I’m a newcomer to the Twilight book series by author Stephenie Meyer, but I’ve become just as hooked as the rabid fans who haunt the many message boards and fan sites created in response to Meyer’s work. I admit to not being able to put down book two, New Moon, or book three, Eclipse, and I’m counting down the days until book number four - Breaking Dawn – hits stands on August 2, 2008. Meyer’s fantasy world of vampires who don’t kill humans and gangly teenage werewolves is captivating, entertaining, and thoroughly addicting.
Although the books are aimed at the teen audience (which I’m not a part of), there’s enough meat to Meyer's stories to satisfy readers who’ve put their teenage years behind them (that’s where you’ll find me). Whether or not the film version is able to capture Stephenie Meyer’s universe in a way that will satisfy fans won’t be determined until December 12, 2008 when the first film of the book series enters theaters, which allows time to check out the novels before the film's released.
For those unfamiliar with the book series who want to know what to expect, here’s a brief rundown on the key Twilight players:
Edward Cullen: Edward was born in 1901 and became a vampire in 1918. Beyond beautiful, Edward has the special ability to read people’s minds…with one exception. 21 year old British actor Robert Pattinson is handling the role of Edward in the movie. Pattinson, who’s no stranger to franchise films having played Cedric Diggory in the Harry Potter movies, has the basic physical traits of the character and has a female fan base built up by his Harry Potter role that he’ll be bringing with him to Twilight.
Bella Swan: Bella (short for Isabella) moved from Phoenix, Arizona to Forks, Washington to be with her father Charlie after her mother, Renee, remarried. Bella has nothing against her mother’s new husband; the move was prompted by her desire to give them a chance to build their life together without worrying about her. Settling into high school life in Forks, Bella is drawn to fellow student Edward before she finds out he’s a vampire. Once she learns the truth, Bella decides being with a vampire is something she can handle. Bella’s accident prone, is close to an albino in coloring, and doesn’t consider herself attractive. She’s never had a boyfriend prior to falling for Edward.
LA-born actress Kristen Stewart will be playing Bella in the film. Stewart’s the most recognizable face of the young cast, having starred in feature films since 2001. In 2008 Stewart was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the cast of the critically acclaimed drama Into the Wild directed by Sean Penn.
Jacob Black: Jacob’s father, Billy, and Bella’s dad, Charlie, have been close for years, and Charlie considers the Blacks to be part of his family. Jacob goes to a different school and is younger than Bella, but the age difference doesn't matter to him once he becomes totally infatuated with her after they spend time together at a beach party on the reservation where he lives. Jacob is a Quileute Indian who breaks the rules and shares with Bella legends about a truce between his werewolf ancestors and the ‘cold ones’ - the vampire family, the Cullens. The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl star Taylor Lautner (who is not a Native American) plays Jacob in the film. Jacob’s described as a towering hunk by the third book of the series, but in the first book he’s pretty much a normal teen so Lautner’s physique shouldn’t be an issue.
Alice Cullen and and Jasper Hale: Like the rest of the Cullen kids, Alice and Jasper were ‘adopted’ by Carlisle and Esme after choosing to forego feasting on humans. Alice and Edward are close and, like Edward, Alice has a very unique talent. Alice is able to see the future, a very helpful talent in keeping Bella (who is a magnet for trouble) safe and sound. Alice’s partner and the love of her life is Jasper, the newest member of the Cullen family and the vampire who struggles the most with their diet restrictions. Jasper is able to affect moods, and can calm a situation down whenever it becomes necessary. Ashley Greene, a 21 year old from Jacksonville, Florida, plays Alice. Jackson Rathbone (TV’s Beautiful People series) takes on the part of Jasper.
Rosalie Hale and Emmett Cullen: Rosalie is stunningly beautiful, and her vanity is what cost her her human life. While all the other members of the Cullen family accept Bella as part of Edward’s life (although it’s a strange choice, they’re happy he’s finally found someone to love), Rosalie doesn’t mask her disapproval of Bella. Her feelings are not shared by her partner Emmett, a likable though thoroughly intimidating vampire. Lighthearted is a strange word to use to describe a lifeless creature, but it works in Emmett’s case. Nikki Reed (Thirteen) has the difficult task of playing one of the most beautiful creatures in the world. 23 year old Kellan Lutz plays Emmett.
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Twilight the movie is directed by Catherine Hardwicke, a filmmaker who's experienced in working on movies aimed at young adult audiences. Hardwicke co-wrote (with Nikki Reed - 'Rosalie' in Twilight) and directed Thirteen and helmed the skateboard film, Lords of Dogtown based on true events and starring Emile Hirsch (Speed Racer) and Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight).
