Eclipse is the fourth film of the Twilight Saga!
The Twilight Saga (film series)
| The Twilight Saga film series | |
|---|---|
 The special edition two disc Twilight DVD cover | |
| Directed by | Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight) Chris Weitz (New Moon) David Slade (Eclipse) Bill Condon (Breaking Dawn)[1] |
| Produced by | Greg Mooradian (Twilight) Mark Morgan (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse)[1] Karen Rosenfelt (Eclipse, Breaking Dawn)[1] Stephenie Meyer (Breaking Dawn)[1] Wyck Godfrey |
| Written by | Melissa Rosenberg (Screenplays) Stephenie Meyer (Novels) |
| Starring | Main cast Kristen Stewart Robert Pattinson Taylor Lautner Other principal cast Peter Facinelli Elizabeth Reaser Ashley Greene Kellan Lutz Nikki Reed Jackson Rathbone |
| Music by | Carter Burwell (Twilight) Alexandre Desplat (New Moon) Howard Shore (Eclipse) |
| Distributed by | Summit Entertainment |
| Release date(s) | November 21, 2008 (Twilight) November 20, 2009 (New Moon) June 30, 2010 (Eclipse) November 18, 2011 (Breaking Dawn: Part I) |
| Running time | 251 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $87,000,000 |
| Gross revenue | $1,118,484,711 |
The series was in development since 2004 at Paramount Pictures, during which time a screen adaptation of Twilight which differed significantly from the novel was written.[4][5] Three years later, Summit Entertainment acquired the rights to the film. After Twilight grossed $35.7 million on its opening day,[6] Summit announced they would begin production on New Moon; this after they had acquired the rights to the remaining novels earlier that same month.[7] The third installment, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse is scheduled for release on June 30, 2010[8] and is the first Twilight film scheduled to be released in IMAX.[9] An adaptation of Breaking Dawn is projected to begin shooting late in 2010 with a November 18, 2011 release date; it will be divided into two separate films.[10][11]
Contents |
Development
Twilight was in development for approximately three years at Paramount Pictures's MTV Films, during which time a screen adaptation which differed significantly from the novel was written.[4][5] The script featured night-vision goggles and transformed Bella into a hip track star. Stephenie Meyer stated that there was some debate in allowing the movie to be made due to the negative or positive outcome of the movie compared to the book, '"They could have put that [earlier] movie out, called it something else, and no one would have known it was Twilight!" The idea of seeing a scene converted correctly, specifically the meadow scene, convinced Meyer to sell the rights. In seeing the script, she was frightened that she had made the wrong decision. However, when Summit Entertainment reinvented itself as a full-service studio in April 2007, it successfully acquired the rights to the novel. Erik Feig, president of production at Summit Entertainment, guaranteed a close adaptation to the book.[12] The company perceived the film as an opportunity to launch a franchise based on the success of Meyer's book and its sequels.[13][14] Meyer felt that Summit was open to letting her be a part of the film. Catherine Hardwicke was hired to direct the film, and soon afterward, Melissa Rosenberg, who wrote a new screenplay shortly before the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike and sought to be faithful to the novel's storyline, was selected to be the film's structural base as the writer of the film.[15]Rosenberg developed an outline by the end of August, and collaborated with Hardwicke on writing the screenplay during the following month. "[She] was a great sounding board and had all sorts of brilliant ideas.... I'd finish off scenes and send them to her, and get back her notes."[16] Due to the impending WGA strike, Rosenberg worked full-time to finish the screenplay before October 31.[16] In adapting the novel, she "had to condense a great deal." Some characters from the novel were not featured in the screenplay, whereas some characters were combined into others.[17] "[O]ur intent all along was to stay true to the book," Rosenberg explained, "and it has to do less with adapting it word for word and more with making sure the characters' arcs and emotional journeys are the same."[18] Hardwicke suggested the use of voice over to convey the protagonist's internal dialogue[16] – since the novel is told from Bella's point of view – and she sketched some of the storyboards during pre-production.[19]
Meyer and Harwicke had a close relationship while developing Twilight. Hardwicke wanted to embrace the experience and make the characters in the books come to life. She would call Meyer after changing a scene slightly, which surprised the author because, "I've heard the stories...I know it's not normally like that when you adapt a book." Meyer, a natural pessimist, was waiting for the worst, but instead, called her experience in the film's adaptation "the best I could have hoped for."[4][5]
In July 2008, Warner Brothers announced that due to the success of The Dark Knight, they would move Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince from its original November 21, 2008 release date to a July 21, 2009 summer release. Summit Entertainment jumped at an opportunity to move Twilight, which was originally scheduled to be theatrically released in the United States on December 12, 2008, to the date previously belonging to Harry Potter', which, coincidentally added fuel to the debate between the two fandoms.[2]
Casting the roles of The Twilight Saga
See also: List of Twilight cast members
Kristen Stewart was on the set of Adventureland when Hardwicke visited her for an informal screen test which "captivated" the director.[4] Hardwicke did not initially choose Robert Pattinson for the role of Edward Cullen, but after an audition at her home with Stewart, he was selected.[4] Meyer allowed Pattinson to view a manuscript of the unfinished Midnight Sun, which chronicles the events in Twilight from Edward's point of view.[20][21] Meyer was "excited" and "ecstatic" in response to the casting of the two main characters.[22] She had expressed interest in having Emily Browning and Henry Cavill cast as Bella and Edward, respectively, prior to pre-production.[23]
Due to major physical changes that occur in the character of Jacob Black between Twilight and New Moon, director Chris Weitz considered replacing Taylor Lautner in the sequel with an actor who could more accurately portray "the new, larger Jacob Black."[30] In an attempt to keep the role, Lautner weight-trained extensively and gained approximately 30 pounds.[31] In January 2009, Weitz and Summit Entertainment announced that Lautner would continue to play the role of Jacob in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.[32]
When they told me Rob was probably the one, I looked him up and thought, "Yeah, he can do a version of Edward. He's definitely got that vampire thing going on." And then, when I was on set and I got to watch him go from being Rob to shifting into being Edward, and he actually looked like the Edward in my head, it was a really bizarre experience. [...] He really had it nailed.
Twilight author Stephenie Meyer[5]
In mid-2009, it was announced that Bryce Dallas Howard would be replacing Rachelle Lefevre as Victoria for the third Twilight film, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. Summit Entertainment attributed the change to scheduling conflicts, and Lefevre responded that she was "stunned" and "greatly saddened" by the decision.[34] Jodelle Ferland was cast as the newly turned vampire, Bree.[35] Other new cast members for the third film include Xavier Samuel as Riley,[36] Jack Huston as Royce King II,[37] Catalina Sandino Moreno as Maria,[38] Julia Jones as Leah Clearwater,[35] and BooBoo Stewart as Seth Clearwater.[35]
Production
In early November 2008, Summit announced that they had obtained the rights to the remaining books in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series: New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn.[7] On November 22, 2008, one day after the theatrical release of Twilight, Summit confirmed that they would begin working on New Moon. Melissa Rosenberg had been working on adapting the novel prior to Twilight's release[50] and handed in the draft for New Moon during Twilight's opening weekend in November 2008.[51]
In early December 2008, it was announced that Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke would not be returning to direct the sequel. Hardwicke cited time restrictions as the reason behind her leaving the project.[52] Instead, Chris Weitz, director of The Golden Compass and co-director of American Pie, was hired to direct The Twilight Saga: New Moon.[53] Filming for New Moon began in Vancouver in late March 2009,[54][55] and in Montepulciano, Italy, in late May 2009.[56][57]
In early 2009, before the release of The Twilight Saga: New Moon, Summit confirmed that they would begin production on The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. Since Weitz would be in post-production for New Moon when The Twilight Saga: Eclipse began shooting, he would not be directing the third film.[58][59] Instead, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse was helmed by director David Slade, with Melissa Rosenberg returning as screenwriter.[60] Filming began on August 17, 2009 at Vancouver Film Studios[61] and finished in late October, with post-production beginning early the following month.[62] In April 2010, it was revealed that re-shoots of the film were needed. Slade, who previously said he would not be around for them, was seen, along with Stephenie Meyer, on set. The three main stars were also present.[63]
Wyck Godfrey, producer of the previous films in the series, stated in mid-2009 that they had every intention to make the film version of Breaking Dawn.[64] Following months of speculation and cast rumors,[65][10] it was officially announced on April 28, 2010, that Bill Condon, who directed Dreamgirls, would direct Breaking Dawn; producing the film will be Wyck Godfrey, Karen Rosenfelt, and author Stephenie Meyer. "I'm very excited to get the chance to bring the climax of this saga to life on-screen. As fans of the series know, this is a one-of-a-kind book - and we're hoping to create an equally unique cinematic experience," said Bill Condon. A November 18, 2011 release date has been set for the first part.[1][66] Following that announcement, Summit officially confirmed that a two-part adaption of the fourth book would start production in the fall on June 11, 2010.[67] With this announcement, it was made clear that all major actors, including the three lead roles, the Cullen family, and Charlie Swan, would return for both parts.[67] Bill Condon was also confirmed to direct both parts.[67] The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions.[67]
In order to keep the budget on both parts of Breaking Dawn reasonable, which would be substantially greater than the previous intallments in the series, filming in Louisiana is also being negotiated. Shooting in Louisiana would provide larger tax credits, which a studio as low-profile as Summit Entertainment would benefit from. A summer 2012 release for the second part of Breaking Dawn is projected.[11]
[edit] Films
Twilight (2008)
Main article: Twilight (2008 film)
Twilight was directed by Catherine Hardwicke and written by Melissa Rosenberg. It focuses on the development of a personal relationship between human teenager Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), and the subsequent efforts of Edward and his family to keep Bella safe from a separate group of hostile vampires.
The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)
Main article: The Twilight Saga: New Moon
The Twilight Saga: New Moon was directed by Chris Weitz and written by Melissa Rosenberg. The film follows Bella Swan's fall into a deep depression, until she develops a strong friendship with werewolf Jacob Black. Jacob and the other werewolves in his tribe must protect her from Victoria, a vampire seeking to avenge her mate James' death, by killing Bella. A misunderstanding occurs, and Edward Cullen believes Bella is dead. Edward decides to commit suicide in Volterra, Italy, but he is stopped by Bella, who is accompanied by Edward's sister, Alice. They meet with the Volturi, a powerful coven of vampires, and are released on the condition that Bella be turned into a vampire in the near future. Bella and Edward are reunited, and she and the Cullens return to Forks.The film was released theatrically starting on November 20, 2009 and set numerous records. It is currently the biggest advanced ticket seller on Fandango,[70] and has the biggest midnight opening in domestic (United States and Canada) box office history, grossing an estimated $26.3 million.[71] It grossed $72.7 million on its opening day domestically, becoming the biggest single-day opening in domestic history,[3] and is the third highest opening weekend in domestic history with $142,839,137.[72]
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)
Main article: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse is directed by David Slade and written by Melissa Rosenberg. It is scheduled for release on June 30, 2010[8] and is the first Twilight film scheduled to be released in IMAX[9]Soundtracks
Twilight
Main article: Twilight (soundtrack)
The Twilight Original Motion Picture Soundtrack was chosen by music supervisor Alexandra Patsavas.[73] The album was released on November 4, 2008 by Patsavas' Chop Shop label, in conjunction with Atlantic Records. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, having sold about 165,000 copies in its first week of release, 29% of which were digital downloads.[74] Twilight is the best-selling theatrical movie soundtrack in the United States since Chicago.[75]Twilight: The Score was composed and orchestrated by Carter Burwell over a 9–10 week period, and was recorded and mixed in about 2 weeks in late September 2008.[76] Burwell began the score with a "Love Theme" for Bella and Edward's relationship, a variation of which became "Bella's Lullaby" that Robert Pattinson plays in the film, and that is included on the Twilight Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.[76] The original theme is featured throughout the film, and serves to "play the romance that drives the story".[76] Another theme Burwell composed was a "Predator Theme", which opens the film, and is intended to play Edward's vampire nature.[76] Other themes include a bass-line, drum beat and distorted guitar sound for the nomadic vampires, and a melody for the Cullen family.[76] Twilight: The Score was released digitally on November 25, 2008 and in stores on December 9.[77][78]
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Main article: The Twilight Saga: New Moon (soundtrack)
The score for The Twilight Saga: New Moon was composed by Alexandre Desplat[79] while Alexandra Patsavas returned as music supervisor for the rest of the soundtrack.[80] Weitz has a working relationship with Desplat, who scored one of his previous films, The Golden Compass.[79] The The Twilight Saga: New Moon: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack album was released on October 16, 2009[81] by Patsavas' Chop Shop label, in conjunction with Atlantic Records.[80] The Twilight Saga: New Moon: The Score was released on November 24, 2009.The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Main article: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (soundtrack)
The score for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse will be composed by Howard Shore, who composed the scores for The Lord of the Rings trilogy.[82] The film's soundtrack was released on June 8, 2010 by Atlantic Records in conjunction with music supervisor Alexandra Patsavas' Chop Shop label.[83] The lead single from the soundtrack is "Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever)", performed by the British band Muse.[84]Reception
Twilight grossed over $7 million in ticket sales from midnight showings alone on November 21, 2008.[85] It grossed $35.7 million on its opening day.[68] For its opening weekend in the United States and Canada, Twilight accumulated $69.6 million from 3,419 theaters at an average of $20,368 per theater.[86] The film has made $192.7 million in the United States and Canada, and a further $192.2 million in international territories for a total of $384.9 worldwide.[87]The film was released on DVD in North America on March 21, 2009 through midnight release parties, and sold over 3 million units in its first day.[81] It has continued to sell units, totaling 9,967,919 as of January 2010, making $181,028,196.[69]
New York Press critic Armond White called Twilight, "a genuine pop classic",[88] and praised Hardwicke for turning "Meyer's book series into a Brontë-esque vision."[89] Roger Ebert gave the film two-and-a-half stars out of four and wrote, "I saw it at a sneak preview. Last time I saw a movie in that same theater, the audience welcomed it as an opportunity to catch up on gossip, texting, and laughing at private jokes. This time the audience was rapt with attention".[90] USA Today gave the film two out of four stars and Claudia Puig wrote, "Meyer is said to have been involved in the production of Twilight, but her novel was substantially more absorbing than the unintentionally funny and quickly forgettable film".[91]
The Twilight Saga: New Moon set records for advance ticket sales, causing some theaters to add additional showings.[92] It is currently the biggest advanced ticket seller on Fandango, surpassing Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.[70] The film set records as the biggest midnight opening in domestic (United States and Canada) box office history, grossing an estimated $26.3 million in 3,514 theatres, before expanding to 4,024 theaters.[71] The record was previously held by Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which grossed $22.2 million domestically during its midnight premiere.[71] The film grossed $72.7 million on its opening day domestically, becoming the biggest single-day opening in domestic history, beating The Dark Knight's $67.2 million.[3] This opening strongly contributed to another record: the first time that the top ten films at the domestic box office had a combined gross of over $100 million in a single day.[93]
The opening weekend of The Twilight Saga: New Moon is the third highest opening weekend in domestic history with $142,839,137.[72] The film also has the sixth highest worldwide opening weekend with $274.9 million total.[94]
Robert Ignizio of the Cleveland Scene described The Twilight Saga: New Moon as an "entertaining fantasy", and noted that it "has a stronger visual look [than Twilight] and does a better job with its action scenes while still keeping the focus on the central love triangle."[95] Michael O'Sullivan of The Washington Post gave the film two and half stars out of four, praised Kristen Stewart's performance in the film and wrote, "Despite melodrama that, at times, is enough to induce diabetes, there's enough wolf whistle in this sexy, scary romp to please anyone."[96] The Seattle Post-Intelligencer gave the film a "B" grading and said, "the movie looks tremendous, the dialogue works, there are numerous well placed jokes, the acting is on point."[97] Mick Lasalle from the San Francisco Chronicle responded with a more mixed review, stating, "[E]xpect this film to satisfy its fans. Everybody else, get ready for a bizarre soap opera/pageant, consisting of a succession of static scenes with characters loping into the frame to announce exactly what they're thinking."[98] Roger Ebert gave the film 1 star out of 4 and said that it "takes the tepid achievement of Twilight, guts it, and leaves it for undead."[99] The release of the movie has also inspired feminist criticism, with Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly making light of the claim that Edward Cullen is little better than a stalker.[100] In any case, the influx of female viewers into the theaters indicates the increasing importance of the female demographic in dictating Hollywood's tastes.[101]
Box office performance
List indicator(s)- (A) indicates the adjusted totals based on current ticket prices (calculated by Box Office Mojo).
| Film | Release date | Revenue | Ranks | Budget | Reference | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Foreign | Worldwide | All time domestic | All time worldwide | ||||
| Twilight | November 21, 2008 | $192,769,854 | $216,003,849 | $408,773,703 | #112 | #119 | $37,000,000 | [102] |
| The Twilight Saga: New Moon | November 20, 2009 | $296,623,634 | $413,087,374 | $709,711,008 | #35 #163(A) | #37 | $50,000,000 | [103][104] |
| Total | $489,393,488 | $629,091,223 | $1,118,484,711 | $87,000,000 | ||||
Critical reception
| Film | Rotten Tomatoes | Metacritic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | Cream of the Crop | ||
| Twilight | 50% (196 reviews)[105] | 56% (36 reviews)[106] | 56 (37 reviews)[107] |
| The Twilight Saga: New Moon | 27% (204 reviews)[108] | 38% (39 reviews)[109] | 44 (32 reviews)[110] |
| Average Ratings | 39% | 47% | 50 |
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