Weitz doesn't compromise post-feminist romance

Rating: 10/10 (18 November 2009)

Chris Weitz's adaptation of New Moon is faithful to Stephenie Meyer's text while drawing out important themes in The Twilight Saga.
He understands the series as it exists within the tradition of, not vampire mythology, romance or horror, but the more ambiguous female Gothic. His directing is empathetic - and sensitive to - the novel's subliminal and transgressive gender politics.
The cinematography is lush and the color schemes evocative. The film never feels truncated - or, conversely, too long.
The acting by the three leads is stellar - and, ironically, overshadows the rest of an elite cast. Kristen Stewart has evolved into a tenacious, courageous actor. She's utterly convincing as a clinically depressed teenager (Bella Swan). Robert Pattinson as the demoralized vampire (Edward Cullen) has perhaps the most challenging role, but he understands subtlety - and is exquisitely understated when required. No cipher is he. Pattinson gives Cullen a poetic and moral depth that might have eluded other actors. Like Cate Blanchett, he possesses a striking, unusual and mutable beauty so you never tire of him on screen. And Taylor Lautner is a real revelation - showing an expansive emotional range while being mindful of Jacob Black's physicality.
New Moon is a beautifully realized film.