TA TALKS BACK: IT STILL BOTHERS ME
You’ve read the book, seen the movie and watched the DVD. Is there anything about the movie that you wish were different? TA fan JW Healy explains the relationship between Edward and Bella.
I love the Twilight Universe. I read the book six or so times. I saw the movie in theaters eight times. I bought three copies of the DVD and watched them several times since I brought them home. However, even though I clearly love the movie, there’s something about it that still bothers me.To me, the filmmakers didn’t take enough care to establish the unbreakable bond of love that develops between Bella and Edward. “Develops†is the operative word here. In the movie, director Catherine Hardwicke and screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg devote exactly ONE scene to this critical development. (It’s the scene in the biology classroom when they first meet.) According to Hardwicke’s audio commentary, this was the key scene for them – it was the place where Bella and Edward’s love is captured. In fact, Hardwicke admits they all were nervous about shooting this scene because of its importance to the story and also because it happened to be scheduled on the day Stephenie Meyer was going to visit the set (turns out, a conflict forced Meyer to change the day of her set visit). Clearly, the filmmakers recognized the importance of this bond between Bella and Edward. So why did they limit it to ONE scene? Everyone knows that falling madly, deeply, “unconditionally and irrevocably†in love with someone cannot be done in the space of a one-hour class.
Let’s take a look at the source material. In the novel, Meyer takes her time establishing the connection between the two young lovers. For example, in addition to the crucial biology class scene, there’s the cafeteria scene when Edward calls Bella over and they “dance†around each other as they try to learn more about the other without divulging too much about themselves. This simple scene serves to heighten the interest between them in addition to providing critical character development. Then there’s the blood typing scene. It is the catalyst for yet another important protracted conversation between Bella and Edward as they get to know each other further. It shows Edward’s attraction to Bella and Bella’s growing love for Edward. These scenes also showcase Bella’s personality (she actually gets angry with Edward – she’s not a pushover! – and we see shadings of Edward’s inner conflict. What about the restaurant scene, when Bella asks him questions that he’s afraid to answer? This not only shows Bella’s interest but also Edward’s nervousness about his real identity. While this scene was in the movie, it was hopelessly truncated. Then there’s the scene when it’s Edward’s turn to ask Bella questions. In addition to developing their growing connection, these scenes add layers of character development and also show a bit of humor (a trait that was completely excised from the script).
I understand the practical reasons behind eliminating these scenes – movies are supposed to be fast-paced and fit within a specific time constraint; “talking heads†scenes can be dreadfully dull; much of this material is potentially repetitive. However, I will argue that their love connection should have been given more time to develop than just one short scene. The beauty of Bella and Edward’s love is that it is “unconditionally and irrevocably†deep, so why not give it the depth and passion it deserves.
Don’t get me wrong. I love the movie – will always love the movie – but this aspect of it still bothers me. I tried to ignore it all those times when I sat in a dark theater. I tried to pretend it didn’t bother me when I watched it at home. But, in going back and reading the book again, I realize that this early part of their relationship – when all the awkwardness of teens in love comes to the fore; when Bella’s confusion over her deep attraction for this handsome man won’t abate; when Edward’s inner turmoil is brought to the surface; when we get to see their love develop into something more mature than a simple teen romance – is what makes Twilight so special.
Yes, it still bothers me…and I guess it always will.
CONCLUSION: What do you think? Do you agree with me or do you think the filmmakers gave their budding romance enough time to develop?
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