I can’t believe it’s been five years since the Twilight films came out. The movie that initiated a phenomenon is now old enough to drink, and it wouldn’t be a shock if it went a little crazy one night and ate the younger version of its stars. In honor of this landmark anniversary, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most memorable images from the films’ original photoshoot.
The Making Of The ‘Twilight Saga’
It’s hard to believe that the Twilight films are now considered to be part of mainstream culture. Back in 2012, when the first installment was released, people were lined up around the block to see it. Many wondered why this simple story about a vampire girl and a human boy falling in love had become such an obsession.
The secret behind the films’ popularity had nothing to do with the book on which they were based or the leading roles played by the stars. It was all due to the incredible amount of work that went into making them. For fans who have been following the saga from the beginning, it is interesting to look back at how Robert Pattinson and the Twilight team made the movie that changed Hollywood.
Building The World Of Twilight
When Twilights first hit theaters, moviegoers were treated to a world that was both fresh and nostalgic. The story takes place in Forks, Washington, but the film makers wanted to give the audience the impression that they were traveling back in time and landing in the 19th century. One of the first scenes that viewers see is a close-up of a marquee in the background. In another shot, our main characters walk past a church as the titular hero is revealed to be wearing a vampire costume. It is clear that a lot of work went into creating this world, particularly the costumes and the make-up for the male actors.
Setting The Stage For Seduction
In order to help sell their movie, the film makers needed to attract as many viewers as possible, and the easiest way to do this was to create some steamy moments between the actors. Since the story is somewhat of a romance, the filmmakers were keen on pushing the envelope of what was socially acceptable at the time. They were quite liberal with the naughty bits, and one of the first images that fans of the series encounter is Kristen Stewart lying on a bed of nails. Whether intentional or not, the bed of nails scene is incredibly arousing and almost un-naughty by today’s standards. The nail polish seems to be a recurring theme in the series, with half of the female characters are either wearing or painted in some form of nail polish. While this may have been an attempt at creating visual interest, it’s quite possible that the filmmakers were trying to send out a message about the power of female masturbation. Remember kids, female orgasm = happiness.
Biting Off More Than They Can Chew
When it comes to being a celebrity, people often overlook the fact that you have to work just as hard as everyone else. Robert Pattinson and the Twilight team weren’t about to let fame go to their heads, and they made frequent appearances on set to ensure that the fans got to see the real stars.
One of the most memorable moments of the first Twilight installment comes at the end, when our main characters are visited by Edward Cullen, the boy they had tried to seduce. He proceeds to bite the girl, transforming her into a vampire. While it may not sound like a lot, this is actually one of the most disturbing and groundbreaking scenes in movie history. Seeing a grown man eat another person is something that is only available in the movies, and it was certainly a milestone for both horror and vampire films.
The following year, when Twilight came out in theaters, the controversy surrounding the first movie hadn’t gone away. While many were upset about the way that Edward Cullen had manipulated and dominated the character of Bella Swan, there were also those who felt that the scene in which he transforms into a vampire was exciting and empowering. In response to this criticism, the filmmakers took out a full-page ad in Variety magazine, responding to the “pedantic naysayers” who felt that Edward’s actions were not in the spirit of the “romantic comedy.”
A Wedding To Remember
One of the most important events that the Twilight films are remembered for is the weddings of the central characters. While fans had seen Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson hit the aisle in a romantic embrace in Twilight, the culmination of these years of devotion was truly memorable.
The ceremony itself was intimate and filled with heartfelt speeches from the stars. Kristen Stewart’s grandmother walked her down the aisle, and as she reached the altar, the entire audience rose as one to give the couple a standing ovation. After the ceremony, the guests ate canapés and danced until the early hours of the morning. It was clear that this was a special moment for them, and it was widely acclaimed as one of the highlights of the entire franchise.
Twilight was a huge success both critically and financially, and it set in motion a chain reaction that has continued to this day. Since then, Robert Pattinson and the Twilight team have released four more films, with the latest installment, Eclipse, arriving in theaters in May 2014. Due to its large success, it would not be a total shock if the franchise continues for many years to come.
When it comes to being a celebrity, people often overlook the fact that you have to work just as hard as everyone else. Robert Pattinson and the Twilight team weren’t about to let fame go to their heads, and they made frequent appearances on set to ensure that the fans got to see the real stars.
One of the most memorable moments of the first Twilight installment comes at the end, when our main characters are visited by Edward Cullen, the boy they had tried to seduce. He proceeds to bite the girl, transforming her into a vampire. While it may not sound like a lot, this is actually one of the most disturbing and groundbreaking scenes in movie history. Seeing a grown man eat another person is something that is only available in the movies, and it was certainly a milestone for both horror and vampire films.
The following year, when Twilight came out in theaters, the controversy surrounding the first movie hadn’t gone away. While many were upset about the way that Edward Cullen had manipulated and dominated the character of Bella Swan, there were also those who felt that the scene in which he transforms into a vampire was exciting and empowering. In response to this criticism, the filmmakers took out a full-page ad in Variety magazine, responding to the “pedantic naysayers” who felt that Edward’s actions were not in the spirit of the “romantic comedy.”
A Lot Of Nailing – Without The Pussy
Aside from being memorable for its groundbreaking imagery and compelling story, it’s also worth talking about the influence that the Twilight films have had on fashion. After the first movie came out, celebrities started to copy Kristen Stewart and her daring fashion choices, and subsequently, so did everyone else. It seems like every fashion magazine and blog tackled the story of Bella’s transformation, and the way that she dressed in the process was unprecedented. It was as if she had beaten the system, and the fashion world had to follow her lead. Even today, five years later, the fashion world continues to be captivated by the story of Bella Swan, and it’s her outfits that everyone wants to imitate.
The Sign Of The Cross
While we’re on the subject of fashion, it’s also worth considering the impact that the Twilight films have had on the horror genre. The film makers had successfully combined two of our favorite things: fashion and horror. It seems like everyone from Anna Wintour to Guy Fieri have had something to say about the films and their distinctive style. When we think about it, the fashion world and the horror genre have a lot in common. They’re both subjective and change with the times, and often, the celebrities that are most associated with one are the ones that appear in the other as well. It seems like a natural progression to combine the two, and it’s clear that everyone on set was having a good time during the shooting of Twilight. To celebrate this cinematic marriage of fashion and horror, here’s a list of some of the most iconic fashion moments in the movies: