From Fantastic to Dreadful in 122 Minutes

Rating: 4/10 (25 January 2009)

I am a massive fan of the series and have read all 4 books at least twice, having said that I am not as such a fan of this film. Im not impressed for a start with the lack of emotional complexity that Kirsten Stewart shows in this film, she is obviously vital to the film's success or fall and I think she definitely drags this film down a few pegs. Although I think her acting or understanding of this role leaves a lot to be desired I think as far as physical appearances go this is captured quite well, with the subtle make-up and her unstyled yet attractive hair, as in the book. Although the first of our two protagonists is not quite 'up to scratch' I believe Robert Pattinson to be this film's say in grace. I think everything from his appearance, attractive, to his voice to his body language is fantastically suited to this role. My main gripe about this film however is not Kirsten Stewart/Bella Swan. It is in fact the ridiculous decision to have almost the ENTIRE film on a motion camera. I can understand the intimate scenes following this pattern to make the audience feel as if it's actually there, which was especially effective when they were kissing in his room, however throughout the entire movie was to be frank ridiculous. Another unnecessary effect throughout the film were the sepia 'flash backs'. These were, not to mince words, an insult to the audience. Somethings in the book AND film should be left to imagination and not presented in such a ridiculously obvious manner and boil down to offence to the audience members with at least 1/3 of a brain. Treating the audience like a fool, again in my view knocks marks off this potentially amazing film. My final issue with this film is the best sequences in the book being either merged or cut, this was the biggest flaw of all. My favourite scene of the book was the meadow when Edward told Bella of all his insecurities early in the book and his struggles also his diamond skin being revealed and I think one of their first kisses. This was instead replaced and cut with lesser scenes of the diamond skin and NO explanation of the early scenes when Edward was struggling not to kill Bella . This film had the potential to be breath-taking, however the only thing i found breath-taking was the sounds of the female audience oohing and ahhing after Robert Pattinson, arguably the best thing in the film. In summary an awful book to film transition, leaving a lot to be desired.