eli himself. According to the book, he is a pedophile who believes his love for Eli is pure and perfect since she will always be young. This is downplayed in the film so as not to distract from the main storyline, but with Hakan’s painful request that Eli not see Oskar for just one night, we understand their relationship. This man is an outcast who will sacrifice anything for Eli and eventually does, in one of the more horrifying sequences on film this year.
Another consequence of having a vampire fall in love you? Should anyone fuck with you, they will die. They will die horrible horrible deaths. That is just the reality of the situation. No matter how far away the vamp is, she will come to you. None of this talk to you in your head then go to Italy to commit suicide stuff coughnewmooncough, but straight up, rush to your side, pull the heads off some mean 12 year olds and save your life like a blood soaked angel. And don’t tell me that isn’t the image that entered your head in that moment, cause I won’t believe you. What I found especially beautiful about the ending swimming pool scene was the careful build, the tension that ran throughout as we thought that Oskar was actually about to die. Then just as we remember Eli’s promise to him that if he didn’t hit the bullies back, she would, the film’s exceptional sound design begins to bring her back to us, our confirmation in the form of a severed head tossed into the pool.
I also couldn’t help but appreciate the fact that once Oskar witnessed Eli unable to control herself when his blood was spilled (more likely the true reaction a vampire would have, Bill & Edward….) he came to the natural conclusion that she must be a vampire. Clearly they exist in real world environment, where everyone knows what a vampire is from the numerous books and movies on the subject. To Oskar, who we are to understand has been suspecting the existence of vampires for a while, it is clear what she is. To the adults in the story, it isn’t so obvious. They don’t have the openness, the willingness, the imagination of a child, and therefore despite all the clear signs, they view it as an “infection” more so than jumping to the immediate conclusion of, oh, vampires, duh. It is only in the final moments of a bitten adult woman’s life that she realizes what she may be and asks for the hospital curtains to be opened as a way to reach death and the end of her new found suffering.
By the way, while some say Eli is manipulating Oskar the whole time in the hopes of turning him into the next Hakan, I am of the belief that she genuinely cares for Oskar. The vampires in this world maintain the mental age of when they were bitten, not just the physical age, and I like to think Oskar is her first love. If he does become her next way of getting blood (which I believe he is too humane to do anyway – he isn’t a killer) it won’t be because Eli had that intention from the beginning. It makes it all the more heartbreaking to think that soon, whether Oskar likes it or not, he may be considered a pedophile, an outcast himself – facing the real world reality of what happens when you fall in love with someone who never ages.
And if you’re wondering about that genitalia shot, check out Moriarty’s interview with Alfredson over on Aint It Cool. Very strange stuff that I definitely did not get from a first viewing.
***End of Spoilers***
I can’t recommend this film enough, especially for vampire fans who, you know, are having a pretty great year. It’s both horrifying and sweet, disturbing and romantic and really points out the possibilities completely overlooked by the Twilight series and most other tales dealing with the forbidden love between a vampire and human. And though I don’t know much about the technicalities of filmmaking, Tomas Alfredson nails it for me.It was beautifully shot and edited, resulting in a slow steady tension that most modern day horror films WISH they could pull off. And I can’t remember the last time I was so affected by a film’s sound design. Not to mention, the audience is hit over the head with nothing. Most of the vampire rules are in place, but we see them in action, rather than have them explained to us. The film trusts that we as an audience know enough about vampire lore to understand why events unfold the way they do. Everything is in the details, the nuance. Instead of ever learning just how old Eli is (in the movie – the book makes it clear), we are left to postulate for ourselves based on her clothes, the music she listens to, and the objects she collects. And what happens to her face when…well you’ll see for yourself.
I could go on, about how the film brilliantly uses what we DON’T see as a storytelling tool and how it shows that vampires wouldn’t be glamorous, but rather kind of gross and always reeking of blood, but we don’t want to be here all day. If you want to see a true Vampire film, put Let The Right One In at the top of your list. And please, if you have any thoughts on the film, post below!
Just got something in the mail telling me to buy retro-chic clothing from Stop Staring, a company focused on styles from the 1920s-1960s.
As I’ve mentioned before, Joan Holloway is my idol. Therefore, I shall be buying at least one of these designs. ATTAINABLE WANT! WOOT!
You may recognize the model as Ashley Greene, Alice from Twilight. Kind of neat to think this is what Alice would have looked like back in the day.
P.S. If you’re in the LA area December 4th, 5th & 7th and are interested in seeing what you’d look like as a Ms. Holloway, there’s a sample sale going on downtown. Check the website for more details.
A group of East Coast Fangirls (and a couple boys) in their early twenties, who are and/or work with various professionals in the genre world, write about the things they love...and hate. Specializing in opinions, recommendations & commentary with some exclusive access thrown in, we're where to come to hear what the Fangirls really think.
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