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Twihard fans, the time has finally come: the first instalment of Breaking Dawn is out! This is the fourth book in Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series. For once things are looking rosy for the couple Edward (Robert Pattinson) and Bella (Kristen Stewart). We join them on their wedding day, which is followed by an amazing honeymoon on a private island. At long last the couple are finally able to have their way with each other! But their lust is cut short when Bella becomes pregnant with Edward's vampire child. However, that literally is all that happens... definitely not an action packed film, just the vampire equivalent of family dramas shown on Eastenders.
That said, the film opens with the much awaited wedding scene. This is wonderfully executed, and every part something out of a fairy tale. Otherwise, the major theme of Breaking Dawn is sex. The love scene is shot romantically though shyly, probably due to the 12a certificate. Arguably silly, but somewhat amusing, is the couple's attempt to control their lust by going on treks and playing lots of chess. Director Bill Condon has definitely accentuated moments of humour in the beginning scenes. This is probably in order to give some light relief before the alarming pregnancy ruins everything!
The film may lack the action sequences that are to come in part 2, but there is quite enough drama and suspense in the presentation of the horrifying pregnancy. For a 12a I was definitely pretty startled by the birth scene. Although they have clearly tried to mellow it down, there is nothing mellow about trying to give birth to a demon baby that is killing you from the inside. I would add that Stewart does act the role well. This is also supported by impressive digital resources that make her body shrink to an alarmingly thin stage to emphasise she is close to starvation.
I would say the film is not that accessible to those who haven't followed the first three already. But that's not the film's real problem. What the author Meyer really focused on so well in the book was the symbolic implications of immortality. Bella in the film shows no real struggle with the high price, of dying to live forever as a vampire, or potentially dying from giving birth to one. And nor is Edward's guilt really shown. There is barely a mention of the abortion debate, whether this baby should be removed before it kills her. This gives little opportunity to show Stewart's full acting ability. The rest of the film's tension is presented by the werewolf pack, where Jacob (Taylor Lautner) separates from the pack to protect Bella. So expect lots of growling, and do try to take the conversation in werewolf form seriously...!
I find that I want to end on a positive note, because I did still enjoy the film. This may be subjective though, as I have read the books and would call myself somewhat of a fan! But the acting was undeniably a step up from all the previous films. I just really hope that Part 2 lives up to expectations, and draws on the more indie edge that was seen in the first film.
See Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 at York City Screen. For more information visit http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/York_Picturehouse/
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