Exo-Politics

It is 1:16 in the morning, and I thought I'd update...

Instead of replying to Mom in another comment from my last blog update, I thought I'd just post here instead. See, we're having a discussion over the choice for the New Moon director, Chris Weitz. I have a few bones to pick, but first I'll post the e-mail I received from Summit Entertainment:

Dear fans of Twilight, New Moon, Bella, Edward and Jacob, 

In the past few days I have been involved in a whirlwind romance with Stephenie Meyers' extraordinary books. 

And I am very grateful to have received her permission to protect New Moon in its translation from the page to the screen. 

For fans of the books and of the film of Twilight, this may come as an unexpected twist. So I want to write briefly to try to put you at ease, and to give you reason to hope for and expect the best. 

For the last decade of my career as a director, I have chosen to make adaptations of complex and involved works of literature. This has always begun with the love of a book and its characters, story, and theme; and it has always involved a respect of and responsiveness to the feelings of other people who loved those books. 

When I saw the film of Twilight, I was alternately entranced and left hungry for more. I was also struck by the extraordinary passion for the characters, story and theme that was evident in the people sitting in the seats around me. My job is to live up to that devotion. 

Like many of you, I am a fan of Catherine Hardwicke's work. I can't really say much about why she is not doing New Moon because I wasn't involved in those decisions. But I can say that I will devote myself to making the very best and most faithful version of New Moon that can be brought to the screen. To those who doubt that as a male director I can capture Bella's experience, I can only say that emotion is universal and that my work has often involved working with some of the most talented actresses in the world. 

For the rest, the proof will have to be in the pudding. But I promise to remain responsive to your hopes and fears. 

I thank you for this opportunity and for your faith. 

Very best, 

Chris Weitz

Here are my bones to pick.

• First of all, he's a male. Yes I know he said in his letter "the emotions are universal." Um, when have men ever felt the way a woman feels? Men are the first to admit they don't know anything about how a female's emotions work. It's just how we're made...I don't think a guy would ever know how it feels to be in love with a drop dead (no pun intended) gorgeous vampire and feel completely insignificant; how it feels to think you're so insignificant that when this vampire says he's leaving you because you're not what he wants anymore, that you just accept it because you never understood why he loved you in the first place. Um, granted I've never been in love with a vampire (being that they don't exist and all) but I think I understand those emotions a lot better than a guy would.
• Second of all, what are his real reasons for being added to the film? I haven't heard of this guy having any interest in this film until now...and it just so happens that he has friends in high places. Apparently, he's besties with some big-wig in Summit Entertainment, and that's why he was offered the film first. No director, regardless of talent, would be stupid enough to turn down the sequel to a movie that has THIS big of a fanbase. So of course the first person offered the director's job is going to take it...fancy that! This guy was given it first! Guess who's the director now! Weird how that works...
• Third of all, I guess the one good thing that he has going for him is the fact that he's worked with adaptations of books to film before. Both The Golden Compass and About a Boy are adaptations. However, neither one of those had a movie preceeding it. There's a LOT to live up to at this point, which means there is a lot of room for disappointment. I'm tempted to read both The Golden Compass and About a Boy then watch the movies, just to see how he captures the books. Maybe I'll be surpised, and find that he does a good job. However, from what I've heard about The Golden Compass...it makes me a little nervous.
• Fourth of all, two words: American Pie. Yes...this director is the same man that directed American Pie. Granted, he is uncredited for it, but he did it, nevertheless. Not only did he direct American Pie, but he produced all THREE in the horrendous series. Insert shudder here.

I will not, however, comment on his other credits. By any means, I'm not saying he's not a good writer or producer. He was, after all, nominated for an Oscar for his work on About a Boy, and I am a fan of the movie. But in this case, he's neither the writer or the producer. He's the director...which is odd, because that's the aspect he's had the least amount of experience in...interesting. Anyways, he's the director and it's the director's job to visually make the book come alive. I'm hoping he can do that...but let's just say, I'm going to be a lot more critical of him than I was of Catherine Hardwick. I knew from watching her previous movies that she would be an excellent choice, because she had a distinct directing style that translated very well for this type of movie. It's hard to say if Weitz has a distinct style...I don't believe I've seen enough of his work to tell. I'll get on it though...but like I said, I will be more critical this time around.

Arg. I'm still mad that they didn't choose a female director...that gave me so much hope. Now it's crushed. Blerg.

It's now 1:38 in the morning...just thought I'd add that.