Guest post: A passion for Twilight, by Marina Antunes
What is your passion.
That was the question Raul posed to start the ball rolling on this post, my contribution to the Blog-a-Thon. I have many: books, film, writing, music, but there’s something which has, over the last two years, seeped into my life like a rash that won’t go away which I’d like to take a moment to share with you.
You’ve probably heard the whispers; women in hushed tones discussing the latest image, news tidbit or video clip. I’m talking about “Twilight”. It’s a phenomenon that has entered pop culture at nearly every level. The big question everyone seems to be asking is why. Why has a mediocre series of books and equally mediocre film managed to cement itself so deeply into pop culture in such a short amount of time? Sadly, I don’t have all of the answers but between hundreds of weekly posts from various fansites, an inside out knowledge of the material and a weekly podcast dedicated to deciphering this very question, I have come to a conclusion: there is no single answer. That said, I have two theories:
Romance: who doesn’t love a good romance? And what could be better than an epically tragic, fatalistic one that ends with a happily ever after?
The characters: Stephenie Meyer may not be the best writer but she weaves a great yarn which features some wonderful characters. And then Catherine Hardwicke comes along and gives them physicality. I’m openly on Team Edward and I’ll admit it, it’s as much to do with the character as it is with the actor. I simply can’t turn away from the hair
There is more than just fun when it comes to “Twilight” as there are a few issues which may be cause for concern (the stalker-ish boyfriend, something else about teen pregnancy and, oh yes, the supposedly anti-feminist action of our heroine Bella, a girl who has become a sort of icon to millions of teen girls) but I don’t see these as problems. Instead, I’m thrilled that something which seems so innocent and purely entertaining has managed to escape into the real world, encouraging mothers and daughters to talk, to discuss important issues and to bond.
It’s a great feeling when something so apparently inconsequential has such a huge effect on so many individuals. I am quite happy to call myself a Twilighter.
Marina Antunes is not only a good friend of mine but also one of the forces behind Row Three, one of the best podcasts for movie reviews out there. She is also incredibly witty, funny and we both share a love for all things KR. She blogs on The Marina
Marina
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This is Entry # 30 of 49
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