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UPDATE: Summit Entertainment Co-Chairman/CEO Rob Friedman just phoned me to add: "Catherine and Summit have agreed to part ways on the sequel because our visions are different." The start-up studio's hastily prepared statement (below) notes: "Summit’s targeted end of 2009 or early 2010 release of the film, New Moon, does not work with Ms. Hardwicke’s required prep time to bring her vision of the film to the big screen."
EXCLUSIVE: So the rumors are true. I've confirmed that Summit Entertainment has rejected Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke from heming the sequel in this big new franchise. No doubt my news will speed up the studio's announcement, and Summit will surely spin this as all going down amicably along the lines that "she couldn't fit the film into her time frame". (Summit does want a ridiculously speeded-up sked for the next installment.) But this terrible news for Hardwicke comes just as she and the Twilight cast are on their European press tour. Tomorrow's interviews in France will now focus entirely on what, if anything, Catherine did to deserve this treatment.
This also could blow up into a scandal for Summit if it chooses a male director over Hardwicke, whose Twilight easily beat Mimi Leder's 1998 Deep Impact box office gross as the biggest opener for a female director. That was a record embraced by Hollywood feminists as a sign of growing gal power. ["To think that the people at Summit are sexist is insulting," an insider there replies to me.] This wasn't a good weekend for female film directors because Lexi Alexander's Punisher: War Zone bombed, earning less than half what Hollywood thought it would. As to whether Hardwicke's career will be damaged by this very public firing is up for grabs because, even though the pic was skewered by critics, it is already a $160M low-cost blockbuster. Summit has started preparing the sequel New Moon, based on Meyer's second book in the series, and, to contain costs, the studio is considering making third book Eclipse back to back.
The word from inside Summit is that Hardwicke, the acclaimed Thirteen and Lords of Dogtown and The Nativity Story director, "was 'difficult' and 'irrational' during the making of Twilight," one insider explains to me. "That doesn't mean anything when you're talking about a filmmaker because they all are, but still..." (Joe Roth and Sony kept saying that about Julie Taymor on Across The Universe. Yet she made a cult classic and is now directing Marvel/Sony's Spider-Man for Broadway.) But an outside source also informs me, "Summit didn't like her. They're saying the DP [director of photography] Elliot Davis is the one responsible for the film's sumptuous visual look, that the editor Nancy Richardson had to save the film in post-production, and Summit thought Hardwicke's [CAA] agent Beth Swofford was alternately ineffectual and hysterical. It certainly demonstrates, while CAA agents boast of their vast influence, how little clout and muscle they actually have, or are willing to use, to protect their artists."
I'm told that the studio has even had quiet talks with other CAA directors for the last week. "And Swofford never told Hardwicke about that and that she was about to get kicked to the gutter," an insider tells me. "To add insult to injury, Hardwicke can now look forward to being grilled by the press for days on end, in front of the cast, about why she's getting shit-canned." Adds another source: "Catherine is the consummate professional so she's continuing the press tour."
Here's Summit's news release tonight:
Los Angeles, CA, December 7, 2008 – Summit Entertainment and director Catherine Hardwicke jointly announced today that the filmmaker will not be directing the next installment in the newly minted TWILIGHT film franchise. Summit’s targeted end of 2009 or early 2010 release of the film, NEW MOON, does not work with Ms. Hardwicke’s required prep time to bring her vision of the film to the big screen. Thus as has been done before with many successful film franchises, the studio will employ a new director for NEW MOON.
"I am sorry that due to timing I will not have the opportunity to direct NEW MOON,” said Hardwicke. “Directing TWILIGHT has been one of the great experiences of my life, and I am grateful to the fans for their passionate support of the film. I wish everyone at Summit the best with the sequel-- it is a great story."
“Catherine did an incredible job in helping us to launch the TWILIGHT franchise and we thank her for all of her efforts and we very much hope to work with her on future Summit projects,” said Erik Feig, Summit’s President of Production. “We as a studio have a mandate to bring the next installment in the franchise to the big screen in a timely fashion so that fans can get more of Edward, Bella and all of the characters that Stephenie Meyer has created. We are able to pursue an aggressive time frame as we have the luxury of only adapting the novels into screenplays as opposed to having to create a storyline from scratch.”
- Summit Announces 'Twilight' Sequel "New Moon': May Make #2 And #3 Back-To-Back
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- Summit Readying 'Twilight' Sequel
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Yet another terrible example of the way Hollywood talks about and treats women. Nikki look at what you have written. Catherine made a brilliant film. Summit should be ashamed of themselves for treating her this way and you are a party to her humiliation by writing this piece.
I really liked the movie. I get all that with the effects, that people complain about, but i really think she captured the feeling of the book. And there was a lot of emotion too…
No idea why Hardwicke was even hired for the Twilight job considering it’s not like anything she’s done before. So the talk about the DP being responsible for the movie’s look doesn’t seem like bullshit. But dropping her while she’s out there shilling the movie is a shitty thing to do. No doubt specifics will come out as to what they meant by “specific”.
And Nikki? Why talk about Hardwicke as being a female director and comparing female director grosses? I find that incredibly sexist and I’m surprised it comes from a woman like yourself. Why not compare Hardwicke’s movie’s grosses with that of any director – male or female?
I hope this news is true because Hardwicke was appalling. If it hadnt been for Rob Pattinson I’d never have seen this film.
Hardwicke has had it coming for years. I have heard from producers who have worked with her that she is quite possibly the worst human being they’ve ever had the displeasure of working with. That’s why Wyck Godfrey was brought on to the movie — he somehow was able to tame the beast while she directed their bible loser movie, so Summit paid him to babysit. Why she continues to work amazes me. Tamor is the same but at least she has talent. The sad truth is that there are few working women directors and these two do nothing to make producers want to hire the fairer sex and put them behind the camera. But I hear Darnell Marin, who directed the awesome Cadillac Records, is so talented and talent love working with her. Then of course there’s the obvious double standard. Michael Bay’s an a**hole too but you don’t see him on the unemployment line. Hollywood creeps me out sometimes.
Oh well..! It happens..!
Drama…
The movie is only making money because girls liked the book so much / the boy that plays Edward is “dreamy”. I saw the movie with an open mind and Hardwicke bombed. The acting was unwatchable and the editing was even worse. I’m still not sure why there is hype about here… she ruined Lords of Dogtown and another should-have-been money maker in The Nativity Story.
Nikki have you seen this movie?
Please be right about this. Hardwicke was dire. I adore Pattinson and he deserves better than Hardwicke. He’s awesome as Dali in Little Ashes where he has a good script and brilliant director. Hopefully he’ll have at least a decent director and script for New Moon. I’d ditch Rosenberg the script writer as well. I really hope they just use the bookas an aide memoire and build up Pattinson’s role in New Moon. 2 hours of Stewart’s emotionless face is too much for me.
That really dose not make me to happy. It seems to me that Hollywood is saying that if you end up making a movie and it dose really well in the box office and you are a female, you will end up getting screwed over and fired in the end.
Rosenberg is a great writer. Have you seen Dexter? If I had to guess, I’d think she was hamstrung by Summit not to change the story’s structure, as well as significant dialogue.
If anyone thinks the sucess of Twilight’s opening gross was down to Hardwick’s direction, then they are delusional.
I’m all for celebrating women’s achievement in cinema, but this movie was ridiculous. Just look at that meadow scene – that was the best she could do?
After hearing about the disagreements about budget, this is actually a smart move by Summit. Look what a really talented Darren Aronofsky was able to with The Fountain with the same budget.
The success of Twilight was purely down to its fanbase, NOT Hardwicks direction. Just making this film has really damaged her credentials, regardless of what it made at the box office at opening week.
I think that scene was great, I really liked it… the whole movie was very romantic, so I think is that kind of story that you either buy it or not..
I am very upset to here this. i think Catherine did an amazing job on Twilight and how the hell are they going to find another female director who loves Twilight like she did? No male could ever direct the Twilight series because it was written by a woman from the eyes of a woman. I’m not sexist or feminist, I just think it’s impossible. I am very sad at reading this. I think the real reason why they fired her is because she wanted a bigger budget for New Moon and they wouldn’t give it to her, so they made up a lame ass excuse to get rid of her.
wish they would get rid of the screenwriter too. that script was all kings of awful.
Yeah, I think this article is very sexist, sorry. You shouldn’t have written it. As for Catherine? The main concern I have is that a MALE is going to direct it. I just dont think a guy can really understand what Twilight is about; a woman should direct it.
“The sad truth is that there are few working women directors and these two do nothing to make producers want to hire the fairer sex and put them behind the camera….”
I don’t believe that is true. First, Taymor’s been nominated for an Oscar, and she’s got a singular visual style. A convivial set is great, but “niceness” doesn’t direct great films. And this is a Machiavelli-minded industry.
Second, try and read “Twilight”. It’s crap. Hardwicke had no budget, a silly script adapted from a silly book, two wooden actors, and she turned in a hit. Is it a great film? No. But it’s fine. It’s serviceable. They owed her more than to fire her now. (They should have paid her off after the PR tour wrapped.)
Third, in documentary, many of the marquee filmmakers — like Barbara Kopple, Jessica Yu, and Ondi Timoner, for example — are women. So directorial female talent exists, but these women are either choosing not to participate in the studio narrative filmmaking process, or they are being shut out of it. This leads me to believe that producers do bear part of the blame for the paucity of women directing mainstream narrative films.
what’s all this nonsense about robert pattinson ’saving’ twilight by imbuing it with some degree of quality? eh???
granted, the guys good looks clearly played a factor in getting the swoony pubescent market to part with their pocket money, but what happened onscreen once he drew the tweenies in through the theater door is largely irrelevant. though i’m amazed he managed even that contribution, given in the poster he looks likes the recently exhumed corpse of a child snatcher.
for twilight itself…. as inexpert and shlocky as i find jk rowling’s writing and prose to be, she at least creates an imaginative world with an appealing story. whereas matronly mayer brings us twilight, which is a duff concept even on page – toothless vampires romancing some sweet valley high emotional albatross – there’s no way you could make a legitimately good movie from that, and hardwicke’s real crime here was getting involved in the first place. you can’t polish a turd, after all.
though if McG can get re-hired for a charlies angels sequel, you have to be concered about what a pain in the arse she must be to work with.
Wow this is the happiest I’ve been since BEFORE the movie. I was so disappointed in the directing of Catherine Hardwicke. Sloppy camera angles and horrible pacing, destroyed would could of been an enjoyable film.
I hope they do go with another female director though, But i am not worried at all in backlash, because Twilight fans will go see the movie even if it was horrible/mediocre/good. So its a no lose, Summit just needs to hold on to thier guns, and stick by it.
oh I so hope this is true!
I don’t know how I feel about this… I feel like a more experienced director might be nice… but need a new script writer too… however, Catherine really did fight the studio to try and stay closer to the book than they had wanted to…
Also I feel like it’s pretty crappy to do this to her (if this is true) while she’s out promoting Twilight for them.
I don’t get why people are trying to make this out as some feminist blow. The movie was a succes DESPITE the direction, not because of it. Seriously, any low rent director could have been plugged in (including any one of the Smallville directors) and the movie wouldn’t have been any worse. A million teenage girls would still consume it over and over again.
That being the case, and with all these stories of her being hard as hell to work with, this is a very sensible move on the studios behalf. Why have a pain in the arse director putting out mediocre crap when you can have a yes-man (or woman) studio schill who could do just as good a job with zero complaints?
NOOOOO!!! I LOVE CATHERINE! HOW COULD THEY DO THAT?!!
Good riddance. I haven’t seen Twilight and don’t plan on it, but Hardwicke came across as both arrogant and ignorant in every interview I have read with her.
She harps on and on about sexism, complaining about why Sam Raimi and Peter Jackson got to direct Spiderman and LOTR, while studio bosses don’t give her any of these big films. News flash: Sam Raimi and Peter Jackson were both widely accomplished and successful directors before they took on those franchises. With Hardwickes dismal reviews for Twilight, I doubt she’s half the director either of them are. Sexism has nothing to do with it.
Second of all, she complained that studio heads dislike how she breaks down on set and cries, but accept male directors having affairs, yelling, being abusive, etc. While none of this is acceptable, a directors job is to guide the production. They cannot be breaking down on set and crying. They are supposed to be in charge. Crying is completely giving up control. It has nothing to do with whether you are a man or woman; that is not acceptable behavior for a director!
do the contracts that the actors signed agree with changing directors?
i’m guessing it doesn’t matter much, ex: harry potter.
New Moon is going to be a whole different game as it relies heavily on visual imagery (giant warewolves, etc). They need someone at the helm who is experienced with working with sfx, etc. That is clearly not Hardwicks strongest area.
let’s be honest. Yes the book is sugary sweet teen romance without much substance. But Hardwicke destroyed whatever spirit pervades through much of Meyer’s work. Stewart and Pattinson had zero chemistry and Stewart was flat the whole movie. Where is the joy of being in love? And the action sequences that could have been gritty and raw instead were cheesy and filled with melodramatic slo-motion. In the world of Bourne and Bond action, Hardwicke fell very short of the bar.
And i understand that they have to make a 100 minute movie, but the pacing was terrible. Sorry Catherine.
As a Twilight fan I am some what excited that she was Taken off the sequel, I was overly disappointed with the movie and i think that most of the problems from the Twilight Movie fall at her feet as director…But i hate that she had to find out like this during her tour, She is a huge Twilight fan herself and its so horrible that this happened but what can we do..the movie will be better with a different directer sadly..Im excited for New moon and i wish Catherine all the best and cant wait to see more of her movies!
She was a nightmare on Nativity–unprofessional, prone to crying outbursts, and seemingly lacking even the most basic understanding of filmmaking. This has nothing to do with gender, and everything to do with her lack of talent.
To quote Robert Evans, “There are three sides to every story: my side, your side, and the truth.” I’m sure that’s the case with letting her go, BUT how many male directors are assholes or crazy? How many are dragged through the press like this after a HUGE HIT??? When men are crazy or abrasive they are celebrated…and a woman is shrill I guess.
She should fire CAA for this, especially if they go with a CAA client.
honestly, i think they should have kept her.
She got a good idea of what twilight was about and made it into a movie on a low budget, and i was honestly looking forward to seeing the same idea with a bigger budget because then the movie (new moon) would be much better but now whose to say that with a new director the same idea will be put back into the movie. what if it changes ALOT, if that happens and it turns out bad then the ENTIRE series is screwed, i hope the people understand the risky decision they have just made
I liked Thirteen as much as the next film fan but Hardwicke is not a great director. None of her films were that great. Lords Of Dog Town was weak, Nativity Story was boring and Twilight (while not entirely her fault—screenplay) was just plain Bad.
Twilight had the benefit of a HUGE following. Let’s be honest, if there was no book to base the movie on, how would any of you feel about the film? I promise you it wouldn’t have made the kind of money it did.
Bring on a seasoned genre director or someone who understands pacing. This isn’t about Men VS Women… back in the day Kathryn Bigelow gave us a wonderful little Vampire film called Near Dark…maybe someone should give her a call.
WHOA! I can’t believe this! is this official?!?!?!
catherine did nothing wrong, and she made an amazing movie. if this is true… which i doubt it is, im not watching new moon.
this is a rude, and barbaric thing to post.
I don’t think this is sexist at all.
The film was shredded by critics and non-fans of the series. Even fans of the series (including my nieces) kept saying “you should read the book” when i talked about the film.
She f*cked up a movie about the birth of Jesus. Do you know how hard that is to do?
This movie was like a very bad CW pilot. I might accompany the girlfriend to see the next one if they find a better director.
You guys bashing Nikki don’t get it. She is a journalist, a real one. Not the ass-kissing liars that now dominate our media. This column is the most honest information in this town and all of you know it. I’m sure she’d defend any competent woman but this is NEWS!
That said, everyone knows the Twilight set was a mess and Summit execs were overworked and busted their asses to save this film. There are a lot of unsung heroes over there and they should all be proud of themselves.
Because of the state of our business, whenever a woman or a black person gets fired, there will be charges of some kind of “ism.” The truth is male directors act like asses and get rewarded. Catherine’s movie made money and so all things being equal, she should stay. That’s how it works.
However as I said, the Summit team is smart and they should be given the benefit of the doubt if they want a new visionary for the franchise. There are great women in that firm and I doubt if they were against Hardwicke because she’s a woman.
Wow, some people had to save the most post-production? I’d hate to have seen what it was like before because as far as directing goes it was pretty terrible (the camera angles were ridiculous, some of the acting seemed really forced -and the actors weren’t like that in their other movies so that could be down to bad directing- and the whole thing had too much of an indie feel that just screamed Catherine Hardwhick. Indie is fine, for indie films… but not a movie about vampires).
I HATE how people are saying that this is such a big deal for female directors that the movie did well, because honestly, the movie could’ve been just Rob and Kristen prancing around to Michael Jacksons Thriller and the movie would’ve still done well because it’s based on a best selling book series (think about it, all the fans of the book would go to see it with their friends, or their family – some fangirls go see it multiple times simply because it’s Twilight, not because it’s any good)… so the success of the movie had nothing whatsoever to do with Catherine, it was all down to the books.
If this movie was just some script that Melissa Rosenberg had come up with and there wasn’t already a built in fan base for the story then the movie would’ve probably flopped.
I seriously hope you’re right about Catherine being fired – three things that made the movie terrible were Catherine, Melissa and Kristen.
I know the chances of them firing Kristen are unlikely, seeing as she’s the lead but maybe with better direction and a better script she’ll do better in the sequel (or maybe she’ll do better in the sequel because it’s more depressing than Twilight meaning she can be dull, monotonous and mope till her little hearts content).
I worked with Catherine when she was a production designer and found her to be one of the nicest and most talented people I’ve met in this industry. The film we were working on was an intense and grueling shoot, yet Catherine never once lost her incredible sense of humor. She has a unique and imaginative vision. Sounds like Summit is looking for a paint-by-numbers director. That ain’t Catherine.
I love Catherine but my biggest issue with them firing her is the fact that she has such a distinctive style and anyone else they pick will be so different. It’s just going to be so strange after Twilight!
Ok. I am not sure how to feel about this, Twilight was amazing, its sad to hear this only because Catherine stayed true to the book, yes her style was different, but the movie was amazing.Somethings could’ve been different, but it stayed true…I don’t know, just a bunch of drama, I guess. I wonder who they’ll get next.
Thank goodness. Summit: Go after Brett Ratner for NEW MOON. He’ll pump up this lame material, Give it some pizazz. this series does not need MORE women involved – it’s already girlier than an oven-mitt
On “Lords of Dogtown”, Catherine Hardwicke was always on the side of the actors and crew…it was the studio heads that were a pain in the ass. I’ve never met any director who put their heart into a project like Catherine does. Elliot Davis and Nancy Richardson are her people, her clan…they would be the first to say they didn’t “save” Twilight. I think of Nikki Reed as Catherine’s muse. Nikki is the sweetest kid, crew people love her and are protective of her. “Twilight” is making tons of money for Summit Entertainment, but it’s just goes to show, money doesn’t buy good manners, grace or class.
Would be honored to work with the lovely Catherine again!
I hope this is true. She totally butchered one of the best stories I’ve ever read.
I agree with OT^^ all the way. I feel bad for Catherine, but Twilight was kinda bad and that falls on the director’s shoulders.
I just hope that they get New Moon right.
if this is true, i hope that Summit hires a better director because Twilight could have been better. WAY better. especially with Melissa Rosenberg. She is an excellent writer, and i think that Twilight wouldve been better with Rosenberg but it wasnt because someone was restricting her ideas for the script. A lot of the Twilight scenes were messed up; a lot of important info was missing. The meadow scene was ridiculous. The movie didnt have any of the cool conversations between Edward and Bella and it seemed as if they fell in love with each other so quickly and like they didnt even know each other that well. The scene in Carlisle’s office where Edward tells Bella about Carlisle’s history wasn’t even in the movie. And did you notice that instead of Alice telling Bella the process of transformation into a vampire, Edward told Bella, and in the book he didnt even want to tell her anything about the vampire transformation. And Jasper’s special ability was barely used
It’s bad form to fire her NOW in the middle of a press junket, but, given the box office of Twilight, the only rational reason for firing her would be that indeed she was impossible to deal with. She isn’t an expensive director and her lower fee would be in line with keeping budgets low. It’s a fair wager that her inept direction here ( face it, the movie is stillborn – no matter what one thinks of the source material, the movie needed a steady hand who could handle action and romance…she could do neither) and whatever behavior issues ARE to blame. And please…drop the sexist talk and the “only a woman can direct this, a man wouldn’t understand” – that’s really inane.
Hire Katherine Bigelow. She directed “Near Dark”, which is one of the best vampire movies ever made, and she’s a woman so no cries of sexism.
Executive 1: Hey, Twilight made a shitload of money, what next?
Executive 2: I know, let’s fire the director and hire a man for the next one.
Executive 1: Ooo, how about Brett Ratner. He knows what 12-year-old girls want.
Executive 2: I just came.
This is a blessing. Seriously.
Twilight was enjoyable despite Hardwicke. The camera work, soundtrack, dialogue, and pacing were absolutely horrific. If I didn’t like the story going in, I’d have hated this movie. The actors were generally okay (despite Stewart’s st-st-stuttering), but not enough to carry a pile of shit for an hour and a half. Also, the sparkling effect was pathetic. That’s on you, Catherine.
Good riddance.
Gee, all this “sexist” talk is getting anoying. As a 21 year old guy, “Twilight” really isn’t my kind of movie, so I have not watched it. With that being said, much of the hype that I read was that “Twilight” had a female director. Me thinks, the hype over her getting fired is because the “female director” stories were part of the hype and lure of the film. That’s why this is important.
As far as female vs. male directors, big deal. If the movie is good, I’ll enjoy it, no matter what the gender of the director is. With that being said, films that are made to appeal to young women would probably do better with a female director. In this case, the moveis will probably sell themselves based on the books, even if the movie is botched.
my opinion,,,,,
If this is true I may consider boycotting New Moon.
Wow, ok Catherin could have done better, but this hate is so uncalled for. She did a good job and you guys arn’t being fair to her.
idiots!
haters!
Catherine is the best!! Sheeeeeeeeee gave us Robert Pattinson and she is a GREAT AMAZING Director!!!
losers!!!!!!
I liked the movie very much, but I must say not as a whole…
I am nor a specialist on how a movie is directed, but if she had anything to do with directing the two leads, Kristen and Robert, then she did a terrific job. Must not forget that here must be included their personal effort. These two have nailed it!
Otherwise the movie lacks in special effects(really bad in my opinion, a certain flow in how the story unravel, but is the one to be blame for a weak script?
If Summit will get her fired, then an entire different scenario may come in place, different aproach. I wonder now how much Stephenie Meyer has to say in this matter and on how the New Moon will be done, or how much will be changed compared with the book.
Obviously Summits got the golden egges from an skinny chicken, and they want to cash on this as much as possible.
If she was fired, then who’s next!
omg. thats awful. how could they do that to her? everyone on set said the LOVED catherine because she brought LIFE and fun to the set!! she already started doing research and crap for the sequel and she already read the script written for it. they can’t just pull the sheet out from under her. its just wrong. she obviously loves her job and wouldn’t do anything that wasn’t right for the films. bloody bastards.
I thought it was really good,that is coming from someone that adored the book. Yea…there were some things I would have changed. I do feel that there were some scenes that they could have done a better job at, that probably wouldn’t have cost a thing. As for the male director bit, I don’t know if that might work. I mean we can’t really diss it yet, b/c it hasn’t happend. But I do feel like the scenes where it gets intense with Bella and Edward or Bella and Jacob in the book, will be displayed a little cheesy, you know? coming from a guys point. I know, it sexist, but…it’s the truth. Unless they find a really great guy of a director, that wants the sweetness and tenderness of the relationship thats in the book displayed on screne.
I hope they get Sofia Coppola.
Get Paul Morrison to direct the film. He woked with Rob Pattinson on the Dali/Lorca film Little ashes. It had a tiny budget but he turned in a wonderful film.
We saw Twilight last night and for the first half, between laughing at the dopey dialogue and silent movie era acting, we couldn’t stop staring at Edward’s lipstick. Where’s Joss Whedon when you need him?
well…I’m kinda happy but still they should have done it later. Although, maybe they were afraid that if they did it later people would be complaining that they should have done it earlier. I think that some of the directing could have been done better and who knows, (i’m not saying she was but it could be a possibility because we can’t honestly say that we know her) maybe she was a pain to be around or something or they didn’t think that she was professiol enough. As long as the do a good job on New Moon then i’m happy.
I’m very surprised this announcement would be leaked while Catherine is still on her press tour promotion in Europe. Very tacky if you ask me. Nonetheless, I have mixed feelings about all of this if it’s true.
First, I think all the b.s. about Catherine “crying” on set as being seen as weak is a lame excuse. All that means is that women aren’t allowed to express emotions and others are afraid of it. Bunk. Catherine seems like a very passionate person and with it may come tears, especially when it’s something she cares about.
As for whether or not another director is appropriate for the next movie? Maybe. I liked what Catherine brought to the film which was a unique rawness. But I do agree with the “meadow” scene being done differently but I didn’t see the script, nor was I working with potentially confined limitations brought on by Summit and producers. I think it’s a typical Hollywood b.s. that this stuff happens which makes me sad and want to avoid movies all together.
I loved the book series and so did a lot of other people (hence the fan base) and the closer they keep the script to the book, the happier the fan base is. But it’s more about keeping the “feel” of the book rather than just the dialogue. I thought many times that they were just throwing lines from the book into a scene that really didn’t quite “fit”. Now is that Catherine or Melissa’s doing? Who can be sure except those in the know.
Bottom line, it’s a terribly thing to do to Catherine especially while she’s promoting the film and probably Summit will hold off their announcement until she’s done which will be even more burdensome since this article has been leaked out.
Damn Hollywood and the media!
Thank god. Now we may get lots more Edward in New Moon. Hope so as I’m far more interested in the Cullens than I am Bella/Jacob. Sticking closely to the book would be a huge error of judgement. Get a director on board that can kick Meyer into touch.
I am happy for this. She did a horrible job with Twilight. The movie grossed so much money because of the books, but think about how much it would have made if it was actually created well?
I really think the movie could have been better… But just think for a moment… What a great responsibility Catherine accepted, cause making a movie of a best seller isn’t very easy, I mean Twilighters would get upset… but really, do you think that with that money they gave her it would be enough to have the best effect in hollywood?, I personally wouldn’t even mess there, but all thought, she managed herself to make a great movie, cause I loved it. And if they pick a male director, I will be really pissed off!
Catherine Rocks!!
This was perhaps the worst movie I’ve ever sat through in a theater. It was painful. The acting was horrible. I only sat through it because a friend of mine was an extra and we wanted to see if she was in it (she wasn’t). We started laughing after the first 20 minutes at just how bad this movie was.
I hope this really happens. Nothing personal, Catherine (and more power to female directors), just don’t think you did a good job. Twilight is doing as well as it is doing in the box office because of Stephenie Meyer and Robert Pattinson and this fans goodwill can only take the series so far. It’s imperative that the next movie BE GOOD!!
Female or male, the choice of next director has to be based on talent.
I hope this is true. I mean, I’m sure Catherine is lovely and all that but the movie doing so well is not down to her. It’s only because of the books, just like the first Harry Potter movie would’ve done well no matter how bad the movie was just because fans of the book would watch it.
So all this talk about her being amazing for breaking some record for female directors is a load of bull, it’s giving her credit she doesn’t deserve because the books are the only reason the movie did as well as it did.
And honestly, I think this is the perfect time to fire her because of that… the first movie did well, it could rely purely on the fans of the book for that. But with the sequel, the movie actually has to deliver this time or even the fans of the book won’t be rushing out to see it.
Firing Catherine won’t automatically fix everything, I mean the books are cheesy as hell – they’d have to get a decent script this time, the actors would have to do a better job and the budget would have to be much bigger to get better special effects than the ridiculous ones used in this one (don’t even get me started on the sparkling or the crappy jumping through the trees stuff)… and even then, the movie probably won’t be amazing because the books aren’t amazing, they’re a guilty pleasure at best. But if all those things are fixed then it could at the very least be a half decent movie and I think a new director could make that happen (assuming Summit get someone who is better than Hardwicke)
-Allie
I don’t think we should defend her simply because she’s a woman. It’s like rooting for your kid in the Little Leagues. She’s an adult, and she can sink or swim on her own merits–in this case sink.
thank god.
This makes me so angry. What a low thing to do, Summit. Twilight fans should be kissing Catherine’s feet. If it wasn’t her, Bella would be a track star, and the FBI would be after the Cullens, etc. (I’m referring to what MTV wanted to do w/ Twilight)
HOW could they fire CATHERINE HARDWICK!!!?!? she was GREAT and she shouldnt be fired, I am completely DISSAPOINTED and VERY MAD at Summit for firing her. She was great and Catherine you did great!
Sad when anyone looses work, but Twilight was by fare the cheesiest movie I have ever seen and it looked awful. The lines were predictible and boring and RP was the only bright spot. If Summit was smart they’d replace KS as well.
From everything I have read CH was a real pain in the butt.
I don’t know anything about Hardwicke but I do know from personal experience that Michael Bay is a complete jerk on the set and a real misogynist to boot (as is is his buddy Jerry Bruckheimer). Nobody likes working with an a**hole, be they male or female, but the men definitely get away with this stuff because theyr’e, well, men… Hollywood is basically a toilet bowl in which the biggest turds rise to the top and that includes the agents, but the males, at least, never seemed to get flushed down the toilet.
wow,
everyone that thinks twilight is a bad movie and the director did a bad job are idiots.
obv. the movie is never as good as the book,
but i thought twilight was an overall good moviee;
could’ve been better in some parts but other then that it was an amazing film. Rob and kristin did an amazing job! and yes, the moviee wouldn’t have been a big hit if there wasn’t a book, but even if i didnt read the book, i would have still love the moviee!
it was really mean and ignorant to post this; just cause you and some other people didn’t like the film doesn’t give you the right to say crap about her. if you dont have anything nice to say, don’t say anthing at all !!!
pce.
Catherine should be treated with respect, since she undertook this project and handled it well with the budget she had to work with. I would like to see a director like Alfonso Cuaron or someone of that caliber tackle New Moon/Eclipse. Go Twilight, we love the actors that brought our story to life!
This is the best thing that could have happened to the Twilight Trilogy! I’m sorry but Twilight was a big disappointment to me, mostly because of the bad direction that the actors received. I have seen both Pattinson and Stewart in many roles in which they both gave outstanding performances. They are both very good actors but because of this Director they were led into this substandard portrayal of two of the best characters that young actors could have hoped to play. I will now very much look forward to New Moon and hope that the actors will be able to give the performance that I know they can deliver!
This is great news! Catherine (nothing against you) did not do a good job with Twilight. Her name is in the record books as the highest grossing female director but honestly, that rests on the shoulders of Stephenie Meyer and Robert Pattinson. That’s why it’s imperative that New Moon BE GOOD because fans goodwill will only go so far if the next movie sucks.
Oh, for christ’s sake…if this is about needing the director to be female, have Nicole Holofcener both write the script for and direct ‘New Moon’…she can turn it into a sermon about class warfare.
Or, bring Lisa Cholodenko on board for some hot girl-on-girl action…
Or, Penelope Spheeris. She can make it a punk-rock opera.
Or, Amy Heckerling if there’s gonna be talking babies.
Did I mention ‘F*** the Twilight franchise’?
Good move by Summit entertainment, the film was horribly directed, which merely added upon the mediocre acting. Hopefully a new director can put a positive spin on this series, and take it outside the niche group of screaming fan girls.
Also, I am having trouble seeing what her gender has to do with anything. She’s an awful director, and I don’t believe I, nor Summit is at all sexist for feeling that way.
If you want to see what a real director can do, check out Christopher Nolan, or Matt Reitman if you want an example with a small budget like this movie had.
I think it’s rotten that this was announced while she is still pitching Twilight in Europe. This is so unprofessional. But I also think it’s a good move on Summit’s part.
Though, I liked Twilight (mostly because of Robert Pattinson), I thought it was poorly made (which I do not solely attibute to the direction, but also to the budget they gave her). This is obviously a huge franchise and deserves the money and a director capable of handling such a big project. Catherine is an independent director; New Moon needs a blockbuster director, who will, hopefully, recognize what they have in Robert, and inflate his role accordingly (no matter what Rosenberg tries to pull regarding Jacob).
Robert (and Edward) is why I will see New Moon, which is also the case for everyone I know.
I honestly don’t really don’t care, as long as they keep Rob patterson
As for Lexi Alexander and “Punisher: Warzone”, as a long time Punisher comic fan, she can hold her head high. Given the budget she had to work with she’s delivered the first and only film that was actually true to the Garth Ennis Punisher MAX series. Granted, it was in a grindhouse style, but hey, with the budget she had (and the material, I’m ashamed to say) she wasn’t going to deliver THE DARK KNIGHT. I was a doubter, but Lexi made me eat crow.
(Well, that, and Titus Pullo with machine guns. 13th!)
Well, I myself am an enmormus fan of the books and I have to say that I was disapointed in the movie. So many critical scenes and especially qoutes weren’t in the movie and the scenes were only like 5 mins long each. I think that Robert and Kristen deserve better. I dont think Catherine did as good as a job she should have. I hope they have a bigger budget and a better directr for New Moon. Good luck guys.
I am really happy Summit fired her. I love books. I am a total Twilighter but lets be honest here. That movie was extremly disappointing. The only thing it had in common with the book is the very BASIC plot. I laughed during parts that werent ment to be funny, and I defenetly did not feel the sames things I did when I was reading the books. I seriously hope that whoever they get for the next movie will be better. I am wondering though, what exactly did she do that made Summit realise their mistake? Also during many interviews with Taylor Lautner he had nothing but praise for her but I expected him to say that. I mean would an actor really bash his boss? I dont think so. I am really looking forward to hearing his thaughts on this as well as the rest of the cast’s opinion.
By the way I dont really see anything all THAT sexist in this article. Sure you compared her work to that other FEMALE directors a lot but IT’S not that big of a deal.
But I did notice one thing about your article, you were very baised in the fact that you said “what did she do to diserve this treatment”. I just thaught Id mention it.
-Alanna Cullen
Beyond all else, this was extremely poor timing by Summit. When your director and cast are overseas promoting the movie that is pulling in large sums of money for you, that’s not the time to come out and can the director. There’s nothing maverick about that move and it pulls some of the steam out of the promo tour as well. This should have been kept on the back burner at least until she & the cast were done touring.
WHAT???? The film is a HIT. Considering the budget they had to work with…it was amazing. I’m wondering what the heck the execs at Summit could be thinking….IT’S THE FIRST HIT THEY’VE EVER HAD and a big part of it’s success was the director’s vision. Why mess with success?? BIG MISTAKE…bad rap…horrible timing.
Wow i can’t even finish reading the comments. People are being way to harsh.I no that poeple have the right to there own opinions but that only goes so far until it turns into just total lack of respect and being a complete asshole.
Thank goodness!! Fans deserve so much more in these upcoming films
Now if they can only guarantee that they can get a better screenwriter too! I mean…having the same person that did Step Up mess these movies up is PATHETIC! Summit can pay now…I hope they can come through and deliver.
I am seeing Variety’s reporting reference the “negotiations” of the director’s deal.
You mean to tell me Catherine’s reps didn’t demand something in the original directing deal outlining terms of her services in connection with sequels?? That is a failure on her reps’ part.
A likely scenario:
CAA asked for too much money. Summit walked away. It’s their right and I applaud them.
Love it when agents overplay their hands and pay for it.
Or, taking everything at face value: if she was asking for too much prep time it’s the studio’s right to say No. So in the end it was actually her choice. You have to work within a studio’s constraints. She chose not to.
I am having trouble seeing how or why Summit has egg on their face here. I am sure they were willing to hold the news until PR is over, but press got wind of it forcing the release today.
Finally, the crowd that went to see this movie and made it a success won’t stay away from the sequel if their preferred director isn’t on it. A pic like IRONMAN needs Favreau…this movie will live on.
I find the level of vitriol being directed toward the (female) director and (female) writer of this film very odd.
There isn’t anything like this much flaying of hacks like Brett Ratner or assholes like Michael Bay.
What gives? It’s a teenage vampire movie, y’all.
I heard she couldn’t even control her actors. If you are a director and can’t control your unknown actors, then I suggest you find another gig.
If not for the good acting of the leading roles this film would not have been great. Hardwicke was a bad directer, but i dont think Summit should have just dropped her like that, as now the sequel is going to be different because its going to be someone elses vision.
I’m torn over this move. Personally, I was not thrilled with a bunch of aspects of Twilight. As a fan of the series, I was happy to see the characters come to life, but probably would not have liked it if I hadn’t already read the books. Some of the things I didn’t like, were due to costs (I’m all about doing your own stunts, but some of this stuff was just bad), but others I think were due to Catherine. I actually really like some of Catherine’s other work, so I’m not hating on her; just surprised by some of her choices.
Although I wasn’t thrilled with Catherine’s vision of Twilight, I am sad to see her go. One of the reasons I was happy to have her as a director is because of how passionate she is about the story. If there is a new director, can we be sure of that passion? Is the new director going to take the same care in the adaption of the book? I completely understand that film is a different medium, so the movie will not be the book. However, I’m concerned that some aspects are going to be changed for no good reason. I’m also worried that a new director will think, “Ok the market audience is young teen girls” and not think about anyone else. Look at the Harry Potter movies. Even though there is a more mature story line in some of the movies, there are stupid comedic points that are only funny to kids under the age of 10. I don’t want that to happen to Twilight.
I love Catherine for adding Rob’s music to the movie, and maybe even for the casting of him. For that I am eternally grateful. She brought great enthusiasm to the Twilight promo experience. Heart her! But I’m kinda glad as bad as that sounds. She has GREAT actors, she really needed to redirect several scenes better. THEN NEED A NEW SCREENPLAY WRITER! That’s the one that needs to get fired.
Also fire Nikki Reed! Not pretty enough.
Is that the sound of an axe grinding again? rrrrrrrr……..
I am glad to hear this. I went to see the movie because I was looking forward to seeing the book come to life and there are so many things she could have done differently. I only like the movie because of Edward…I like the look of Bella but not her acting. I hope New Moon and Eclipse is so much bette with a new director.
I am a female television director in Hollywood and from my perspective many of the weak points of the film were due to Hardwicke as a director. From the second the director was announced I knew this was a poor decision on Summit’s part from weaknesses I had seen of her as a director in Lords of Dogtown and The Nativity Story that I knew were important qualities for Twilight. When I heard Nikki Reed was cast as Rosalie, I knew Hardwicke must have strong armed her friend Reed in front of Summit, and this was setting a precedent for poor casting.
I can not blame Hardwicke for all the weaknesses in the film, but I can say that I am happy to see New Moon pass into another visionary’s hands, preferably another female, as well hoping for some key roles to be recast. If the Harry Potter films are at all an indication, changing directors is very wise decision and may lead to tremendous success and longevity for the franchise.
“Hire Katherine Bigelow. She directed “Near Dark”, which is one of the best vampire movies ever made, and she’s a woman so no cries of sexism.”
Um, it can still be sexism, regardless of who they hire after Hardwicke, because a female director’s diva antics are NOT tolerated while a male director’s are. Anyone had the “pleasure” of working with David Fincher?
What’s the big deal about a guy directing the Twilight sequel? I mean, I liked some of Hardwicke’s films and she was the only thing that intrigued me about this project (which I have not seen). But why couldn’t a man direct it? From what I understand, the overall story arc sure sounds misogynistic to me.
Although I liked the book well enough I thought the movie was better. I thought the director’s vision and the screenwriter’s changes were improvements.
If this is true, I’m disappointed. I’ll likely see New Moon ( whether at the movies or on DVD ) but I’ll be discouraged if it’s long winded like the books or overly sappy like the books.
Too bad for the director. Heinous behaviour on the part of Summit and it’s too bad.
Summit should be ashamed!!! Bad form. I don’t care if a woman directed it or a guy directed it. This is the evil crap all studios pull and it’s gotta stop. This goes to show what evil, backstabbing, scared, weak people Summit execs are. Even if the movie was crap she gave them a hit and she should be rewarded. It’s not a bad movie because of her. It’s a bad book, bad script, generic watered down concept. Hardwicke should be rewarded. Summit should be punished by us boycotting their future movies. We can’t let studios keep getting away from this.
I love these ‘Twilight” stories on DHD…it brings out the ‘Twilight” crazies. The books are poorly written teenage romance tripe. As for Hardwicke, I don’t know it seems in poor taste to shit can her during press for the film and it seems like they’re asking for trouble rushing the sequel. I don’t see these movies (or books) having the longevity of the Harry Potter franchise. Most of the fans will get over the hype of these books and my understanding is the last book of the series was a disappointment…so maybe rushing it IS a good idea. If they’re going for bigger talent maybe someone who can elevate the material like Joss Whedon or Katheryn Bigelow who both have proven themselves with both vampire mythos and strong female oriented material. Either way I doubt they’ll be able to get four good flicks out of it.
It’s pretty rotten she found out while still promiting the movie.
but guys, this has nothing to do with “sexism”, and that’s comming from me, and I happen to be a women!
I don’t care if it’s a man or a woman, Whoever is RIGHT for the job should direct new moon.
Women should earn their accomplishments, not get them because it might be “sexist” if they didn’t.
The movie sucked, she took out whatever magic carried through the books.
I mean, meadow scene, anyone?
I can’t blame Hardwicke or Rosenberg for “Twilight’s” lack of quality. The only way to make “Twilight” good is to not make it and watch “Let the Right One In,” instead.
Plus Hardwicke was the production designer for “Freaked,” so she’s cool in my book.
As of 12/7:
Rotten Tomatoes Rating for Twilight — 44%
Box Office Mojo Domestic Total — +$138 mm
What I can pull from the data is that the fanbase went to see the movie but they were…underwhelmed.
Most of the moviegoers I personally know who went to see the movie thought it could have been better. They were NOT happy with the directing.
But, this is an absolute PR fiasco! What forced studio to announce this now? The only recovery now is getting a proven woman director that can erase this…How about a call to action to find one who can accomplish what the critics AND fans found short with Twilight?
Character assassination seems a Hollywood staple but especially so against women. The comments to this article were even more odious than the article itself, though I admit I couldn’t stomach reading past the entry by “sad truth.” Whoever YOU are, darlin’, you should be ashamed of yourself.
Personally I think thats stupid she made THE MOST AMAZING MOVIE I HAVE EVER SEEN. If they replace this like this then. I dont think i will be watching it.
Most of the guys dont like love stories. Mostly girls do. And a girl knows more about what girls want to see in a love story. A guy is good at doing diffrent types of movie not love stories.
Stop with this crap about she was only fired because she was a woman. The film was garbage, and considering the source material, that’s inexcusable. It was a hit because of the already built in audience, not because of Hardwicke’s incredible eye.
I don’t think it has anything to do with the film’s bo or that Catherine is a woman. Not to defend Summit, but the film lacked good acting, visual effects and it was choppy at best. It was not faithful to the book in that there were 3 pivotal scenes in the book that were practically unused, which not only would have moved the story but made the romance convincing. The most important part of Twilight saga is the acting and screen presence of Robert Pattinson. Without him, any sequel will die at the box office because Ms Stewart cannot carry the film.
Everyone who thinks she is some sort of brilliant director is ridiculous. I worked on that film. I’ve never worked with someone who was so unqualified for their job. Her vision is that of a production designer. Not a director. She wasn’t even knowledgeable about basic things like how a baseball diamond is structured. I watched her, and heard her with my own two eyes, ask her 1st AD where right field was.
I was saddened and outraged that a women who was so very unprepared was given the chance to direct this crazy-expensive movie. Why would summit give her another chance. I haven’t even seen the movie yet because I know it will be lacking in almost every sense. She gives women filmmakers a bad name. Meaning she gives me a bad name. She needs to stay away from directing and go back to her old job. And companies like summit should do a better job picking their directors whether it be male or female.. but I guarantee that there are better female directors than Catherine Hardwicke.
Oh, and Summit isn’t lying when they say she is a handful. She was a total basketcase! Made crazy demands, wasted SOOO much time and money. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. She had a bigger sense of undeserved entitlement than I have yet to encounter in another human being.
I would love to see Jonathan Frakes direct NEW MOON. I loved how he directed/photographed/nurtured the star-crossed love story in ROSWELL (television series).
Re TWILIGHT, I loved the script, cast and acting in TWILIGHT, but I did not like the visual style or editing.
Fortunately, I am a very patient woman. In twenty years, someone will do an awesome re-make TWILIGHT and we fans will have our perfect film.
Great “Hire Katherine Bigelow” then you can have a bloody action film, directed by an equally difficult, never cries female director, with no sense of humor and absolutely no idea what teenage girls think and feel.
Many male directors yell, scream, insult the crew and have tantrums when they have a need to blow off steam or need everybody to go away and leave them alone. Catherine cries. So what….
Thank GOD they got rid of Catherine Hardwicke. The film was a joke. There are so many things wrong with the film that she directed:
ridiculous and cheesy effects
terrible music
no chemistry between the two lead actors – is she so blind as to not have seen this ?!?
Now I hope they get a new screen writer as well because the writing sucked bad.
Best news I’ve heard since the film came out !
Summit fired her because they don’t think the film is actually good. If they did, they would bend over backwards to keep the magic formula in place. They smell money, and they don’t want the current director, who did a barely passable job, to screw up the franchise. Summit dodged a bullet as the film grossed far more than a picture of comparable quality would be expected to, and they aren’t about to take that risk again.
That said, firing her while on the press tour is about the stupidest thing I have ever heard of. Why not just send out a press release saying you think the movie stinks and ask everyone to please, please not buy tickets.
This is very disappointing,Catherine Hardwicke added a lot of spunk to this production, and she showed that she can relate with the fans which is a big plus.
NOT COOL SUMMIT!
I agree with the few other people who say that they should hire Kathryn Bigelow who directed “Near Dark.”
BEST VAMPIRE MOVE EVER.
The movie sucked, and in a way, that’s what was great about it. Not unlike the book which is both way, way overwritten… the main characters “murmur” enough to star in hack grocery store romance novel… and undewritten — Bella’s greatest “character” trait is her “clumsiness” (TRIP!)… *sing-song* awful!
That said, the franchise could be amazing in the hands of a talented director. Someone with visual style, and a sense of how to use music well in a teen film. (Where were the SONGS?!?) The ‘Twilight’ movies could be, and should be, wildly entertaining.
I vote Darnell Martin.
Okay, this has nothing to do with gender. Hardwicke is a HORRIBLE DIRECTOR. She killed the vision of the movie. For some of you to say that “a man can’t direct Twilight because males don’t understand the vision” is SEXIST. Let’s not introduce double standards here. It just so happens that Hardwicke, who is female, did a crappy job with Twilight and almost near ruined it for the fanbase. If a man directed it and it turned out horrible, I would still be complaining. It has nothing to do with her gender.
With that said, I’m hoping for an improvement with New Moon. I would actually prefer a male director [I'm female. I'm not a feminist; I'm more for equality] because I think female directors do sometimes try to embrace a quality that is unnecessary in romance films. In Twilight, Hardwicke didn’t even develop the “romance” aspect, so there’s no reason she should be rehired. I support Summit’s decision.
Can anyone say Sophia Copola?
Hello, Academy Award winning female director, so no, this probably isn’t about her being female. Just think if they did bring in a male or just someone better versed in CGI and action, we could add all the male movie-goers to our numbers! I mean, I am sure there are plenty of women directors wh oare good at romance, CGI AND action, but there may not be, plus there just may not be someone available to shoot that quickly (March and most of the next 2 years). I just returned from the theater to see Twilight for the third time, and again, I was embarrased abotu some of the parts – like I did not want other movie-goers who were not book fans, to discredit my favorite love story because of the movie. I loved some of the parts – but only those that got to the true essence of the romance – Edward’s thoughts of Bella while he is removing the venom, the tree scene (ah, the fantasy) – but a lot of these great parts were the writing and the actors ad lib lines – NOT CATHERINE.
I enjoyed it, I admit, but really only because I love the story and Rob. Kristen played Bella well because in the book she is always trying to “act cool” around Edward to show him she is not afraid, so Stewart was relaly spot on in being so monotoned and complacent. That is the Bella from the book, though Catherine did not bring this to the forefront so people could see through this acting style for what it was.
Men can do romance well. Come on, can anyone say Titanic, The Notebook?
Oh, and just because she had a low budget does not mean she had to keep those bad scenes in – she should have simply done without them! Come on 37 million is no laughing matter, you can make a film with this. Just leave out the junk you cannot do – like Edward did not need to fly through the trees, he did not do it in the book! The flashback scenes were awful, the worst parts of the movie. I read that she called the actors back to add those in. What a terrible choice, who needed to see Carlisle change them or the treaty with the Wolves. Hello, Native Americans were not running about shirtless and in thongs in 1920-30s or anywhere near that time.
okay now if they would only fire kristen stewart too…
honestly, they should re-do the twilight movie. get a director who knows how to direct, get a new script, and get someone to replace kristen stewart’s lame ass acting.
“Please be right about this. Hardwicke was dire. I adore Pattinson and he deserves better than Hardwicke. He’s awesome as Dali in Little Ashes where he has a good script and brilliant director. Hopefully he’ll have at least a decent director and script for New Moon. I’d ditch Rosenberg the script writer as well. I really hope they just use the bookas an aide memoire and build up Pattinson’s role in New Moon. 2 hours of Stewart’s emotionless face is too much for me.
Comment by Emily — December 7, 2008 @ 2:45 pm”
I couldn’t agree more Emily!! I didn’t have the chance to see Little Ashes though. But yeah, he was amazing. Even the spotty parts with him…I always say that even the best actor can only do so much with a crappy director and a shit script.
ALFONSO CUARON, FTW.
he would be amazing.
I think it’s a shame to let her go!
It’s due to her skills and foresight the original script was dumped and newly written!
It’s too bad that she will not be able to realize her visions for the sequel. I’m sure she would have done a great job.
I can’t imagine what a disapointement this must be for her.
once again finke scoops the trades
Don’t know about Hardwicke. But I read Twilight out of curiosity a few months back and it was poorly written, contrived, and the characters were paper thin. So the source material wasn’t that great.
DID SUMMIT FIRE HARDWICKE TOO SOON?
HER “TWILIGHT” MADE THE TWEENS SWOON.
ARE THEY PROTECTING THEIR DOUGH
OR DID THEY PULL A “PLAXICO?”
WE’LL FIND OUT AT THE NEXT “NEW MOON.”
The bottom line, I submit, is this: “Twilight” is doing OK at the box office, but it hasn’t broached the mainstream. It’s underperforming. The reviews were mediocre at best. Particularly in this economy, you can’t blow off a franchise like this. You need to have the best director possible and bring a fresh perspective to the franchise. Sounds like Hardwicke/CAA either wanted more $$$ or more prep time. As all of us know, we can all be replaced by someone else.
By the way, I’m thoroughly enjoying all the comments about Michael Bay. May we hear more, please?
I was always suprised by the passion that Hardwicke had for the project. She really seemed to love Twilight, and that’s important in a film that is basically made-for-fans. I thought the movie was done well..I mean it’s a high school vampire romance with lots of dialogue that could quickly become pure cheese. Frankly, I’m going to go see it no matter who directs it….and I think Summit knows that.
I HAVE ONE NAME FOR SUMMIT AS A REPLACEMENT:
ALFONZO CURAON (HE DID Y TU MAM TAMBIEN AS WELL AS THE HARRY POTTER /PRIZONER OF AZKABAN).
I think someone else here suggested him as well!
After watching the film “Twlight” I was not very impressed with the acting , directing or screenwriting. ALTHOUGH THE movie brought in 130 million, domestic it could have been so much more better and deserves to be.
For the next director of the Twilight movie (New Moon) I would like to suggest Summit use Mr. Alfonzo Cuaron, who is very good at working with young people (i.e. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Y tu mama tambien) and is able to pull a good performance out of young inexperienced actors.
He’s really quite amazing and I would love to see his intrepretation of this movie.
SUMMIT ARE YOU LISTENING?
Perhaps we should write them?!!
Okay, I didn’t agree with Catherine’s “vision” of the story but I did admire her passion for it. I’m hearing that she’s incredibly difficult to work with? Eh, maybe. You never know in Hollywood. Interviews with her kind of contrast that point though.
Personally, I think it’s sexist to say that we’d need another female director for the sequel. A male or female director would be capable of doing great work with the movie(s). I personally hope that the next director can better capture the essence of the storyline and not botch it up like God knows who over there.
I also have issues with the screen writer. I have no idea if it was her work or Catherine’s. I’m glad they included the major events in the movie but come ON! It’s a love story! Did anyone bother to make that happen? God knows who made it seem like the characters fell in love overnight. Maybe not even love. Just a strong crush. I’m sorry, they’ve butchered the story a bit.
All I could say is FIX it, Summit. I’m not sure I could stomach Eclipse if New Moon comes out the same way…
Actually, showsomerespect, I’d have to disagree with you.
The fact that a woman made such horrible and sexist piece of film has given a bad name to current and prospective female directors.
dudes, i thought she did a great job with Twilight. I mean seriously it aint easy working and tryna make something work when so many peole have such high expecatations. I dont think she shoulda been fired. cos that just sux!
Hardwicke’s direction on ‘Twilight’ was really bad, so I fully agree with Summit wanting to go in a new direction on the sequel. It shows that they would rather have a quality movie than settle and I fully respect that.
Pulled a “Plaxico?” LOL.
It’s not about male or female, it’s about the FACT that the directing was simply terrible, and it sounds like Hardwick was hard to work with. The reason that she had the biggest female opening is not due to the fact that her directing was good, but that the movie is based on one of the best selling books of all time, and has incredibly popular actors in it. I have had the feeling since I saw the movie and she didn’t confirm coming back immediately that she would be fired. This is a very good decision by Summit.
I feel like DHD was invaded by a bunch of high school girls that Googled “Twilight.” This is a news site for the entertainment industry, not a Twilight blog. And Jesus Christ, don’t you people have spell check?!
Side note: Twilight was horrible and I really wanted to like it. Better luck next time!
While they are cleaning house I hear Taylor Lautner (Jacob) is getting the axe. Honestly that would be a good move. I saw him in “sharkboy & Lavagirl, the short lived Slater series “My Worst Enemy” and the few scenes he had in Twilight, He is AWFUL. He managed to get by in Twilight but there is no way this kid will be able to carry “New Moon”.
OH GIVE HER A BREAK! gawd she made an amazing movie (remeber the spectacular screen shoot of the amazing forest…) she put her heart and soul into it give her some credit!!!
CH was so accessible with fans, she will be missed. But Twilight was a mess, and I do want the sequel to be of better quality. I’m crossing my fingers they get someone like Niki Caro, who made “WhaleRider” look like a million bucks.
I have friends in the industry who’ve worked under Catherine Hardwicke, and they loved her. She expects you to work hard, but she works hard alongside you and is upbeat. Twilight was a hot mess, but trying to reduce her abilities to saying she’s “irrational” and “hysterical” is classic ahole behavior if you ask me.
Hey, true feminist—there’s nothing more pro-woman than trying to outwoman another woman. Lame. And Twilight being sexist is only true if you have poor, over literal, and tunnel visioned read comprehension skills.
Summit is not trying to clean up the franchise if you ask me. They want to keep costs down, cause they think the movie isn’t going to reach past it’s core fanbase for the most part. So, they aren’t interested in a better director, or putting more money into it. They are going to keep costs down, and bank on fans coming out, even if the product sucked. SUMMIT SUCKS! They are totally going for the bottom line and this franchise is going to stay on the ghetto, low rent bedazzler special effects level, cause stupid Summit is just banking us broads will go to see it for Robert’s hair alone.
This should make the director’s commentary on the DVD a lot more interesting. Maybe they’ll include some uncensored clips in the “making of” doc.
I seen the movie & I’ve read the books. My over all impression is that the movie suxed (like a Hoover) and its on the director. Hollywood is a tough town, the girls gotta play the guys game and be better. Though I hear through the grapvine that her getting canned had nothing to do with her being female, she just did not handle the property well, and its a big $$$ franchise for little Summit Entertainment, they need someone with more experience leading it next time so they can really cash in. I like the suggestion of Alfonzo Cuaron though for the next director. He’s good at working with young talent and knows FX stuff as well. I worked with him briefly and he really knows how to approach a project and gets his vision nailed down tight.
One comment about the acting, the girl(Kristen?) that plays Bella.. dump her. She seems really uncomfortable with her role. From what I’ve read in the books Bella is suppose to be a bit “vulnerable”, this chick Kristen plays her like she’s a cross between some tough goth chick/Lisa Marie Presley and a stuttering moron. I laughed my butt off at the hospital scene. And that dialogue, man how did Robert Pattinson do it is beyond me.. I seen him in Little Ashes.. he was good. He should not have made this movie.
Oye Veh! These postings are funny.
But not as funny as the movie was. I laughed. I thought it was suppose to be a comedy and maybe with a little more “editing” it could have been. I mean this was really bad; from the dialogue, the fx, the acting, the clothes, the music, the directing…and the movie still broke records. It was the fan base of the books that kept it going, because nothing else was gonna get that kind of draw in the door not with this pig (yeah they can put lipstick on it all they want but its still a pig). I think Summit is shopping around for a director who konws what their doing to help their Twilight franchise before it sinks. God the acting stinked, but so did the writing, and directing etc.
It’s going to be pretty hilarious when the next film comes out and is just as bad or worse than Twilight. These books are just not good. Readable, addictive? Yes. But they’re stupid and cheesy, and no director can fix that. If anything, I was shocked that the reviews for this weren’t worse. I was expecting it to be in the teens on Rotten Tomatoes. Hardwicke did the best she could with extremely problematic source material.
I can’t say I am surprised or upset by this news. I agree that the timing is aweful, right in the middle of all the publicity tours!?! I am a solid fan of the books and was disappointed with several aspects of the film that, as the director, I really felt she should have fixed or done differently. The meadow scene has been listed by many as well as the flying through the trees. (This later one particularly bothered me, all the money spent on it, when you could have had a simple scene straight out of the books showing more of a relationship growing between Bella, Alice and Jasper.) I don’t think that Hardwicke did a horrible job but I do think that someone else could do better. And whoever suggested Alfonso Cuaron. . . IF he were signed on and did to New Moon what he did to Prizoner of Azakaban. . . I COULD SCREAM!!!! He DESIMATED my favorite book in that series lets not let him destroy another successful franchise PLEASE. As for Kathryn Bigelow. . . I can’t say that I am familiar with her work, but the recommendations I’ve heard here don’t encourage me. I like a good vampire movie, but I think one of the interesting things about the Twilight stories is that the vampire thing is simply a side effect of the characters it isn’t the point of the story, Bella and Edward are the point. It could be any unmoveable obsticle standing between them, Meyer just happened into vampire.
I met Hardwicke during the scoring of Twilight. She didn’t seem irrational, emotional, or difficult to work with at all. In fact, she had nothing but kind things to say about her cast and crew, and she seemed like an intelligent and a decent person. I’m not sure where this “difficult woman” thing is coming from, but it wasn’t the woman that I met.
With regards to Twilight, yes, it’s awful. Hardwicke and her cast, however, haven’t had the best material to work with. It’s like trying to make a chocolate cake out of Bovril – no matter how hard you try, it’s always going to taste like shit.
Blame Meyer, not Hardwicke. And also blame Summit – is nobody picking up on the fact that they’re trying to rush a film through, and she’s making a stand for at least some artistic integrity and refusing to be rushed? Considering they had her working day and night with an arbitrary decision to move the film forwards a month once Potter abdicated its slot, I’d tell them where to put it as well.
Neither the screenplay nor the direction was anything to get overly excited about (and I say this as someone who enjoyed the novel for what it is). I agree with those who said that there are indeed directors who can make $ 37 million look a whole lot better and also that New Moon requires skills that Hardwicke simply doesn’t have (as Twilight evidenced).
When Bella & Edward meet in the classroom for the first time? Whinshaw’s “nose job” in Perfume – Story of a Murderer looked smart and *subtle* compared to that scene. And that was just the beginning…
Rosenberg’s script – some surprising and disappointing choices. Potentially funny scenes (like the first time Edward carried Bella and she got sick) didn’t make it into the script. One of the most emotionally powerful scenes (Bella’s disappointing birthday) didn’t make it, either. Character development suffered a great deal and unsurprisingly, so did the story.
Most fans still ponder while James & Co. had to be foreshadowed multiple times (not in the novel), only then to cut away some interesting stuff related to them that was in the book. Didn’t make much sense and helped ruining the pace.
Bottom line: we would understand if both Rosenberg and Hardwicke would get replaced. We’d prefer the replacements to be female, though, on principle;)
I have to say as a fan of the series I was blown away by the film; the first time. I went to see it again a couple of days later and I was fairly upset; only because I felt so much could have been added. Don’t get me wrong, it stuck to the novel and I appreciate that, but it was rushed at a ridiculously fast rate. The montages were cool, but there were way too many. The camera angles were a bit much and you really didn’t get to see Edward and Bella’s relationship start; it was just introducing them – ‘oh your a vampire!’ – and then lovey-dovey after that.
I think Catherine did as best as she could with the budget she had to work with. I really wish Stephenie would have sat down with Melissa and worked out the script a little more. If anything they should hire a new screenwriter; not saying Melissa is bad though – Dexter’s a great show.
I’ve been hearing rumors that Summit plans on giving ‘New Moon’ a mere $40 million budget? THAT RIDICULOUS. ‘New Moon’ is going to need more special effects, locations, and not to mention more actors for roles – $40 million is a shot to the nads.
They should be ashamed of themselves for doing this to Catherine while she’s on tour with her fellow crew for this wonderful movie. She’s a true professional and she deserves more than this from a company whom before Twilight was made wasn’t known for anything really.
DO NOT REPLACE TAYLOR LAUTNER. I’m sorry, but he will forever be Jacob in my eyes. He’s the right age and even though his role in Twilight was small, he did a spectacular job. ‘New Moon’ will do so much for him as an actor but also he defines Jacob in so many ways.
Keep the actors, and make sure that the script is as close to the book as it can possibly be.
Okay, Catherine was lovely in interviews, she was enthusiastic about the project and everything… but that doesn’t mean she deserves to work on the sequel.
Twilight was pretty bad as far as movies go and that lies mostly on Catherines shoulders:
-She was unqualified.
-She gave the actors bad direction (actors that were amazing in other things I’ve seen them in, where ranging from terrible to mediocre in this so I’m putting that down to bad direction. Maybe not completely, but their previous work speaks for itself, so what else could it have been)
-The camera angles were beyond ridiculous, seriously, if I didn’t know better I would’ve thought some of this movie was filmed by some amateur film students just messing around.
-She put too much of her personal style into it… I get that it’s unavoidable, but she didn’t make Twilight, she took the story of Twilight to twist the story and the characters to be her version (in which Bella and Edward switch roles with him being the more funny one, Bella being serious all the time and even the lines that were kept from the book, the way they were executed ruined the original charm they had).
-The music was pretty bad, and I think that’s mostly down to Catherine because the kind of bands reflected her personal taste as opposed to something that fit the movie and characters (the only good songs on there were Robs, the ones Stephenie Meyer chose out for her playlist for the book and one of the Paramore songs
-none of those were down to Catherine, that was all Rob, Stephenie and Haley Williams who pushed to get on the soundtrack because she is a fan of the book)
-The movie had too much of an indie feel to it, because that is all Catherine is good at. This movie should’ve been more of a blockbuster type movie, and I get the budget limited a lot of what they could do but I’m sure a more qualified director who didn’t just have indie films on his/her resume would’ve done a better job.
Catherine should be grateful that she gets to be in the record books at all, because it sure as hell wasn’t because of her skills as a director – the movie did well purely because of the books it is based on, built in fan base. A two year old could have directed this movie and it would’ve still done well but New Moon can’t rely purely on the fans of the book to bring in the money at the box office, they need the movie to actually deliver this time and Catherine isn’t nearly qualified enough to do that. She butchered Twilight and New Moon is even bigger, more special effects, it’s going to need more of a blockbuster feel to stop it coming off as some indie werewolf movie (you know the ones I mean, the absolutely shit ones where it looks like they just tossed the actors into some glue then had them role in fur and start growling)
Just because she is female is no reason to keep her on this movie if she did a bad job (and this is coming from someone who is kind of feminist). When I watch movies, I judge the movie on whether I like it or not and don’t usually even bother to look up the director or the screenwriter or anything. The only reason I even know it was a female that directed Twilight is because I am a fan of the books so I followed the movie making process. If the same movie was delivered by a male, it would still be just as bad and I’m sure Summit would be firing his ass too.
I think if Summit are smart and want New Moon to be a decent movie then they should consider getting a new screenwriter as well, because Melissa Rosenberg’s script was terrible. She cut out or changed the very best part of the books, and the bits she kept, because of the placement or slight alterations of them they weren’t as likable as they were in the books (although I guess that could be down to the actors as well).
Kristen Stewart did a horrible job too, I really wish they would replace her but that’s highly unlikely, and I actually consider Kristen as another failure on Catherines part because she just screams indie as well, even the actors cast seemed to be Catherine’s style (just look at them all, they’re the kind of actors you see in indie films, not really big blockbuster movies, aside from Rob). Most of them pulled it off, but Kristen didn’t, she made me hate the character of Bella and she over acted certain parts while making the rest look like a bad school play. I actually liked Kristen pre-Twilight, but her performance in this has ruined my opinion of her.
Rant over. Good job Summit, I so hope this is true.
I’m sorry that Hardewicke’s off New Moon, but truthfully, I didn’t like any of the direction in Twilight apart from the baseball scenes.
I know she was really excited about it, and it’s really sweet and cool for Twilight series fans that she is, but I think a much better job could be done where direction is concerned =/
This movie wasn’t a Catherine Hardwicke movie, this was a fan movie. I have contributed myself with 60 buks. Worth it? I did it because I like Robert Pattinson. I will spend the same for new mon, if they bring him back with better text, make-up, ans so on..
I am a woman, but Catherine getting fired has nothing to do with the “feminist” thing.
Even getting fired is nor properly formulated, the thing happen everywhere, at any time, in any industry.
The moment had to be now, because they have to move fast in order to proceed with new moon.
I hope they will make other changes in the script and among cast.
Please replace Jacob, as well.
I wont see new moon if he stays…
That’s really to bad but lets just move on.
This sucks! Twilight was a GOOD movie, maybe not the greatest movie. The BEST part is that the SCRIPT reflected on the book, (mostly). There were some parts that could of been better, but I enjoyed watching the actors and actresses portray the lovable characters.
noo. why??
Rob Pattinson is the ONLY reason I saw the movie more than once (seen it 5 times already because of him). He is the draw and will remain the draw in New Moon if they do it right with him. I think Kristen needs to wake up and be grateful she is even still in it. The repeating fans are there for Rob, not her. In fact, I would not be sad if they replaced her for someone who actually cared about doing the movie as long as Rob was happy with whoever they cast–maybe Camille Belle. I would like to know his opinion of all of this, but I bet they all knew already. That is why in Germany Catherine redirected the question about when NM would be filming to him–very interesting. Again, KS wake up or you will be next!! NM needs more Rob/ Edward to develop their story more and give fans what they really want which is Rob Pattinson. Catherine did an ok job, but Rob carried it so I am excited to see who they will bring in to make NM even better.
I’m not feeling too broken up. I saw the movie first ’cause there was nothing else I would like out there. Liked it then read the books. They were pretty good. Now, If I had read the book first I would have been PISSED OFF. Script =bad, directing = bad. Acting = yikes. Judging by all the things I’ve seen with KS & RP they are decent actors. WTF happened? In the end, boy or girl, it falls on the director. I think Hollywood takes sexism to a whole scarier level but this movie was just not what it could have been.
I’m glad Summit got rid of her. Male or female she was a terrible director and it showed in the movie. She destroyed it. At least now the sequels will actually be worth seeing.
priority for director of new moon should be someone that can control their actors and a person with sfx experience. hopefully the visual feel of the movie can be kept, if the dp was responsible, sign him up again.
i suspect nikki reed was a catherine pick and if so she should go too. her casting as rosalie was completely wrong. in an ideal world they would replace kristen as well but maybe with a better director she can manage not to ruin bella in the sequels. taylor lautner is adorable but not sure he can grow 7 inches in 6 months to play a credible jacob. is steven strait still available?
none of this really matters in the end. it would take something truly earth shattering for the sequels not to make a mint. the movies are about the stephenie meyer fans, who saw twilight and 2 and 3 times each. i hope the next director understands that at least. it doesn’t mean being a slave to the dialogue but too much change is also not good. more rob in new moon than the book calls for? ..yes, but don’t go crazy.
I didn’t read the books, my girlfriend did and she was so excited to see this movie. What I saw was horrible! This movie was just plain horrible. My girlfriend agreed. She thought it was one of the worst movies she has ever seen! Because of this movie she is not going anywhere near the second movie.
I think it’s messed up what they did to her, with her being on tour and all the questions she gonna have to face, but she should not be involved with the next movie at all.
Now I’m all for equal rights and find it kinda surprising that Deep Impact was the highest grossing female directed movie. I thought there would be others, and I believe there should be more female directors. But I find it funny that people bring up sexism, and then say that hiring a male would be wrong, because he would not be able to make the movie as good as a woman would. Isn’t that sexist? I just want to see a good movie, and Hardwicke made a horrible movie.
Its not unusual for directors of franchises to get replaced. Harry Potter has had a host of different directors. My worry is the budget. Catherine said over and over again that the budget was the big sticking point and Summit mentioned to MTV that they didn’t feel they needed to increase the budget for New Moon. I have a sinking feeling we’re in for a cheesy sequel and that will kill this franchise dead in the water. Twilight fans sunk millions into this movie so that the rest of them could be made and made well. Summit seems to be biting the hands that have fed it.
As for the actors, I hope they keep them as they are.
Hardwicke’s production design helped me believe that Keanu Reeves was a Dog Boy in the underrated Freaked, so she can surely handle werewolves hanging out at the mall food court for the Twilight sequel.
“Summit’s targeted end of 2009 or early 2010 release of the film, New Moon, does not work with Ms. Hardwicke’s required prep time to bring her vision of the film to the big screen.”
Translation: Script? Direction? Who cares as long as we get the sequel in theaters. The audience is going to show up anyways, as if they knew the difference.
oh no, that’s a bad news!
i like the worked of catherine hardwicke it will be different if she didn’t directing the new moon.
I was one of the many people that thought that the movie wasn’t that great. I felt it was due largely to the screen writing and director, I dont care if they sign a male as long as the movie is done right, and has a way bigger budget. I feel that gender isn’t a factor in summits decision.
How about Joss Whedon? I’ve heard a lot of buzz about some other female directors, but who has more experience with teenage vampires than Joss?
Or do you think he wants to keep his vampire prowess relegated to Buffy and not mess with another vampire world?
well i hope she gets another job directing soon. i honestly felt she did a ok job. needed more spunk.it seems like your normal love story girl move’s away from home fall’s for good looking creepy guy. but that’s show business
Calling women “hysterical” and “irrational” as a way to slander their behavior on set and behind-the-scenes doesn’t really do much to give credibility to Summit Entertainment’s side of things.
She’s a terrible director. Sorry, feminist bullshit aside, she did a piss poor job with the material.
In regards to the DP being responsible for the look — remember one thing — the Director chooses the DP/cinematographer as well as all the production designer and approves the creative department heads — so ultimately, Catherine was responsible for the look. So give the girl her credit.
That’s a shame, as I’ve heard the only tolerable parts of the movie were the bits Hardwicke obviously guided the most. But I mean, did anyone really expect ANY director to be able to turn this bowl of vomit porridge into a watchable movie? Even Kubrick couldn’t have turned bad fanfiction into a great movie.
Hardwicke is a friend of mine and she is one of the more talented directors working today, nevermind the fact that she’s a woman. Her sensibilities bring a very strong human resonance to pictures which is sorely lacking today in mainstream Hollywood. I think her style and tone was one of the things that made TWILIGHT stand out. These movies don’t make themselves despite the belief of most executives. It’s a real shame she won’t be there to complete the franchise. I think the movies will suffer without her both aesthetically and at the box office. GH
Let’s be productive here and not keep asking why Catherine was fired- the books are great, the movie was sophomoric- who should direct New Moon? Joe Wright from ‘Pride and Prejudice’? What is Jane Campion doing? Do you go TV and recruit David Nutter? That Jonathan Frakes idea is interesting. Joss Whedon??
Lana, I hate to break it to you, but the lines that were kept from the book didn’t sound bad because of the way they were executed. They sounded bad because they ARE bad and always were. The plain fact is that Meyer can’t write, and the more movies they make, the more obvious it’s going to be. It doesn’t matter who the director is — as the saying goes, you can’t make a silk purse from a sow’s ear.
Wow, what a surprise, a director is difficult and irrational.
You know what, pretty much ALL directors are difficult and irrational. They’re artists and they have to be a little bit egomaniacal to order a set full of people to conform to their vision. Of course they’re difficult and irrational. Who gives a f**k? As long as they’re bringing the picture in on time and under budget, and as long as it makes the studio money, you are a moron to expect the director to be sweetness and light on top of doing a good job.
I hate how this is coming down to people acting like a difficult and irrational female director is somehow MORE difficult and irrational than a cross-section of her male counterparts. Come on, guys. Have you ever been on a set?
Twilight was horrid. But there’s only so much blame you can pin on the questionable source material. When one lead over-acts and the other underacts and delivers all their lines in the same monotone and even a fluff piece by Entertainment Weekly reveals that seventeen year old nobody actress got away with refusing to say her lines, then someone is a bad director.
My impression is that Hardwicke failed to either control or connect to her actors and with that the already cheesy material got pushed to the level of something only fit for an episode of Mystery Science Theatre 3000.
Summit would be right to fire her for this. After all they seemed to have hired her for this project to give it some artistic credibility – and she completely failed them in this regard.
However, if they really fired her because she just wanted more time and money for the sequel… Well, then Myra Breckinridge might be about to get some serious competition for worst book adaptation of all time.
But then half of the people I know only saw Twilight because they wanted to watch a hilariously bad movie they could laugh at for two hours (it delivered) so maybe that’s not a bad plan.
Good. i’m glad they are switching directors maybe the next one will actually stick to the book and not put eight important eventful chapters into three minutes skipping half.
I hope that this is good news…really hoping that Summit doesn’t rush the sequel(s) at the expense of quality.
Still, as a fan of the books, I am optimistic that they are appointing a new director as the direction was sorely lacking in the first film.
I see this as a very positive first step to improvement.
Now, about that screenwriter….
This comment is going to get buried way down at the bottom (or, more likely, the middle) somewhere, but I’m fascinated by something:
I’m an “industry insider”. I read “industry news”, including this, Variety and THR, etc. But for every Twilight news story, there are suddenly a hundred-plus comments by “Candace” and “Britnee” and whoever else about how it is/will forever be the “greatest movie ever!!!!” (often coupled with “but it could’ve been better”).
Anyway, I have no doubt that these comments are real and genuine. What fascinates me is that there’s an army of teenaged girls out there patrolling the internet for Twilight news on any site, anywhere, and then commenting the living fuck out of it.
I don’t mind. I’m just fascinated.
But yeah, Twilight’s a freaking mess. Let’s not let that get lost in the shuffle.
I had the pleasure of working with Catherine on “Dogtown.” True, there were some hard days, but in my experience, every director has hard days. You’re in charge of the vision, and you’re also the manager of the set. When you have studio execs breathing down your neck, a tight budget, relatively inexperienced actors, sped-up deadlines, etc…add on the pressure to perform because of being a woman…it’s not as easy as it sounds.
It amazes me how many people have an opinion of Catherine without knowing her, or without seeing her tireless work ethic or creative process. She is very passionate and she does have her own unique mis-en-scène, as does Spike Lee and Darren Aronfosky…but no one ever harps on these boys (whom I love) as being “too indie.”
Catherine is a very talented individual who amasses good people to work around her because her passion is infectious, genuine, and even fun. She has a good team because they like working with her. She’s not perfect, but hey…to those who judge, look in the mirror. I hate when people think they can “do better.” Monday Quarterbacks…or those people who sit in the bleachers and yell at the coaches. There is a reason coaches are calling the plays while you sit in the stands.
So, all you haters lay off Catherine. Whether you believe she had anything to do with Twilight’s success or not, it doesn’t matter. The fact is, the film is a huge success and…SHE WAS AT THE HELM.
Hmmmm, that’s too bad for Cathernine. She was a real Twilight fan through and through, and it really sucks that this news is coming out now while she’s oveseas championing this film to the foreign audiences….However, I just can’t bring myself to feel disappointed about this. In fact – and I don’t mean to be mean about this – I’m quite glad.
I know from some of the comments on here that a LOT of people agree with me that this movie was a bit….well…crap. Lets face it ya’ll. That’s just the bottom line here:
* A LOT of the acting as forced and sometimes just plain bad (do ya’ll remember Ashley Green (Alice)?)I don’t want to sound like a real cow but some people NEED acting lessons ASAP.
*The pacing was ridiculous like: Hey you’re kinda mysterious, now I Know you’re a vamp and I love you I love you I love you!!!!
*the stunts ranged from horrendous (tree jumping) to cheesy (sparkeling)
*I know Rob practically carried the movie, but he needs a speaking coach to fine tune his accent, otherwise he was just fine…..and rather HOT
*Jacob….needs to be replaced. Fast. We need an actor with some major skill to pull off angry/happy/in love/confused/torn Jacob in New Moon.
*The writing was absolute sh*t in places.
Bottom line I don’t care if it’s a man OR a woman who replaces CH, as long as they have talent and they have a major budget to work with.
I’m just re-iterating what a lot of you have already said. I laughed in places I wasn’t supposed to laugh at….and the dialogue was god-aweful, so the screen writer should be axed as well. Then and only then will I have peice of mind about NM.
Ahhhh, Ok, I sound all pessimistic and negative but overall I really enjoyed the film, seeing as I had no expectations……..at all…but when people ask, I still tell them to steer clear of the movie before they’ve read the books.
BTW I’m a 17 year old girl who’s a major fan of the series, just in case anyone was wondering.
Look folks — to all the naysayers on this talkback about Hardwicke, let me school you on a couple of things. Twilight is fantasy horror. When you’re dealing with specific genres, with the notable exception of drama and comedy which I personally believe to be solely dependant on the Actors involved, its all about the DIRECTOR. He/She is the real star. You are seeing the director’s judgement unfold on screen. Period. Take the Star Wars prequels for example. They stink because you have a director that didn’t know how to communicate his vision to his actors where in turn they gave sub par performances not because they lack talent, but that they weren’t given the necessary tools in order for them to succeed. Pattinson and Stewart are a major component to the movie’s success but its all due to Hardwicke’s sensibilities that shaped their chemistry into a believable and relatable whole. And the supporting cast of kids actually looked like real people you see on the street instead of walking talking clearasil ads who couldn’t act their way out of a paper bag. This is just bad news. A lack of tact and disregard for quality control is on prominent display here. It doesn’t matter who steps into the fold for the sequel. The accelerated pre production schedule will greatly reduce the quality the film might’ve achieved. What a damn shame.
This is ONE of the best things Summit could have done to create a film legacy for these addictive books.
The directing was horrid. (what was with the meadow scene and when Bella woke up to looking up her mother’s nose in the hospital. I literally jumped when I saw that.)
The screenplay was tragic. (they put in ridiculous parts like that silly cooking scene and left out important scenes, i.e., the office scene with Carlisle’s background. Do you realize that Bella and Edward never said I love you, not even once?)
The makeup was hideous. (I couldn’t believe the makeup was actually done by a professional. Looked like a kindergartener did it.)
Some of the acting was very amateur. (Kristen was so monotone and pathetic. Where was her spark and her passion? That’s what Edward loved about her. No one could say that Rosalie was the most beautiful woman in the world. And what in the world was Jacob grinning about ALL the time? Jasper looked in pain throughout the whole movie. Edward, Charlie, Peter, and Ashley were the only redemption the acting had.
This movie could have been amazing. Instead the choices made by Summit and Hardwicke ruined it.
Hopefully they will redeem themselves and make up for it in the upcoming sequels. But if nothing else, it couldn’t be much worse.
Catherine Hardwicke ruined this movie for so many people. So many true fans of the book were disappointed by the shoddy job she did on Twilight. We were expecting at least a decent quality movie like the Harry Potter movies’ interpretation of that book series. I think Chris Colombus should make New Moon. He certainly has a better grip on translating books into movies. I mean but anyone could do a better job than Hardwicke. People laughed through it in the theater both times that I saw it. By firing her a new director will have the chance to bring some integrity to New Moon. They should re-make Twilight while they are at it. I think that in firing her justice has been served.- A loyal fan of the Twilight book series
The Story and the Fans – The ONLY reason that Twlight (the film) has made this much money is because of the STORY written by Meyer. It would not have mattered if my cat had directed the movie and my 20-year-old next-door neighbor with no acting skills had played “Edward”. The Twilight fan-base went to see their STORY made real. Period. The Twilight fan-base has put Summit on the map. Summit needs to keep it real with the fan base or New Moon is going to tank big-time. What are you going to get if you piss-off the Twilight fanbase? Nothing…no money at all.
Quality of film – Twlight (the film) has not made it to mainstream because Twilight (the film) is substandard. This film could have TRULY been a blockbuster IF Summit had made a film that not only responded to the already-die-hard fan base, but also the non-Twlight fan-base (you know, the regular, old movie-goer). Really, think about how much money this movie would have made IF it had been a “good” movie?!?! Who is to blame for this…the director? The screenwriter? The actors? Whoever said that Meyer is to blame for a bad story just doesn’t get it. Meyer’s story IS a phenomenon for a reason: it is a good relationship story that tweens can identify with. Meyer’s story is what brought the fans to the box-office to spend their money. Summit needs to be kissing Meyer’s a**.
Director – You can trash Hardwicke or sing her praises, in the end…it does NOT matter whether she is an angel or a devil. It does NOT matter that she is a woman. The movie was awful for anyone that wasn’t a Twilight fan. And if the movie is awful, then that is Hardwicke’s fault. Summit is 100% right for not re-upping Hardwicke. If Summit had not dumped Hardwicke, then Summit would be doing something wrong. I do hope that Summit is able to find another director that loves the Twilight story, and keeps the story true to form.
Screenwriter – I hope to G** that Summit also gets a new screenwriter for New Moon. PLEASE. I felt like some of the Twilight book was cut/pasted into the Twilight movie without any kind of meaningful segue. Character development was non-existent. The explanation of who Bella and Edward are, as people, in the movie was almost an after-thought. Essential elements that could have given the Bella/Edward relationship meaning were completely missing. The blogger who wrote that the movie was “choppy at best” was dead-on.
The Actors – Kristen Stewart needs to work on showing different phases of emotion. Some have described her as wooden, and I think that it is a bit harsh, but not really too far off the mark. She REALLY needs to work on her “game face” before New Moon. Rob Pattinson was mesmerizing to look at on the screen, and while clearly not very experienced, was able to show depth at certain points. I almost felt like Pattinson was being held back and I do not know if it was because of the script or the directing. With better direction and a better script, I think that Kristen and Rob can pull off a better movie.
Y’all remember Buffy…was that story about vampires? NO…it was not a vampire story at all. It was a relationship story that happened to be about vampires. THIS is the same exact thing. Bella and Edward’s story is about a relationship, that happens to involve a vampire. I like the blogger who wrote that Joss Whedon should direct New Moon. I laughed out loud when I read that because it is such fantastic and crazy idea. Can you imagine?? The problem now will be finding a Director that will be willing to sit aside his-or-her Hollywood Ego in order to keep the story real and true to form. This is a ROMANCE people! This isn’t Blade OR Underworld. Again, Summit needs to recognize that the Twilight-fan-base is where their money is…they need to keep Meyer’s story intact and not decimate the heart of this series. Michael Bay? GAG!
Does anybody really know her? This is a woman that wore a 2 inch tall bird in her hair when she was a production designer. Why “It brings a smile to everybody” She would kneel a Directors feet and praise them during sundance. She is off.
Jeez, some of you sure are invested in this POS franchise. Hardwicke strikes me as a loathsome individual, so no loss there. Saying the article is sexist and then saying only a woman can helm this series is the very definition of irony. If it must be a woman, I think Anna Biller’s available.
THANK GOD!!!
when i heard they were going forth with the production of New Moon, i was thrilled but hoped they’d find a new director…i’m sorry but Twilight could have been *so* much better. i also hope they find a new script writer, or that the same person at least doesn’t change the plot too drastically and cut some of the best lines out of the book.
i really don’t care if a man or woman directs the movie, my biggest concern is that a man will really need to get in touch with his “inner teenage girl” in order to correctly represent Bella and her struggles in New Moon.
regardless, i’ll be seeing the movie. probably more than once too.
OK I am all for female empowerment, but the producers are right on this one. To claim sexism is lazy. Hardwicke made a terrible adaptation of a book that was already more cinematic than it was readable. The success of the film is not to her credit; the series has a rabid, built-in fanbase so people were going to flock to this regardless of who helmed it. The fact that it’s making mad $$$ has nothing to do with Catherine. The series has a built-in fanbase who live & breathe the lives of the characters, and most left disappointed. This movie really could have made even more $ because you know how teen girls are, if it were better they would go four, five times.
Twilight is not a great work of fiction; the prose corny, but the story captured the imagination of millions and she really didn’t live up to even the lowest of expectations. The producers are simply listening to the fans who waited a long time to see this movie and were incredulous over the creative direction of the screen version of their precious story. They can’t risk the wrath of the teenage girls, who mind you have notoriously low standards, who were left bored or found it unintentionally funny and might not show up to the theater a second time around.
Obviously this has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that there was a female director. It is so annoying that when anything goes south for someone in the limelight there are always cries of sexism or racism, or whatever.
Face it: The movie sucked. It bombed. There was a chance to make a very decent, financially successful franchise and this film has hindered that possibility- so of course she’s going to be replaced. Hopefully whoever the next director is- male or female- they’re able to capture the essence of the story told in the novels, rather than attempting to translate 800 pages to film verbatim.
This was a bad week for women: Pope, Wienberg and now Harwicke!
Also, Hardwicke’s “Twilight” makes the best movie tranformation ever:
Edward (played by Pattison) is really Sedric Diggery (also played by Pattison) from “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire!”
When he was killed by You Know Who, Diggery died and became the vampire Edward Cullen.
Let’s see a new director work magic like that.
I feel sorry for Catherine Hardwicke because of the way she has become aware of this,right now that she is on promotional tour. However I think that changing director is not a bad thing,take Chris Columbus and David Yates,just to talk about fantasy movies, the latest Harry Potter are so much better than the first ones,also thanks to the director.It could be a good change for New Moon adaptation,if they don’t sacrifice the beauty of the books for time issues.I think also that fans are no in such hurry to see the next movies ’cause they would like them to be appropriate and faithful to the main plots, so I pray Summit to take it easy and try to do a good job instead of aiming to make money.Catherine has done a great job wit Twilight,she believed in it,worked hard and contributed to its high success and thay must give her credit for it.
Marshall Crist @ #188:
Hardwicke strikes me as a loathsome individual, so no loss there.
Well, James Cameron sounds like an obnoxious turd with all the social skills of a lump of raw tofu — Kate Winslet isn’t the only person who has said she wouldn’t want to work with him again –, but I’m pretty sure a lot of money hasn’t been invested in Avatar because he’s a nice guy.
And just for the record, I hated the books — they’re barely literate, and more than a little creepy in all the wrong ways. But I guess if you’re a young woman with roughly zero self-esteem but surreal levels of self-absorbtion, it’s cheaper than therapy.
To whoever posted this” “First, I think all the b.s. about Catherine “crying” on set as being seen as weak is a lame excuse. All that means is that women aren’t allowed to express emotions and others are afraid of it. Bunk. Catherine seems like a very passionate person and with it may come tears, especially when it’s something she cares about”
It has nothing to do with men or women or any of that junk. The job of a film director is to get the film finished, guide others, etc, etc. The director has to be in control. They are the person everyone else looks up to, the leader. To break down crying on set is completely unacceptable. As a director, her job isn’t to express her emotions. Her job is to guide the film production as smoothly as possible. You cannot break down crying when you are a director. Where does that leave the actors and other crew who are supposed to be being guided by the director?
I know that women on a whole may be more succeptible to crying outbursts. Society seems to say that crying is unacceptable for men and acceptable for women. However, when it comes to being a director, a huge leadership position, it doesn’t matter if you are a man or woman; you cannot cry. If Catherine cries a lot, she isn’t cut out for the job. Simple as that. There are plenty of other female directors who can contain their emotions while on set.
I am sorry for Catherine, I think she did a very good job. Although I can not deny that lacked some details of the book.
I hope that the new director is a woman, who knows well as to show the thoughts of Isabella and all that …
I hope that no distortions of history & New Moon Eclipse.
I agree about the genre comment, you need a director, male or female, that can get the horror, romance, and emotional intensity out of the actors for this piece to work.
Rob definitely needs voice work… he should be speaking less James Dean and more turn of the century.
I’d like to see a editor’s/director’s cut of the movie to see if developing the relationship is on film somewhere. I liked the movie, and would have thought the relationship development would have been the primary storyline, not the bad vamps. The movie needed about 15 more minutes of relationship development for it to have been truer to the emotional experience the book envokes.
IMHO
S
As a non-teenage female, it is refreshing news to hear that Hardwicke will not be directing the 2nd Installment of the Twilight series. I believe she could of done alot more with the remarkable talent that she had with Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and the rest of the cast. I thought the classroom scenes were the most powerful in the book and in the movie Edward looked ill rather than tortured. I don’t see the 2nd movie being as big because for those who have read the book, it’s not all about Bella and Edward. I think the draw of this movie was their love story and Robert Pattinson’s ‘dreaminess’. So good luck to Catherine and good luck to whoever is going to continue. I hope they can keep the love story alive and not make it into some Action sex crazed movie.
If she wasn’t doing a good job, well she deserves to be kicked out. Directors are judged based on the quality and efficiency of their work, not based on their sex. Just because she was kicked out and she’s a woman doesnt mean they’re being sexist, they’re simply doing what she wasnt doing right, THEIR JOB.
The movie was a financial hit because of the existing fans of the series, but it was a creative bomb because most of those fans (and viewers who hadn’t read the material) found the movie over-hyped and disappointing, mostly because of the direction. I’m impressed the producers paid attention to what the fans wanted. IMO her work didn’t deserve to break any records, and it wasn’t because of her that it did. No one was saying “Oh i can’t wait to see that Catherine Hardwicke movie!” Some of her movies are fine, but there are better female directors.
haven’t seen the movie, haven’t read the book and don’t know much about catherine but… a studio that wants to shoot 2 films and finish and distribute one of them in 12 months is asking for the near-impossible, especially from a director who was a production designer. catherine is all about the art department i suspect, which adds time and money to any production, usually to its great benefit. summit will not get a better director on this schedule. the best they can hope for is a “yes” person who will bend over when some exec tells them to stop rolling film because of budget or schedule. summit made a bjillion dollars from twilight because of its pre-existing following. they’re simply choosing profits over vision. (see gm/chrysler/ford/wallstreet bailouts) hire a new director if that’s what you want, summit, but all you fans, understand that you’re not gonna get anything better than what you got the first time around.
Catherine Hardwicke is actually one of the most generous, proactive and considerate directors in the industry – and she deserves credit for her success, as she worked her butt off on “Twilight” – it’s absurd to assume she wasn’t doing a good job.
I really can’t see how this has anything to do with her being a female. Summit has to make the decision they think is best when it comes to producing this next film. Sure Twilight made a shit ton of money, but it has a serious fan following that was going to make it huge no matter how good or bad the movie was. I hated it the first time I saw it because it was so different from the book and what I expected. I have sense seen it several times and have grown to love it, but it’s because I lowered my expectations.
The special effects are horrible, some of the score is cheesy and it is missing some things that I thought were key elements to carrying this on to the big scene. Namely the meadow scene.
I personally don’t care who directs New Moon as long as they continue to get better, and they improve on things as they go.
Just my 2 cents.
Go back and read the book. When Bella first comes into the lab and sits with Edward he nearly hurls he is so violently afftected. It does NOT look like LOVE at first sight. Catherine rocked this story. Summit sucks but i wish them all lucks.
Eh. I hope that doesnt affect Nikki Reed. I love her as Rosalie.
Really amazed at all the hate on Hardwicke and Kristen Stewart. I like the books, but they’re meandering books, spending a lot of time with a character who isn’t strong, fierce or independent. I thought Hardwicke and Stewart actually made Bella more interesting than she was in the book, and I’d hope to see more in the sequel.
So Hardwicke was hard to work with? David Fincher, Michael Bay, James Cameron, Stanley Kubrick … you know, no one would say any of these folks were exactly easy to deal with, but Christ, we’ve lined up for decades to see their movies. But no, their auteurs … whatever … Hardwicke, Stewart, and screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg made a solid piece of entertainment out of a book focused mostly on 400 pages of dialogue and villains who appear out of nowhere in the third act.
Yes, the Twilight fans made the movie a success, but as a 35-year-old man who has a 10-year-old daughter reading these books and loving the movie, it gave me some hope than a series of movies focused on a female character were actually being crafted by women. I don’t know if it’s sexist to want a woman at the helm of the next movie, but it feels sexist that apparently somehow Robert Pattinson was the ONLY redeeming feature of this movie, and otherwise everyone will just trash on the women involved in the film.
No movie is built only from one brick, and no matter how pretty you think he is, Pattinson is one brick amongst a building.
I’m very happy to hear this. Every since I saw Twilight I’d been hoping for another director for New Moon. I just don’t believe that this was Hardwicke’s type of film.
As for the issue of a woman or man director, why does it matter? Just because a woman wrote the books doesn’t mean a man cannot bring the book to life in film.
Twilight and Lords of dogtown were both movies that had alot of press leading up to them and a disapointing prestige. Both movies had a good scrpit and good cast but they both had the same thing missing. This of course was the halfhazard directing job of hardwick. I am not a crazy twilight fan nor a emile hersh freak but I think the differance between poor to fair and fair to good is the director. It is unfortunate that the cast of twilight and the cast of lords of dogtown have to have black spot on thier resume because of hardwick’s poor directing skills. Both movies could have been better.
I loved the books, and loved the movie, although I can see where it could have been “improved”. As an non-teenage woman, I personally have seen this movie 7 times and notice something different each time. It could have been better – even my friends who are not Twilight fans “kind” of liked it, but I thought the script really needed some work.
And as for those that think Kristen should be ousted – Rob has said that he only did this movie because Kristen was in it. So, if you dump KS, then I am not sure Rob will continue and he needs to continue. For me, he was “Edward”.
This was probably already mentioned, but I’ve heard on good authority that it Hardwicke wasn’t hired on because the main actress was unhappy with her direction (or lack there of). That may be true, as her portrayal of Bella is mediocre at best. I guess we’ll see.
I love how everyone wants to say this is sexist, even attacking the individual who wrote this article. It seems that’s the easiest thing to assume so hey why not say that’s what it is. Do sexist exist in Hollywood, of course, but these assumptions are no credit to those who are fighting for equal rights in legitimate sexist cases. Sounds like to me Summit wanted her to finish the film quicker than she typically would, which says alot of her integrity, and little for Summit’s treatment of artist…but sexist?
I don’t like people saying a man couldn’t direct these movies. like someone said, if a movies good, I’ll watch it. A man could tap into the love story imo. And what about the other interesting things in the twilight saga. What about the views on the vampires souls? and why Edward does not want to turn Bella. These would make great story points. Meyer created a sort of new mythology to the vampire, and it should be explored.
Intersting how people are still talking about this topic. I thought this bit of “pulp fiction” would have died down already and it has not. Which says something about the popularity of the movie to both “insiders” and some obvious fans of the movie. I think Nikki you have hit a scab with Twilight. I hope Summit is reading all of this.
However, let lighten up a bit here:
Hey, as long as we are nominating directors, how about Quintin Tarentino!!!(ha ha) Picture that!
Now you gotta admit that’s an interesting choice! The maker of Grindhouse, does a Vampire chaste love story..I think the first thing he’d do is get Pattinson to shave his head. Anyway, Tarentino would probably go hang himself after 30 minutes on set. God the dialogue made me howl (no pun intended) Bite me! hard please so I can stay awake or stop from laughing so hard I wanted to cry.
cheesie wizzie.
It seems to me that all the people claiming a male director wouldn’t be fired for his antics (especially Chad, only a few posts above mine) cite people like David Fincher, Stanley Kubrick, and James Cameron. If you like this movie, fine, go ahead, but are we now putting Catherine Hardwicke on the same level as those above directors? I hope not. Even Michael Bay can at least pull off a special effects scene. A difficult director is worth keeping if he or she is TALENTED. I can’t help but remember Richard Donner, a male director, who was fired from Superman II because of creative differences.
people are so stupid if they think a man can’t write or direct a movie with romance. a man wrote the book, “the notebook” and a man directed the movie “the notebook”
I think that due to her budget, Catherine Hardwicke was a little edgy on the film. All things considered, I believe that she did a great job. For those that thought it was terrible, how could it have been better and WHO could’ve made it better? To me and all my friends I went to see it with, it was the book come to life. Why ask for more? Why want it to be better instead of focusing on how much everyone else seems to love it? Stop focusing on the things that could’ve been better and focus more on the things about it that were THE BEST! Apparently it’s good enough to make top 3 in the box office and get fans internationally. I will be disappointed to see Hardwicke go because her perspective was in the movie. A new director will mean a different perspective and a different movie based on the same things. I think Hardwicke understood the story and plot line–she was a Twilighter herself. Whatever new director will do what they think is best which will be differently opinionated than Hardwicke’s point of view. It’ll be like reading Twilight by Stephanie Meyer and then reading it written by someone else. Hands down, Meyer will win becuase she is the one that captured us all into the novel. What would you think if someone else wrote it? Bella would be Bella and Edward would be Edward, but their personalites themselves would be different as they would be based on the author’s insight. Same principle applies to Catherine Hardwicke and I will be sad to see her go.
Madi
I think it is absolutley rediculous that she is not gonna direct the other movies because twilight was absolutely amazing it is stupid not to let her direct the other movies all I can say is they need to keep the actors or ppl are not gonna watch it like that is just plain stupid plz don’t fire her that is dumb…..omg!!!! p.s the actors were incredible they played there rolls very well it was very impressive so thanks to the director of twilight…!!!!
..
I have mixed feelings – how will they find a director worth his/her salt who is willing to rush as quickly as Summit seems to want to rush this? And who isn’t already committed to projects? However, as a lot of people here have already commented, the success of this film was in spite of Hardwicke, not because of her. There were so many missed opportunities in this film – moments that could have been heart-wrenching. Instead, some of the supporting cast overacted and created one-dimensional caricatures and the relationship between Bella and Edward wasn’t developed with the right pacing. In the movie, Bella’s character was much more independent than in the book, which cuts against the attraction Edward has for her. These are not feminist novels and should not have a feminist take. Feminism misses the mark – that character wants to be independent and strong, but she’s not – she’s willing to destroy herself to be with a man. That didn’t really come across in the movie, and it’s a fascinating theme that should be explored. The fact that Bella ISN’T strong and independent is the only thing that makes this dynamic work without being misogynistic.
I’ve read all 4 books, and I’ve seen the movie 4 times (because quite honestly I can’t get enough of Rob). While I love the movie for what it is, it’s really not what I expected. The screenplay is what actually threw me off. I couldn’t understand why some things were put in different scenes or why some things were just completely made up. When making the movie I think they need to stick as closely to the book as possible. Now, reading all of these previous comments I do agree that with a new director, New Moon can be even better than Twilight! I also agree that Kristen and Rob have no chemistry whatsoever. I didn’t really walk away from the movie feeling that they were passionately in love like it comes across in the book. While changing the main characters at this point would probably be film suicide, I think they need to brush up on being romantically connected. And Stewart, YOU’RE supposed to be “completely & irrevocably” in love with this guy, WE ALL ARE, and I think some of these fans could have done a better job of showing it. So please please please in New Moon, do a good job of showing that you are truly a manic depressant when he leaves!
Twilight, the movie, could be better, but I think the problem was the script. Hardwiche has a documentaristic style and that’s all, you can love it or not. But, really, Summit’s people have no style at all. They could almost wait for the end of the promotional tour. However on my opinion it’s wrong changing a winning team. I hope that the new director loves the Twilight’s saga as Catherine does and that he (or she) has a passionated heart. Please don’t take care only about money.
okay, i am appalled that after creating a blockbuster hit and busting her ass trying to make this film work, summit has the nerve to drop her. she always makes amazing films thirteen, lords of dog town and others… im pissed. she did a good effing job with twilight too! what an embarassment to summit to be the a-holes they are and fire someone who is out there promoting them… wtf? and will nikki reed be staying??? i mean nikki and cath always have this like amazing deal together and now nikki is probably not going to like that they dropped her favorite director… oh and to the writer of this article- you have got some serious nerve trash talking and degrading catherine. she’ll accomplish more than you ever will… a reporter… dude what the eff ever.
POP OFF!
Sumit needs to choose a director that can pull off special effects similar to “Alien”
If you read the 4th and last book of this series, it has the character; Bella pregnant with a child that is trying to gnaw its way out of her stomach. Her boyfriend has to end up chewing it out of her.
If my kid did not show me the page where it happen I would not have believed it. Also, it was too late to censor her from reading the bloody thing in any case.
So, whom ever directed Alien, thats the one you want for this movie.. (Love story indeed! NOT).
know your material.
I was very upset at how poorly this movie was directed. They could have made so much more money with a director who knew what they were doing. I am thrilled to hear she will not be directing the rest of the Twilight Saga films.
Nikki,
I love your writing. But I’d like to make a strong suggestion to you.
You have to check on the people you defend. Let’s get it straight – Lexi Alexander is one of the absolute worst directors. Period. Don’t believe me? Have YOU seen THE PUNISHER?
Oh my god, this film was so bad, it challenges the imagination. Not the tech credits – they were fine.
But I mean, the acting was so incredibly, monumentally bad – I mean, she directed these poor performers to give nail-bitingly amateur, career-destroying performances. These were dismal line readings. I have not seen actors so horribly directed to overact – ham it up, so hideous, since the likes of Ed Wood. No kidding! Don’t believe me? GO SEE IT.
If there is a movie god, she/he will make sure Lexi Alexander is NEVER allowed to get get behind a camera again. I’m not exaggerating – like I said, go see this movie.
In truth, I do not understand why she wasn’t fired when the first dailies came in. So I would also recommend that the execs who produced this film never be allowed to produce another picture.
AMATEUR-NIGHT 100%!
Hi FANS! I’ve been going through a lot of forums and it seems that some fans have a united front on picking a good director. So far there are two directors that a lot of fans agree about. A COLLABORATION OF LEN WISEMAN AND JOSS WHEDON!!!!!
They both have had experiences with creating love stories with action. They’ve both have made hit movies or TV series. I think both of them doing NEW MOON AND ECLIPSE WOULD BE AWESOME! The way WISEMAN brought out the love story of SELENE and MICHAEL from Underworld eventhough it was an action movie was awesome! He cared for their love story and made sure the audience would understand that. The way WHEDON showed the relationship of Buffy and Angel was great too and became really popular!
IMAGINE… these two great minds who have a romantic side and action side could bring out our beloved stories to the big screen! BOTH OF THEM! I hope some of you will agree. Honestly, out of all the directors that were mentioned, they are the only two with enough experience on the whole forbidden love story and the whole action sequence.
If you agree, please spread this to all other forums that you’ve read about so that if SUMMIT or Stephenie checks it they’ll hear our voice out.
Thanks to all the fans who like me just wants to make sure our SAGA will receive its due justice to the big screen!
We at O.K.I. Twilight fan group think that all of this is just a travesty. What it all comes down to is money. Regardless of who they now choose as a director it still all comes down to the money issue. We are in the process of working on a New Moon budget campaign. We are not sure what direction we are going to go with, but the fans need to be heard on this. They have made it clear they do not intend to put much more into New Moon. ILM can only do so much on a 34 million dollar budget. I feel that the main sequences that will suffer will be the wolves. On that type of budget they will be using malamutes. We intend to try and get their attention one way or another!
It seems to me that all the people claiming a male director wouldn’t be fired for his antics (especially Chad, only a few posts above mine) cite people like David Fincher, Stanley Kubrick, and James Cameron. If you like this movie, fine, go ahead, but are we now putting Catherine Hardwicke on the same level as those above directors?
No, I’m not — and as I’ve said, I thought the Twilight books were excremental swill, and my interest in a film adaptation is about as high as my desire to have a glass-and-battery acid colonic. I consider Fincher a talented (if highly over-rated) film-maker, whose record on the commercial tip could most politely be described as patchy. But I’ve got my doubts that his macho diva b.s. has done his career any harm — macho men are always going to have their enablers in Hollywood. But you’re seriously telling me that if Hardwicke has walked up to an executive at a screening, hit him and said “that’s for not greenlighting this when you had a chance”, the PMS/angry lesbian cracks wouldn’t be flowing thick and fast?
And sorry to say this, but I’ve seen women lose their temper with good cause once, and get tagged as “irrational” while men who routinely meltdown get pass after pass.
A difficult director is worth keeping if he or she is TALENTED.
Meh… I actually thought Braveheart and Apocalypto were decent enough movie, but I wouldn’t blame anyone for wanting to keep their distance from Mel Gibson — and his baggage — for the foreseeable future.
I’ll never understand how they screwed this movie up so bad. They had the story! The hard part was done, now just get some decent actors and at least get someone who has done SOMETHING decent. Hardwicke seemed like the cheap pick. What exactly led them to pick her anyway? Kristen Stewart is a horrible actress. I guess if the role calls for someone who has had a lobotomy she would fit the bill but she is no Bella. Rob Pattinson has slight talent although you wouldn’t have known it under her direction.It has nothing to do with sexism it has everything to do with vision and she just does not have it. Get Alfonso Cuaron to do it. He whipped the Harry Potter cast into shape… he can do it with these guys.
I so agree with Canvas up there. Get Taylor L. out of there, there is no way in hell he can do New Moon. The two lines he had in the movie were forced and almost like they just found him on the street, gave him one take and told him to read the lines from the ground. HORRIBLE. This is a good story, they need to get away from trying to cash in with all the teenagers by giving them something pretty to look at. Never mind that, talent first!
They’re just blaming her because it sucked. Twilight sucks all on its own. No one can make it better.
i think they shoudnt do that she’s a kickass directer
Agree; The book was schlop.
Agree; The screen writing and adaption was schlop as well
Agree; The directing – (oye veh).. no words to descrip beyond awful.
Agree; acting left a lot to be desired, especially the young woman playing Bella, Schlop.
Time for a change their.
Agree; Summit entertainment is probably NOT interested in making these movies (even this cash cow) to the
caliber worthy of Harry Potter (dream on)
Agree: Summit is in it for the short term and quick buck. That’s their over all business strategy approach to making and releasing movies.
If Summits does try to get Alfonso Cuaron (my personal favorite as well) would Alfonso really want to do this series?
Wth no budget and no real talent to bring it “alive” . Maybe the Twilight base audience will settle for “crap worth of a good colonic”..
However, if Summit were smart; they would try to reach beyond the base and bring on the additional audience that are not “fans” of these books.
Those of you in this business get it.
“Emotional investment in a movie” has no meaning to business folks like Summit.
So based on the past and present evidence the future Twilight franchise will be schlop as well .
Summit did an amazing job by getting rid of Catherine. NIX Rosenberg while your at it! And anyone else who is responsible for creating this monstrosity should get the boot as well. Both women may be great writers/directors but lets face it..Twilight THE MOVIE was a HOT ASS MESS. Period. In regardless of the fact that she’s a woman, which SHOULD have NOTHING to do with why she’s jobless right now, Twilight was poorly adapted into a movie, directed, and funded. I love the Twilight series and to sit through 90 min. of movie that lacked a basic plot structure was painful for me. The plot was not clear and I walked away stunned by this movies’ sheer awfulness. I’m a female and for this to happen sets female directors back slightly, however, this was the best move for everyone…I’m just sorry it had to be so public. A new director and some acting lessons for Kristen and Robert will take New Moon to another level. I’m a die hard Twilight fan, I paid to for all of the books, merchandise and movie ticket(s) with my hard earned cash. Respect me, and the fans and create something worth watching…
if they had made it into a decent movie, people would probably consider purchasing the dvd and more moeny would have been made from this film. as it stands now, i’m guessing all the *younger* people who don’t know what a good movie is supposed to look like, are going to purchase this crap ass version directed by the even more crap ass director, catherine hardwicke. i’ll admit that the movie trailer looked promising but as soon as they released the horrendous soundtrack, i knew the movie was going to suck…and boy was i right !
I disagree. Summit isn’t sexist. Cathrine Hardwicke is just a terrible director. And a side comment to the person below, I would hardly say the film was “brilliant”.
I hate when something unfortunate happens to a woman and other woman assumes it’s sexist. It’s disgraceful. If you knew anything about film, even the simplest aspects, you’d realize how terrible this film was due to the writing and, yes, the directing. Let me make this loud and clear to you. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HER BEING FEMALE. And who knows, maybe the next director who might be male will get fired, are you going to write an article about that? I’m female and i’m smart enough to know when something is sexist. And Catherine Hardwicke being fired is not.
i think some of the comments in this are a bit over the top, we can’t really blame her. you try making a internationally famous book into a 2 hour movie and will see how hard it is. the dialog and the acting were a bit…off/not so good, but can’t all be blamed on Catherine. i think it’s great that she tried to make Twilight successful no matter how bad it may have turned out.
IF they’re gonna get rid of their director, can the PLEASE get rid of their awful, emotionless lead actress. I can’t bare to watch Kristen Stewart’s lifeless performance for the next two movies! Ugh!
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/against-kristen-stewart-as-bella-swan
I agree with some of you about the article. I don’t think it’s sexist per se, but by constantly comparing it against only female-directed films, there’s the implication that she can only compete with women. Why not talk about it being one of the biggest openers of November?
Anyway, I don’t think this is possibly even the worst news Twilight fans could get. Actually, I don’t really know what all the complaining is about. The studio actually cares enough to bring in someone new, who they think can adapt the books better and translate a better movie to the big screen. The film wasn’t well received by critics and some fans, so why not try another formula. It can’t get worse..and you’re still getting your movie. Plus, change is not always bad..Harry Potter got better when directors changed. I would’ve thought this was a win-win for the studio and fans. Ofcourse, Hardwicke gets the shaft but thats Hollywood – roll with the punches.
Oh, and to the writer who wants to drop Stewart from the movies…look, we put up with the annoying Kirsten Dunst for three Spider-man movies. Stewart shouldn’t be a problem. Plus, if you’re a girl (which most fans are), you probably aren’t looking at Stewart anyway!
Peace.
good. i’m glad she isnt going to direct it anymore. no offense to her or any of her fans but the Twilight Movie kinda sucked I was really disappointed in it =/
maybe they’ll get rid of KS too, he acting sucked she should stick to horror movies
okay, Catherine really did bomb. you can’t deny it. the camera angles and most of the scenes got so messed up. of course the movie wasn’t going to live up to everyone’s personal expectations, but it could have been so much better. if you didn’t already love the book, you probably would have hated the movie. the screen writer could have done better. they left out so much. i mean i know you can’t get the entire book into a two hour film. but they put in things that weren’t in the book and left out some things that would have helped the movie. and the little details could have helped too. not to mention the special effects. it all looked very silly. and Stuarts acting was absolutely terrible! it was nothing like how Bella is. and Jasper, he had maybe two three real lines in the movie. ugh. they left out soo much. but these people who are going on about how it’s “sexist” and what not, that has nothing to do with it. Catherine really did mess up the whole movie. granted Summit could have waited till all the press tours and such were done, but she really did need to go. i think a male director who understands the relationships between Bella and Edward, and Bella and Jacob will do a much better job on New Moon than Hardwicke could have. everyone’s saying that a male can’t grasp what Bella’s relationships and that kind of thing should be like, well, that is not true. a lot of men can grasp that kind of thing. so yeah. Catherine needed to go, they need to get a better special effects team, better screen writing and a good director (male or female) who actually understands the relationships and the books and! understands what directing a good film is like. then presto! you have an excellent film!
Wow, there are some people who should not be commenting on this site. Some of you sound like critics who did not even like the book. If you did not like the book or the movie regardless of its direction why are you following the blogs in the first place? Get out we don’t need your input.
Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series was advertised as “tween” not adult so if you are going to critique it you should do so from that platform not from your pompous soap box. The books were a magical release from everyday life and were enough to draw the attention of not only millions of readers ranging from young children to the elderly. Also, the fan base was mainly women but it did not exclude males. Based on these facts I would say that no one cares what the “Gordons” of the world think.
As far as the movie goes I was appalled by the directing. who knows what the acting could have been with a better director. Cathrine Hardwicke was unable, regardless of her sex or budget to pull even basic emotions from these unseasoned actors. She failed to bring the personalities and emotions of the characters from the book to the big screen.
Catherine’s sex and gender are not the issue here, it is her directing. I adored the books but was highly disappointed by the movie. I did not see the movie based on the actors, I watched it because I wanted to see the book brought to life. Catherine Hardwicke failed to do so. The movie was pathetic and laughable. Laughter rang out through the theatre where I saw the movie at even the scenes that were meant to be serious.
I am looking forward to seeing New Moon through the eyes of a new director. Especially a male, I am interested in how men perceive the book. I only hope he is a romantic. Bring it on.
I liked Kristin Stewart’s performance. (She certainly can act as seen recently acting opposite de Niro). Choosing the Compass director seems risky to me. That film was all over the place. The female director Hardwicke did not complicate this film — there’s something to be said for that. Give the director credit for not messing up. I learned something from her. Who cares if she went through the hell. In the end, everyone came out a winner. The movie studio folks may mess up the sequel if they don’t watch they’re next step. It was stupid to fire her when she’s still doing the press junkets. Before that mistake, their PR was terrific.
Studios are not always biased towards woman, sometime they are just plain dumb. Take the example of Babylon AD that was missing about 20 minutes of the directors film.
If the next movie can top Twilight, we then can assume that the replacement was a good idea. But if the new director fu*ks it up, then Summit’s got some explaining to do. Whatever happens, they better not replace Taylor Lautner. Kid’s even trying his best to gain weight so that he can keep his job.
xoxo
Totaly awesome! I was laughing the whole time, so it wasn’t serious like it should have been. No chemistry, and they didn’t even say ‘i love you.’ Not once. Kristen was just so wrong for the part, so why even pick her?! I thought everyone else was awesome (with the exceptions of Rob, but I won’t get started on that)because they played their parts like they should have. Emmet and Rosalie were good, Alice was cute playing her part, and Jasper looked constipated. So, it was a great change, and i’m lovin it!
I was on the set toward the end on Twilight and my impression was that bad chemistry had developed among the production crew and also, to some degree, among the cast. Ms. Hardwicke seemed lost at times (or exhausted) and delegated most of the direction to the assistant director, who was very irritable with people. The director of photography seemed totally burned out, like no one was home. Pattison chain-smoked, was very sour, and behaved as if he didn’t want to be there.
Apparently much of what was filmed was subpar or extraneous and left on the cutting room floor because they obviously ended up with a rather short film. Maybe everyone was just suffering from the psychological effects of hypothermia because it was very cold and wet, as everyone knows by now. For example, the police station scene (toward the beginning of the film but was actually the last scene filmed on location) was filmed at 3 am when it was about 32 degrees. I’m not sure anyone was thinking straight. The cast and crew just seemed very happy when it was over. Not the chummy conclusion one would have expected.
I hope they actually spend some money on the special effects for the next film. I was shocked at the amaturish effects of Edward flying through the forest. I almost thought I could see the wires. With today’s sophisticated animation skills, I simply couldn’t believe this film. Hopefully, the next one will be better. There’s lots of opportunities with the warewolfes to make this a visual delight. I hope they do so.
that is sooooooooooooooooo horrible she was such a great director and do not fire any of the the twilight characters because that would totally ruin all the twilight movies at least keep bella and edward
i thik a fresh director on the new movie wll be good, she did well to fit most of the story into the 2 hours, but it felt rushed and as much as i liked the film, i would rather read the book anytime. i dont think its anything to do with her being a woman as hollywood is really liking female directors at the moment, trying to get more girlie films out there
I thought for a movie adaptation she did a good job with what she had. Let’s look at the facts kids…the DP is there for what again…oohhh….that’s right he was doing his job so yeah…he saves the film with his work…and the screenplay was written by who…oh yeah the writters…so it’s not the director who single handely does the entire film….they direct…oooooohhh…DUH!! So of corse she had major help…that’s what all those people are paid for. Look at Perter Jackson and lord of the rings…they had multiple directors for scenes he couldn’t be there to help film….Lucas did the same for Star Wars…
And I’m insulted that they are saying it’s sexesit to fire her….if they fired her becuase she was a chick…that would be one thing…they fired her becuase they didn’t get along….it’s the same reason they are thinking of firing Robert, he’s a big alcoholic prick who’s difficult to work with.
I shake my head at stupid people who jump right away at saying something is done for sex (same shit with people who claim it’s for race…) stuuuuupppiiiiddd!
Frankly I’m hoping a new director and a better budget will make the second movie waaaay better. Maybe a new director could portray more emotion from the actors. The chick who did Bella seemed more like someone who was high the whole movie rather than a girl in love.
I have seen the movie about 3 times, and each time I laughed harder than the last. Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, are visually the right epople for the job, but their acting was HORRIBLE! I never once got the feel that Bella and Edward were inseparably in love, they seemed awkward and bored. I love the books and Stephenie Meyer has definately written best-sellers, but the movie does not do the book justice, in any way. The plot of the movie was confusing to me as someone who has read the books and knows them front to back. Everything about the movie was out of sequence, and some of the things that the vampires in the movie did were contradictory to what Meyer has in her books (in the cafeteria, you clearly see Rosalie eating, and in the books it says that the cullens sit there with untouched food on their trays. At the end Victoria is at the prom, Edward would have noticed her scent! And at the very end when victoria is looking through the window she has tears in her eyes, in the books it clearly says numerous times that vampires cannot cry they just have “tearless sobs”). The meadow scene was horrible… just horrible. Bella and Edward kiss twice in the movie, only twice? They kiss sooo much more in the book. I personally also would have liked to seen the airport scene that is depicted in the book, not just Bella casually walking through the doors of the Hotel and walking towards a cab, where was the suspense!? This movie would have made no where near the amount it did if it wasn’t for the rabbid fans. If I had not read the books before watching the movie I would definately not have read them after. This movie completely and totally ruined the books. The combination of BAD acting, BAD directing, and LOW funding made this movie an EPIC FAIL!!
p.s. I heard that Hardwicke was fired for leaking the 12 chapters of Midnight Sun. (Stephenie Meyer gave out a few copies and each was unique so she could be certain who was responsible if it was leaked. Hardwicke and Pattinson are two of the people who had copies)
I loved Catherine’s little gem. And it was a gem because it carries her flavor, just like Lords of Dogtown. Down home and real, warm and exotic. I saw nearly 30 viewings of Twilight.
I was awed by how bad Meyer’s writing is. But her writing style didn’t matter to the chicks who were eating up the hot vampire story. A spoonful of sugar helps the Meyer go down.
Guaranteed, I’m not going to another Summit film. I’m not paying shite to see New Moon. I can’t stand Jacob’s character, I can’t bear the actor who plays him, the new director really sucks (have you seen his junk?), and Summit stuck it to Hardwicke, which is disgusting.
All the talk about Catherine being hard to work with is complete rot. Plenty of male directors have horrendous reputations as monsters, but are kept on and admired for having some bonzo artistic personality.
Keep your New Moon. Gah!
Personally I’m glad that Hardwicke isn’t doing New Moon! She came across really annoying and I don’t think they’re just firing her because shes female!
As for Chris weitz directing it, I think he’ll be really good! I love all his other films!
besides- a five year old can master the nativity (im living proof)yet she managed to trash it!
the only reason this did well was because of the books!
if this was a stand alone movie it would have FAILED!
the truth hurts!
I have just watch the movie again on DVD with commentary with Rob, Kirsten and Catherine.. During the commentary Kirsten mention some of the direction Catherine gave her and how difficult it was to follow. I think Catherine didn’t know how to get the best out of her Actors and was trying to bring to life the way Stephenie described what happened rather that what would work visually what i mean by that…some of the facial expressions Stephenie describes are near impossible to do if you don’t do them naturally yourself, so the actor should have been able to bring some of there own experiences to there emotions. Robert then asked Catherine about why she had chose a certain camera angle, he asked if it was meant to be Edward watching Bella, she said yes first then realised that he was not meant to know where she was and was looking for her and said she didn’t know why she did the camera angle like that..I had been thinking the same as Rob it doesn’t make sense (watch that commentary on the DVD-it is the scene where Bela is walking out of the shop in Port Angles). How could the Director not know what she was thinking when directing that scene and choosing the camera angle. Can’t wait to see New Moon to see if they managed to do a better job, and we will see if the screenwriter really can live up to her name.. and by the way on this side of the pond Dexter did not go down so well, really badly actually
Ha! Call me heartless but I’m so thrilled that they actually fired Hardwicke. I loved twilight but to be perfectly honest the first movie was terrible! It could’ve been sooooo much better. I have nothing against Cathrine Hardwicke personally but she sucks as a director! And truthfully speaking, Twilight’s success at the box office had very little to do with her, and it’s mostly thanks to the avid fan base of the books! So it’s not right to say she’s responsible for the success of the movie or that she has the biggest box office hit by a female directer. She didn’t “make” the movie. She just took the easy ride. One thing people need to understand is that audiences didn’t go see the movie because Hardwicke was the director. They went see the movie because of the franchise, and nothing more. It would’ve still been a box office hit if helmed by another director, and probably more successful if that director knows what he or she’s doing. And it’s also ignorant to think that movies directed by a female direct normally don’t do as well as those by male director is because Hollywood/audiences are sexist. Have those feminists ever thought about the fact that maybe those female directors just aren’t that good as directors? It’s all about talent, not about sex. I sincerely hope Hardicke quit directing soon and go back doing production design or something she’s actually good at. Best luck to her anyway.
the box office results had nothing to do with hardwicke. people saw the movie because they loved the book. and most of those people hated the movie. the more times i watch it the better it gets but there is so much from the book i wish would have been in it and the things that were in it were all wrong. already new moon looks like it is going to be eleven times better. and so what it has a male director. does that make summit sexist or do you think they just wanted to actually make a good movie this time? summit made a good choice.
Leave Catherine Hardwicke Alone!
You can’t blame Catherine for not making Stephenie Meyer’s novel “Twilight” as good as the book. Sometimes text simply can’t be turned into a visual. You maniac fans are just asking for way too much.
First of all, the project was under a budget, ok. There’s only so much that could be done with budget cameras, their tripods, cameras hanging from wires, and literally just holding a camera while running alongside the actors. You also can’t complain about how horrible the effects were when all they could afford to do was add some rain and clouds here and there. I bet if they didn’t add ANY of their “cheap” effects, you all would complain about that, too! There is only so much one could do with a natural setting.
The weather and the filming locations (their time there was limited) they worked at held them back a lot, and that is not their fault. I must admit though, if Catherine were a little more prepared and organized and took the time to make back-up plans, things would have turned out better, but I think she did great with what she could. Plus, some scenes just COULDN’T be done, as Catherine herself had admitted to; such as meeting the Quileute boys by Tyler’s van instead of encircling around a fire. It was a freezing day for the actors. You all talk like she didn’t even TRY to make things work. In fact, it was her idea to ADD some parts to the movie that were originally left out, such as the entire hospital scene after the incident with James.
If you want someone to blame, blame the screenwriter, the actors, the cameramen, and the editors for not getting things done “right”. If Catherine did such a horrible job, why did the movie get literally millions of views? Why were millions of Stephenie’s books purchased AFTER the movie came out? Why were millions of the movie’s DVD’s purchased? Why do the online clips have millions of views? She must have done SOMETHING right.
And if you think the movie didn’t follow up correctly with the book’s plot, let me tell you now, I think what the film crew did was actually better than what was done in the book. Let me explain: When the movie came out, I had no idea it was based on a novel, and I honestly thought it was just another movie about modern-day super-natural beings much like the movie Jumper. In fact, when I first saw the movie after renting it, I didn’t even know Edward was a vampire until Bella was doing her internet research based on Jacob’s tribal legend. Of course fans are going to be upset that things were changed, because they all already know what happened in the book. For example, when Edward first gets a whiff of Bella in the classroom, he nearly breaks the edge of his side of their desk; and she notices he has ice-cold skin. If this had been shown in the movie right there and then, it would have ruined the suspense and intensity of Bella’s discovery about his secret later in the movie. With the way things were done in the movie, you got to “feel” what Bella felt, and it even gets you thinking to yourself, “What the heck is this guy’s problem?” and you start your own theories on what the truth might be, just as Bella did in the book. And speaking of having the wrong events and dialogue happening during the wrong scenes, I’m sure NONE of you had a problem watching the in-bed first-kiss scene over and over again! Yet you all complain about everything else?! Come on!
I know Catherine got a little carried away with certain unnecessary scenes, but they got cut out of the movie, so calm down about that. I must say though, I loved how Catherine decided to include Stephenie Meyer herself into the movie, and how she snuck in the apple scene as well. In fact, this movie itself was the reason I got into reading; and everything from the book that wasn’t featured in the movie got me to appreciate the book even more.
Having seen the flop that is “New Moon,” it’s clear that the franchise made a dreadful mistake axing Hardwicke. Whoever the new director was (I don’t care) has a tin ear for romance and a gift for the formulaic. What a disappointment.