Offhand, it would be hard to think of a pop phenomenon as rapturously beloved as the Twilight saga that is also as vociferously hated. Read the full post.
Nov 26
2009
10:28 AM ET
'New Moon': Why its girl-driven success is good for the future of movies
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Just like with feminism it’s pretty easy to justify the same bad paradigm turned on its head as fair, just because it is now the women doing it. The opposite kind of bad movie is still a bad movie, whether it is a bad male or female powered flick. Transformers for example is by no means a good movie and I can agree they are two sides of the same pop-fluff coin.
The argument this article makes is worth using for perspective but not the one intimated. Most block-busters are crap. A notable exception may be something like The Dark Knight which while its entire premise is the teen-boy 101 starter kit, the story ended up delivering some real punches. KUDOS for that. Rich characters are what movies are lacking not explosions or glittery skin.
Thank you, Tim. I am a girl. I don’t like Twilight. Now that we have that established, let me just agree that a bad story is a bad story, be it wussy vampires or talking cars. What I’m worried about is Hollywood spending time pandering to the Twilight demographic (whatever that is; if I say young girls, fans will argue their moms read the books too), they will be dumbing down films just as they will be when the multiple Transformers sequels come out. The Dark Knight is an excellent example of a “genre” movie with a set “demographic” (much like Twilight and New Moon) going above and beyond what was expected of it. New Moon doesn’t raise the bar of moviemaking or storytelling on any accounts. That isn’t meant as an insult, it is just a statement of fact. I’d like to see more Dark Knights, and would be first in line if it were something of that caliber aimed towards women. And I’m sorry, but Twilight, New Moon and their ilk aren’t it, and therefore I think their prevalence in the current zeitgeist is a bad thing.
Hey Owen-
Interesting and thoughtful editorial piece.
I don’t understand the “Mary Sue” reference either. Does being so much in love make you a weak person? I thought everyone’s first love was like that. After they are gone, you feel like you can’t live without them. I don’t think that makes you weak. It just makes you human.
As a fan of the books, I don’t always agree with Bella’s actions. In my opinion, she would be boring if she was a perfect character.
Personally, when I read a book, I don’t strive to read about “role models”. I enjoy reading about interesting characters. And to me, Bella is an interesting character. And to those of you out there who don’t think that she is, I can respect that, as long as you don’t state your opinion as “fact”. Because, if you’re a grown adult, you should realize that you’re entitled to dislike whoever you want…but it’s just an OPINION.
That being said, even though Bella makes mistakes and is flawed, she follows her heart. She doesn’t let others dictate her choices, even when they try. That’s my definition of strength.
Usually I try to avoid ew.com articles about Twilight, but it’s nice to see other fans stand up for the series on here
All the “Mary Sue” reference means, at its base, is that Bella is a self-insertion. She’s basically Meyer, within the story. It seems pretty obvious to me, but maybe it’s not to other people.
My problems with “The Twilight Saga” have nothing to do with being a guy and being “jealous that girls are finally having their day”. My problem is that that a) the books were poorly written, as were the movies and b) there’s so many more creative and original stories out there that people SHOULD be going apesh*t over. Instead, young people are reading these, and thinking that this is what constitutes good writing. IT DOESN’T. Also, the characters are so flat you could eat breakfast off of them and Bella is the worst role model for young girls..honestly, Lindsay Lohan is a better role model than Bella Swann.
Right, being a drug addict and a slut is better.
I’m not even a fan, but I think it’s sad that people like you think that there is some “absolute truth” when it comes to good writing.
Different people enjoy reading different things. It’s as simple as that.
People, both teenagers and adults, are allowed to love and be passionate about whichever books move them, even if some people disagree about the quality of those books.
Russell, my problem is that
a)I don’t think you even read the books.
b)who are you to say what people “SHOULD” like more? I think you should like Twilight more, and I’m mad that you don’t. Wait, that’s not my decision, is it? See what I’m saying?
c)You’re another male worrying about whether Bella is a good role model for young girls…kinda weird when males are so preoccupied with this.
d)NO ONE, I repeat NO ONE is a worse role model than Lindsey Lohan. Blasphemy.
love the argument “you haven’t read it, or seen it. so how can you comment on it”. Have you seen old dogs? Don’t u think this movie is going to be horrible?
I DO think that movie’s going to be horrible – but if I haven’t seen it, I wouldn’t dream of going on a message board and writing hateful things about it and personally attacking the people who like it, which is what you and invalid do.
actually, I’m pretty sure you and Invalid are the same person.
Uh…..I’d rather my daughter actually be in love with a vampire than be like Lindsay Lohan. LOL!!!
that might be the dumbest comment on here.
Why does it have to be THAT either/or choice? How about, “I hope my daughter doesn’t end up like Lindsay Lohan” AND “I hope she throw away her life’s ambitions for a guy”? Because obviously life comes down to one of those only two options.
There’s more hate for Twilight on this website than in the rest of the world put together, LOL.
I’m a fan of the books (not so much of the movies) but I think the reason that some people get so irritated on this site, as opposed to other sites, is because of the fact that like 10 Twi-articles are published everyday. And some of them are clearly unnecessary (i.e., articles about Twilight makeup or barbie dolls).
Like I said, I love the books, and I do see what you’re saying here, but I think that if you stopped publishing unnecessary articles, and only wrote about Twilight when there was actual news to report…then the reactions on this site would be different.
Also, based on the movie sales that you reported, half of the film’s audience is over 21, and half is under 21. As ew.com pointed out on Friday, clearly these films do not just represent “teenagers”.
Great comment. I agree with everything that you just said. Even though I think New Moon is a fairly good movie. Twilight was awful.
Thanks for this article, Owen.
Interesting point of view. I enjoyed TWILIGHT but…didn’t take it very seriously. Sure I like eye candy, but Bruce Lee had abs and also he could MOVE. I am a little concerned about the BITE ME culture in the movie, and I kind of would like to see Bella either seriously in a book or with a musical instrument, a paintbrush or a sword and dagger….but….hey this is just a little fantasy.
I was grateful for it as I am not a horror movie fan don’t really much like war or shoot ‘em up movies unless there is superb acting….and fantasy military gadgetry or space monsters seldom do it for me. At least NEW MOON had….lovely wolves!
It makes me laugh at how many “haters” take the time to read and comment on New Moon/Twilight! Stop reading the articles if you don’t like it! DUH!!
Wow, is all I have to say. This has to be the best written and thought out article I have ever read on the Twilight phenomenon. I am both a fan of the books and movies and have been amazed and the hate i receive as a fan. People tend to assume that I must be a child ( for the record i am 26) or have horrible taste. You make a very valid point about old film making. The true magic of the movies was so much more than it is now. Thank you Owen!
to Owen Gleiberman: SO TRUE! Twilight change the world! Thank you
This is a fantastic article. Thank you very much for your side of things Owen. Thank you for not glossing over or writing off this film as so many critics have.
I loved both Twilight and New Moon. I definitely am waiting for the other two. They are great books and there’s always going to be people giving their two cents in, just like when Harry Potter came out. Bashing Kristen is a bit much considering the no. of great actors and actresses that she has worked with and have been praising her, which is more than I can say for new young starlets. Jodie Foster who is an accomplished actress has recommended Kristen for the Yellow Handkerchief as per director. I personally think that people are jealous of her because they want Robert P. for themselves. She’s an honest,natural,gorgeous,down to earth girl who doesn’t conform to Hollywood typecasts. That’s the reason why we her fans love her and for the record, she’s here to stay!
i agree i think kristen stewart has a future. she has been in some good movies with some pretty meaty roles. the others i new moon not so much. see josh hartnett, paul walker, skeet ulrich.
If what you are saying is true, and twilight represents a shift in what demographic controls Hollywood then the reason I am upset is not because this has occurred (I am a young female) but because of WHAT my demographic has chosen to love.
Its great that girls have power over Hollywood in this way – it is absolutely heartbreaking that they’ve chosen a story that sets women back 100 years. On top of that, these Twi-hards themselves are setting women back with their actions around this movie. I’ll reference specifically the fans who approach Rob Pattinson with open wounds (http://entertainment.msn.co.nz/blog.aspx?blogentryid=532917&showcomments=true)
The Twilight, Saga (And believe me I use the term loosely) is hated because it is poorly written and overly hyped. The series is popular due to 14 year old girls who want nothing more than for everyone to fall in love with them. When you read the books, you find that moody, depressed Bella is sought after by quite literally every boy in her school and Edwards only real attraction to her is because she smells good. He doesn’t love her for her personality (although how could he she has none) or for her mind. But in turn, Bella’s love of Edward is only because he is so “beautiful.” Stephanie Meyer wrote a poorly written first person fanfiction that allowed her to slip into her fantasy world where attractive people fall in love with her. And those 14 year old girls gobble up the series because they want the same. It is an exercise in low self esteem. To count Bella as a role model for young girls is horrifying. Her life becomes 100% about her boyfriend, and Edward feels as though that is alright. If my niece were to ever come to me and say that Edward was perfect I would have to sit her down and explain to her that he is controlling, manipulative and abusive and that someone like that is never acceptable. I have nothing against Kristen Stewart or Robert Pattinson. They are young actors who accepted roles they knew would help their careers. But I believe the hatred is focused on this series because most rational people hate that pop culture is being dominated by screaming little girls. They didn’t like it when it was horny little boys either.
thank you for a providing a female voice that gets it
Tell me *specifically* how the books were poorly written.
Give me an example directly from the books.
Lack of general vocabulary? No plot whatsoever? No character development? I could name many. Or perhaps how every 3 pages we are forced to endure two paragraphs of description of Edwards looks. Do me the favor of going to http://www.fanfiction.com and reading a story there. Then go and read “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” Then read Twilight. What does the third remind you more of?
Meyer has a terrible case of what might, in a Creative Writing 101 class, be termed “purple prose.” The books get repetitive (we get it, Edward’s like omg so hot), she uses “chagrin” so often you could turn it into a drinking game, there are a number of continuity (Charlie’s breakfast comes to mind) and grammatical errors that make me wonder if Meyer had an actual editor.
That’s not even going into character development or Breaking Dawn’s complete lack of a climax.
@ Lynn Lol “she uses ‘chagrin’ so often you could turn it into a drinking game” That’s the funniest comment I’ve read so far, and you know what, it’s bloody true!!
Did you read the same books I did? And Kristen Stewart did not take the role to further her career. And Edward is not manipulative or abusive. Geez … nevermind.
Yes to all 3 of your questions. Was there a counter argument somewhere in there? Kristen Stewart is a fine actress, I like her even. But she took the role to further her career. The same way that other actors have done, there isn’t anything wrong with it. Edward is controlling and doesn’t allow her to have her own life outside of him. That is manipulative and emotionally abusive.
I think there are problems with the Twilight books and I would say give the first movie a B and the second a C+, but I think you’re too breezily dismissive.
First of all, fifty percent of the moviegoers were over 21. Monica Hesse had a really good article at Washington Post about literary minded women in their 20s, 30s, middle aged and older who dismissed the series to become diehard fans. So, it’s not entirely true that it’s just 14 year old girls.
I would also have to disagree that Bella loves Edward just because he’s physically hot. Ann Rice had a good interview where she talked about how a lot of young women feel frustrated by the lack of maturity in guys their age and long for older, caring, protective potential partners. Bella’s feelings do seem to go beyond lust for his looks, though that matters. I think the chivalry and protectiveness is part of it. Danger might be as well. Also, the feelings of first love and loss are hit in Twilight.
Twilight is certainly not without problems but creating caricatures of its fans and overlooking the reasons it resonates is not the best way to critique the franchise.
This is actually one of the best responses I’ve read so far on this board. Thank you for being so reasonable.