EW POPWATCH - SHOULD A MAN DIRECT NEW MOON?
Entertainment Weekly Popwatch - Twilight’s major box office bite helped Catherine Hardwicke set the record for the highest-grossing opening weekend for a female-directed film ever. But now the woman behind the blockbuster has announced she will not be directing the sequel due to timing conflicts, which presents Summit with a weighty decision: Tap another woman to helm New Moon, or see if a man can do just as well.
Some argue that a female sensibility is vital to capturing the lovesick heroine of Stephenie Meyer’s vampire romance. While I agree that no one understands angsty teenage girls quite like someone who once was an angsty teenage girl, that in no way negates a man’s ability to bring this story to life. Remember that while the novel is told from Bella’s perspective, the big screen incarnation doesn’t live solely in its heroine’s mind. Each character (both male and female) must become a fully-formed entity in and of themselves — something any good director (male or female) should be able to do. Many of our greatest romances have been largely male produced. One of my personal faves (don’t judge) is The Notebook — a novel written by a guy (Nicholas Sparks), adapted for the screen by a guy (Jan Sardi), and directed by a guy (Nick Cassavetes). This man-made movie left me sobbing buckets, something Twilight certainly didn’t do.Ultimately, the idea of a female director is appealing, especially since there aren’t that many out there. But a woman shouldn’t be selected simply for the sake of having a woman. The best director should be chosen, regardless of sex. But that’s just what I think. What say you Twilight fans? Vote in our poll below and let us know if you care whether a man or woman directs the sequel and how you think the series might change if a man takes over the wheel.
Alright guys and gals - should a man direct New Moon? Or can only a woman do the book justice? Talk back to us….
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It just all depends to me. I don’t want a man to direct New Moon who’s not able to understand the love or what it’s about. I definitely would prefer a woman’s perspective.
I think a man is quite capable. The Notebook is a prime example, I can just think about it and tear up.
A part of me thinks a man should take it over simply because no woman will ever be able to match wits with Catherine. As crazy as the cast mates are about her, it will be more difficult for them to get close to someone else, especially a woman. (:
Yea, I would love for a woman to direct it, but I agree with the earlier posting of the LA Times that the gene pool for female directors isn’t very large. Like I said, I will be happy and I think the vast majority of the fans will be if:
1.) The director has, obviously, read the books & has the passion and drive for it to stay FAITHFULL to the books (sorry if I mis-spelled that)
2.) Works with Stephenie Meyer (THAT’S THE BIG ONE).
3.) Keeps the fan base in mind since, lets face it, WE’RE VITAL.
4.) They keep the original cast.
5.) This is more for Summit, get this movie the budget it so rightfully deserves.
Idc whether they are male, female, or BOTH….just as long as they GET IT.
I don’t think it matters whether the director is male or female. The most important thing is whether they really get the ESSENCE of the story. New Moon just makes me nervous because I really believe that this will be the most difficult of the 4 books to capture on screen! Can’t wait to see what happens!!
i don’t care male or female. i agree with the comments above.. the notebook was a great love story, so a male director is not the point. there is so much detail that goes with the second book! special effects are gonna be the key in this movie! staying faithful to the book is also a big deal.. edward is gone for more then half of this book.. that’s a big deal and we as fans have to feel bella’s hearbreak.. if it’s done right.. it should make you cry in good ways and bad
In Twilight you can see the chemistry between Edward and Bella, you can see them falling in love. In New Moon the director has to show the passion and love growing between the characters. In all the turn of events that seems to separate them, they manage to come together. Also, they have to keep the original casts of Twilight to continue on with New Moon and the rest of the sequels. A man or woman? As long as they make it great. So, the success of New Moon is on ? shoulder.
This is for Summit, I agree with Ana, give New Moon the budget it deserves and make it a quality movie. It may even break Twilight’s record at the box office.
I think a woman would be better at directing a sequel, however, I’m not against a man but Chris Weitz (american pie) come on people….it’s going to suck!!!!!!!!
Why are they making such a big deal which gender can make the movie? I could care less if it’s a man, woman, or even a transgender just as long as they get the right person for the job. At the end of the day we the fans want to be satisfy with the end product and not some choppy mess.
Chris Columbus should be considered. If you look up on IMDB what he has done….namely the Harry potter films, he may pull it off well. You have to know that when he did the films, he had his Daughter see the dailies. She told him if it was perfect or not. He listens!
Finally someone has acknowledge that it doesn’t matter what gender is directing a film. The Notebook was a beautiful movie and book, it’s actually my favorite as well. I really want someone that can direct New Moon and bring all the emotional aspects of this movie. It is basically a dark book and the movie is going to require alot of emotions involve. Everyone needs to stop trying to make this a woman take charge project because in the end it’s about the movie and how well it will adapted to film. Summit should be smart and find the right candidate that will satisfy all the Twilight fans.
Well i dont really think it will matter that much as long as the director has a good sense of what needs to happen in the movie. and that they have read the books, definitely that.
I dont know… I mean I think a woman could do it … as long as she does it right…same thing goes for a man. It really shouldn’t matter the gender, as long as they do the movie right and don’t mess it up. I would like the director to have actually READ the books too!! I think that is vital for it. I don’t think some director should just waltz in and start shooting and not even know the whole story line ya know??
I agree with Else1163 though….Chris Columbus is a great director and I think he could pull it off.
Hmmm….I wonder what it would be like if Tim Burton directed it lol….just a thought….
MUST HAVE AN APPRECIATION FOR THE BOOKS….. MUST PROMISE TO LOVE HONOR AND CHERISH THE CHARACTERS IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH FOR RICHER, FOR POORER through WIND, HAIL, SNOW, RAIN, SPARKLY SUNLIGHT OR DARK OF NIGHT… MUST AGREE TO ALL OF STEPHENIES SUGGESTIONS. MUST LOVE TWILIGHT FANS….
Sound FAIR? Sign Here…………….
LMAO to she runs with vampires!!!! THEN I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU DIRECTOR OF NEW MOON! LOL Seriously, I’ve neve been more worried in my life now. I hope Summit really does keep looking and doesn’t get the Chris-what’s his face?
maybe they should have a woman and man director……. maybe
I would rather it be directed by a woman, but if Chris Columbus would agree to do it, I would be OK with that.
Yes, I went out shopping and was still thinking about this one question because it kinda bothers me a lot. There is a lot that could get missed if not done properly. If they pick that American Pie Director, I’m sure there will be no more Twilight movies, PERIOD. It will suck beyond suck. Having worked in the industry, I watch almost any and every film. AND Being a recent Twilight fan, (I JUST read all 4 books in 6 days. No, I did not sleep much) I too thought what about Tim Burton, but then I thought, um…no…no, Brilliant man, but no. They need to really think about who can handle relationships in a film, Man or woman. So I started to look up films that I really enjoyed that had that Romantic dynamic to it. Check IMDB for: “The Lake house” Alejandro Agresti director. “Chocolat” Director Lasse Hallstrom (excellent btw), both very talented men. Nora Ephron is also a choice but she does lots of romatic comedy so really …no. NOW, what about Joe Wright, he did “Pride and Prejudice” & “Atonement” with Kiera Knightly. He is AWESOME & tells a beautiful story. Stephen Frears is also a suggestion. Go ahead, look at the bodies of work these people have.
I don’t know about this…
It looks like ‘the old boys club’ is in effect here - Chris Weitz being buddies with the head of Summit. It all comes down to who you know - friends in high places?
Summit should be looking at Paul Morrison if they want a male director - but I would be thrilled if Niki Caro took over the franchise
I think a man can do it, but really shouldn’t. It’s going to take a woman to keep Meyer’s vision on the right track.
I think I would prefer seeing a woman do the duty.
Woman…
No doubt!
A man wouldn`t be able to capture Bella`s feelings…
This could go either way. I think a woman would do the best in the Kill-myself-if-he-leaves feeling Bella will have for the movie (though I think Kristen has this covered), but a man would be good with Jacob’s attitude towards it all (since Taylor has already told us he‘s better at the ‘nice Jacob‘ stuff, though, if he could pull off Sharkboy, I think he can pull of Jacob.), and being a die-hard Jacob fan I want his character to be nothing less than perfect. (I could let any imperfections that Bella has slide, but if Jacob is all wrong, I‘m throw a fit… sorry) But Bella’s point of view is vital as well, after all, that IS how we read it, and how most people reacted to Edward leaving, or at least those of us who weren’t celebrating. lol)
So I must agree with many of the others. It’s not so much the gender alone. We just want a director who will make this as close to the book as possible.