tMF | The Movie-Fanatic

Chris Weitz was not an obvious choice to take over the 2nd installment in the Twilight saga, New Moon from Catherine Hardwicke. But there are some issues worth pointing out, which in the end, may affect the Box office results and critical acclaim of the second Twilight film adaptation...

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Summit has this to say when they announced Weitz's directorial assignment:

Weitz, an Academy Award-nominated writer, director and producer, has a proven track record working with a broad range of material dealing with youth- oriented characters, fantasy and action. As such, he has the potential to bring alive in NEW MOON the dimensions and depth that fans will demand in the next installment.

In a recent interview, it was noted that "Chris Weitz, who also writes and produces, sometimes with his brother Paul, had done a fantasy adaptation in 2007's "The Golden Compass" and felt a connection to the material." Also, there is one particular segment of the moviegoing public that Summit wants to impress - the male audience who have been lukewarm (another word might be hostile) in their reception of Twilight.

In this article, tMF will also attempt to find some answers to three specific questions: Can he make a difference and give the fans what they really want? Can he entice this 'hostile' group into watching New Moon? Can Weitz level the playing field between Taylor Lautner and the very popular Robert Pattinson?

Two Basic Twilight Issues: Why he agreed to direct New Moon and his collaboration with Meyer.

Why direct the movie: The tonality of the movie, which has a lot to do with heartbreak and longing, depression and reunion and ecstasy -- these were emotions that struck a chord in me. I really loved the cast; Kristen (Stewart) and Rob (Pattinson) both are exceptionally talented. And I wanted to get my hand back in the game. There were a lot of things in this movie that I knew how to do: a combination of telling a character-based story but also handling special effects and working with young actors.

Collaboration with Stephenie Meyer: Crucially, she approved me as director, and she didn't have to. We had some discussions that were very important -- my convincing her that I didn't want to take her baby and run away with it, or tell a story that was counter to the spirit of what she was trying to tell. I see myself, in the last few movies I've done, as adapting literary properties into film, so that's how I treated this one. We got along like a house on fire.

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tMF's take: Can Weitz make a difference and give the fans what they really want? I think I can answer this question by relating my experience in watching the first movie.

The problem with Catherine Hardiwcke is that she actually failed to meet the expectations of fans, because:

1. She apparently has a different vision of Twilight, one that is not 'harmonious' enough to most of the fans' vision of the story and the characters. More importantly, she did not read correctly what Meyer wants her audience to feel and experience.
2. She made some of the scenes appear comedic and hilarious when in fact, it should have been serious. Blake Griffin, one of tMF's film critics, has this to say about Hardwicke's Twilight:

I laughed out loud multiple times during the movie. So did the nearly packed theater, full of dreamy-eyed, giggly girls. I'm concerned it wasn't supposed to be as funny as it was. Director Catherine Hardwicke has proven to be an uneven director, with her previous films including Lords of Dogtown, and Thirteen. As with both of those movies, there are some interesting moments, and a whole lot of uninteresting, self-indulgent ones. With Twilight, there was more of the latter. And it made for one lame-ass movie. Unless you're a die hard fan of the novels (and let me be clear, I'm passing no judgement on the books since I haven't read them), you'll be sorely disappointed by this dull story that will make you cry of boredom and tremble with disdain before its two whole hours are up. [ read more ]

Precisely my point.

Now listen to what Weitz has to say about directing New Moon:

In response to a question about his approach in directing a movie that almost everyone already know the ending, he said: I regard myself as fan as much as any other, and the way that I see the book in my head is just like any other fan’s ability, except that I happen to have tens of millions of dollars at my disposal to realize that vision. One hopes that it’s a strong enough envisioning of the book that people will be amused and entertained and excited even though they know how things are going to end.”

A fan responded with this remarks:

Chris is absolutely right. It doesn't matter that we know the beginning and ending, we love the books so much that we want to see them in film. And so far Twilight has not disappointed me. You know how it is when you read a book then you go watch the movie and think Gosh I shouldn't have watched that because the book was so much better. Well in this case with the Twilight movies I'm glad I read the books and watched and will watch the movies. No disappointment here.

Of course, we'll get the exact answer to this question on November 20th. For now, that's how tMF sees it.

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Weitz Twilight Perspective and his Directorial Approach:

Special Effects (CGI) from Weitz Perspectives: As compared to his other film, The Golden Compass, Chris has this to say: It's been an easier process. Let me see how am I going to put this? I found a lot less interference from Summit in terms of...and a lot more understanding the books than A-Line had of Golden Compass. So I think there's a studio that understands the importance of the books...the studio...the members of which who have read the books and appreciate them and do not just see them as engines of possible profit. So that makes a tremendous difference. It really does.

tMF's take: I believed that one of the biggest questions among fans is: Can Weitz level the playing field between Taylor Lautner and the very popular Robert Pattinson?

New Moon features the blossoming relationship between Bella and Jacob. Obviously, Taylor Lautner's character needs that extra boost, not only to introduce him to the audience in a deeper way but to bring out the obvious - this is now a love triangle and Jacob Black is the final player in the rivalry.

If Edward Cullen is so perfect and the fans love and adore him, how can Jacob Black compete?

The answer: Give him the kind of introduction he deserves and allow his character to fully develop, determine what sort of chemistry there is between Stewart and Lautner, exploit it and create some sparks!

Remarked co-star Jackson Rathbone:

Taylor Lautner really stands out in this film, and I think people are going to be really blown away by his performance," Rathbone said. "You have these great moments that Jacob just completely is winning over Bella. And it's just beautiful to see it. It's all in their eyes. [ read more ]

I think Weitz will deliver.

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Relating to the Twilight Universe

Relationship with the Twilight fans: I don't have an online, direct relation with the fans; I was too busy making the movie. But I sort of feel as though every bit of footage I get out is speaking to the fans in a way. I've only addressed the fans directly twice: at the very beginning, when I said, "Don't worry, I'm going to take care of this book," and then to address an insane rumor that all the Volturi were naked in their introductory scene. But I listened to what they have to say by checking in on the Internet. I didn't do it that much while we were shooting because I didn't want to get swayed one way or another; it would be like a politician just going by the polls. But now that the footage is complete, I kind of enjoy just checking in various sites and seeing what they like.

In another question related to the fandom, Weitz responded to this issue: Was it intimidating coming into a fandom with such intense fans?

My responsibility is to the readership, and my responsibility is not to the internet-no matter what you guys are doing- I'm addressing the same people you are but I don't want to get caught up in any controversy that's going on online or whatever people have to say about me when I was selected- I did that on Golden Compass once- and there was a vote as to who they would rather have as director and "other" beat me- I didn't want to be in that situation.

tMF's take: Can he entice this hostile segment of the moviegoing public (young males) into watching New Moon?

This is probably the most difficult to answer among the three questions we proposed earlier. I am not yet convinced that this segment of the moviegoing public will be enticed to watch New Moon.

However, from all indication, there is now more coverage for the 2nd Twilight movie, compared to the first. As we have observed, during the time Twilight was still a 'work in progress' even Yahoo movies has no movie description for Twilight. Now it's different. I don't think I have to list down sites, just the phenomenal increase in the number of Twilight fansites is a good indication enough of its ever-growing popularity - that it's not stagnant but that its popularity is even growing at a much faster rate.

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Below is the 3rd trailer of Twilight: New Moon (this is probably my favorite):

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Fast Forward - Directing the 4th Twilight movie: No official offer has been made. The fans have been enthusiastic about the footage and the trailer, and the studio responds to that by feeling good about me. We'll have to see how people feel about the entire movie, not only the studio but the fans, before the verdict is out whether I direct No. 4. David Slade is doing a great job on the third film, and by the time that comes out, he'll be the flavor of the moment.

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Some fearless forecasts:

1. Will New Moon surpass the Box office take of Twilight? Yes. Definitely. I think this will be the best movie among the series. I also think this will be more "acclaimed" that Twilight.

2. Can Taylor Lautner become the next Robert Pattinson in terms of popularity and appeal? Maybe. I am not yet convinced he can rival Pattinson, but he is obviously trying his best to play the role of Jacob Black. As to appeal, I don't think he's mysterious and charismatic enough, but fans can have a much different perspective.

3. Can he gather the kind of fan following just like Stewart and Pattinson? I believed he already is converting fans as I write this article. But can he match the two? I think he'll even pass Stewart on his way to rival Pattinson. But that may take some time... [ see answer to # 2 ]

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What's on your mind? What are your reactions and responses to the three questions we tried to provide some answers? What is your personal opinion of Chris Weitz as director? Do you think New Moon will be a better movie than Twilight? Let us know what you think!

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