The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight, opened in theaters this past Friday, and has already proven to be an unprecedented box office success.
With the second installment of the Twilight Saga now playing in theaters across the country, many movie fans may already have their fill of vampire-themed movies. But for those who have yet to catch up on the series, we’re here to help with a complete movie guide to the Twilight Saga with everything from the first movie’s trailers to the most up-to-date information on cast and crew.
Whether you’re a hardcore fan or simply want to brush up on your movie-going knowledge, this is the ultimate resource for everything you need to know about the Twilight series.
The Tale Of The Twilights
The Twilight series is notable for its emphasis on narrative and character building rather than on special effects or action sequences. While fans of the Twilight Saga may be eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series, the sheer volume of work that went into the previous films means that the wait will be a little more eventful than usual.
The previous film in the series, New Moon, was a surprise smash hit, and proved that there was still life in the post-Aughtery Fun Time franchise, which includes the Twilight Saga and the more action-packed Lunar New Year.
Breaking Dawn is the fifth and final installment in the Twilight Saga, and was partially directed by Peter Webber, the man behind such critically acclaimed films as Shutter Island and Red and is therefore no stranger to controversy. However, one of the film’s most intriguing aspects is the depiction of vampires as a loving and committed couple, whose devotion to each other is the driving force behind their existence. What’s more, this emphasis on character and story over flashy visuals marks a dramatic shift for the series, which started out as a formulaic tale of good vs. evil and transformed into an indie darling that continues to appeal to moviegoers of all ages.
Robert Pattinson: Changing Faces
If you’ve been following the careers of actor Robert Pattinson or the media circus that surrounded his decision to enter the priesthood, you’ll know that he’s far from being a one-dimensional character. In fact, he’s one of the most versatile and exciting young actors working today, and his ability to inhabit multiple characters makes him a valuable commodity for Hollywood.
The first film in the Twilight Saga to be released, The Twilight, introduced audiences to the beautiful and talented Pattinson, who played a conflicted vampire named Carlisle. At the time of the film’s release in 2012, Pattinson was mostly known for one role, that of Edward Cullen, in the wildly popular vampire series, True Blood. In fact, much of what we know about Carlisle comes from Edward Cullen, who befriends him.
While on the surface, the two characters may seem similar, it’s clear that they’re very different, and their dynamic onscreen is both captivating and complex.
Kristen Stewart: The Girl Next Door
The second female lead in The Twilight, and the newest member of the Twilight Saga’s famous Coven, is twenty-one-year-old actress Kristen Stewart. A self-proclaimed “Twilight junkie,” Stewart is arguably the biggest name in the series, and her presence will undoubtedly give the film a huge boost in popularity, especially after the stunning success of her latest film, Snow White And The Huntsman. In that film, she plays the titular character, Snow White, and provides what many believe to be her perfect performance.
While Robert Pattinson may be best known for his portrayal of Edward Cullen, it was Stewart’s turn as Bella that changed her life forever. The Twilight Saga’s first film was released shortly before Stewart’s twenty-first birthday, and since then she’s been quoted as saying that her career would never be the same. Since the release of The Twilight Saga, Stewart has starred in major blockbusters, ranging from comedy to action to drama. In addition to The Twilight Saga, Stewart has also been a member of the franchise’s Coven, the cast and crew of which she’s very protective of.
The Twilight Saga Is Back
All of this, however, may be for nothing if The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 doesn’t live up to fans’ and critics’ high expectations. But following the series’ unprecedented box office success, it’s clear that audiences are still keen to see what happens next, and are looking forward to the drama of the Cullens’ and the Volturi’s final confrontation.
With so much riding on this film, it’s crucial that fans are cautiously optimistic, especially given the highly controversial content in Breaking Dawn, part 2. Even if you disagree with their lifestyle choice, you can’t help but be drawn to the charismatic and talented Pattinson and Stewart. And after all, isn’t that what makes them so appealing in the first place?