If vampires were ever a threat to wizards, Twilight proves that Hogwarts has nothing to worry about. Hailed by many as “the next Harry Potter,” the first installment in Stephenie Meyer’s book series turned film franchise is both charming and attractive but lacks the magic that made Potter and his pals such an ageless phenomenon. Director Catherine Hardwicke (Thirteen), however, keys into her target audience and hits the mark.
Following in the tradition of teenage star-crossed lover tales, Twilight focuses on the budding romance of clumsy, world-weary human Bella Swan (Into the Wild’s Kristen Stewart) and her sensitive, powerful vampire paramour Edward Cullen (Potter alum Robert Pattinson). Bella serves as the relatable everygirl — self-conscious, bright and uncomfortable with the attention she receives as the requisite new girl in school after leaving her home in sunny Arizona to live with her father in the constantly damp Forks, Wash..
During her first encounter with the strangely pale and striking Edward, he seems so repulsed by the sight of Bella that he becomes physically ill. Edward’s illness, however, stems from his overwhelming desire for Bella’s blood and, unlike the case with every other human, his inability to read her mind. The two circle each other in the familiar “I don’t like you but I can’t keep away from you” dance, with Bella confused by Edward’s seemingly inconsistent interest in her, and Edward concerned with the danger he presents her. Two life-saving encounters and innumerable sultry glances later, however, Edward’s interest in Bella becomes evident, and she is enraptured. The two face the normal high school relationship perils, introducing the significant other to the family and balancing time between friends and dates, along with the constant concern of whether Bella will come over for a meal or become one.
The film hinges on the believability of the actors fulfilling the expectations of the eager audience, and Hardwicke’s choices are flawless. Stewart and Pattinson are both ideally cast, with Stewart portraying Bella’s fragile reserve and Pattinson balancing Edward’s tortured soul and natural charm. Likewise, Billy Burke (My Boys, Ladder 49), Taylor Lautner (The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl) and relative newcomer Ashley Greene step into their respective roles with ease, fleshing out Meyer’s occasionally flat characters. The rest of the cast, particularly Bella’s human friends, shine and give a sense of reality to the fantasy; Bella undergoes the trials of teendom with as much grace as any girl in our world and with a humor about her humanity.
Hardwicke’s artistic eye and drive to make the most of her relatively small budget causes much of the film to reflect the soulful indie films she is known for rather than the Hollywood production expected of Twilight. Some of the special effects, particularly Edward’s shining moments in the sun, seem poorly designed and are underwhelming. Also, with a large portion of the dialogue lifted directly from the novel, the film highlights the books’ weaknesses regardless of how easily attached one may feel to the characters.
Despite Hardwicke’s deft handling of the insecurity and emotions of first love, makeshift families and plunging into the unfamiliar, much of the film seems repetitive and slow. Because of the incredible reception of the film, however, the already-signed sequel should have a better budget and might iron out the snags that held up the first. Twilight might not have much bite but it certainly doesn’t suck.
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