Writer: Syahida Kamarudin

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Watch this if you liked: "Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire", "Thirteen", "Van Helsing"

It's not very likely for an adaptation to be better than the book, as movies are usually presented through one point of view, whereas novels are read by many and thus beget various definition and imagination. To get through to every reader's imagination becomes a daunting task.

However, Catherine Hardwicke manages to do this perfectly. The director is able to balance between the true essences of the book, which is Bella Swan's POV on the matter of her relationship with the deviant Edward Cullen, and at the same time she is able to construct the blind spots that exist in the movie. In this case, it's the emotions of the people around Bella that was missing from Meyer's writing, and of course the fight scene that needed to be added in order to make the movie look like one, instead of the hard copy of a novel.

In terms of acting, I believe 'the mortals' have given a convincing performance. Albeit being criticised for being 'too pretty' for the character Bella Swan, Kristin Stewart drives the character in her own way, and somehow makes the character - who was supposed to be dull and pale. I can't say the same for Robert Pattinson though. Oh yes, keep on moaning "Oh, but he's so dreamy", but Pattinson is still stuck with the Harry Potter-ish type of acting, where everybody look intense all the time. Stressed. Anxious.

Edgy.

But nothing is edgier than the cinematography. Interestingly, "Twilight" has the same tinge as Hardwicke's indie debut, "Thirteen", instead of her other feature films. The camerawork and the music are similar to her former works and somehow made Twilight exceptional. In a way, you cannot compare it to films like "Harry Potter" or "Lord Of The Rings" because it was not done in an epic proportion. It's just a simple love story that involves two complicated beings.

However, I would have to say that the Cullens are too wooden for me. They were supposed to be different from your original mythical staple. Instead, they only made vampirism and the myths surrounding it look cliche by their predictable portrayals. There are also few flaws in terms of effects. The Cullens' agility at times can look quite funny instead of wowing the audiences. Who's to blame for it? Hmm.

Don't forget to look for Stephanie Meyer, though. She makes a five second cameo as to show her support for this movie. And checkout the Cullens very own baseball game. If the love story tends to make you feel sleepy, the game will keep you awake.

Cinema Online, 27 November 2008