Twilight‘s major box office bite helped Catherine Hardwicke set the record for the highest-grossing opening weekend for a female-directed film ever. But now the woman behind the blockbuster has announced she will not be directing the sequel due to timing conflicts, which presents Summit with a weighty decision: Tap another woman to helm New Moon, or see if a man can do just as well.
Some argue that a female sensibility is vital to capturing the lovesick heroine of Stephenie Meyer‘s vampire romance. While I agree that no one understands angsty teenage girls quite like someone who once was an angsty teenage girl, that in no way negates a man’s ability to bring this story to life. Remember that while the novel is told from Bella’s perspective, the big screen incarnation doesn’t live solely in its heroine’s mind. Each character (both male and female) must become a fully-formed entity in and of themselves — something any good director (male or female) should be able to do. Many of our greatest romances have been largely male produced. One of my personal faves (don’t judge) is The Notebook — a novel written by a guy (Nicholas Sparks), adapted for the screen by a guy (Jan Sardi), and directed by a guy (Nick Cassavetes). This man-made movie left me sobbing buckets, something Twilight certainly didn’t do.
Ultimately, the idea of a female director is appealing, especially since there aren’t that many out there. But a woman shouldn’t be selected simply for the sake of having a woman. The best director should be chosen, regardless of sex. But that’s just what I think. What say you Twilight fans? Vote in our poll below and let us know if you care whether a man or woman directs the sequel and how you think the series might change if a man takes over the wheel.
More Twilight:
EW’s ‘Twilight’ Headquarters
‘Twilight’ Trivia Challenge
‘Twilight’: The EW Photo Album
Man or Woman? either way this film is getting made. unfortunately so the film will also be hugely underbudget and missing one of its hugest film assets…(no spoilers… *cough* a cullen).
If you ask me this film is doomed no matter what.
I think a monkey could do a better job than Catherine! Ok- that’s harsh.. .but I do think many others could do better… I can’t wait to see!!!
Interesting…I knew The Notebook was written by a man, but I didn’t know the movie was man-made as well. That amuses me, because I always tell people that I didn’t like the movie because it was too “girly”. Anyway, regarding the topic at hand- I dont think the sex of the director is a big deal. All that matters is that they pick the right person for the job. I was a little disappointed by Hardwicke, I must admit.
OMG- Thank you, thank you EW! Finally a press junket that doesnt have a Twilight/ Potter comparison and you know why- cause Potter is out of their league. Harry is a cut above.
I’m all for a guy taking over and showing us a great movie. I loved The Notbook too and that is a great example.
Man or Woman? Wait but what if the director was still a woman but was gay? Would a black man be able to direct it well?
Come on, we’re not in the dark ages. A good director is a good director…his/her gender is irrelevant.
You have got to be kidding me! To start with, twillight has raped vampire mythos! When a vampire walks into the sun light, it doesn’t “Sparkle” like a fairy, it bursts into flames! This is in nearly all true vampire stories. This book/movie is nothing but a romance novel with a guy with long teeth, written by a hack writer!
I call BS. They wanted Harwicke to direct only if she could deliver for a late 2009 or early 2010 release – she wasn’t willing to put her name on a shoddy product – so she’s out.
What’s Ratner doing these days? He’s known for delivering films on time and under budget.
YES! A man can do just as well. Hello? Joss Whedon! Vampires, teenage love and angst. HE should direct! Doubt it would happen but one can only hope! Team Joss!
i dont think the race age or gender is relevant(dont think thats spelt correctly)to the plot of the story! stephanie mayer has already set the standard as long as they do the stiry its full justice i dont see why any complaints should be made!
You know what this film needs, a “seasoned” director. No offense Catherine. But she didn’t have a lot of “good” films under her belt. And I don’t mean they need Peter Jackson. These films are never going to win Oscars. But there are a lot of great directors out there. Oh, and a script that is well adapted would be nice too. I was fine with most of the actors, they seemed to not be reading off cue cards. I felt the chemistry when they let them have scenes long enought to get somewhere. Just take the money they know they are going to earn and put it to good use. I don’t want to see a boy drop into the high weeds and a dog/wolf appear. Give me some CGI this time.
I just want them to stick to the book and take out the cheesy stuff. In New Moon, when Edward leaves, I want to feel it…I want to cry like I did when I read the book! I think, whether man or woman direct it, it’s going to be great! I just hope the timely thing doesn’t make it seemed rushed. Twilight kinda seemed rushed.
I just want them to stick to the book and take out the cheesy stuff. In New Moon, when Edward leaves, I want to feel it…I want to cry like I did when I read the book! I think, whether man or woman direct it, it’s going to be great! I just hope the timely thing doesn’t make it seemed rushed. Twilight kinda seemed rushed.
this is my absolute favorite book ever and i definitly incorage some one to do all series!!!!1
I think that a more experienced director would be able to do justice to New Moon. I thought that several scenes in the movie Twilight should have been stretched a bit more. The movie felt too choppy to me. The casting of Bella, Edward, and Alice was perfect. Jasper was just plain wierd.