"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1" movie review - All is well in love and birth.

A critic by:
Ciarra Maine L. Latoza – Critique

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

Producer:
Wyck Godfrey
Stephenie Meyer
Karen Rosenfelt

Director: Bill Condon

Cast:

Robert Pattinson – Edward Cullen
Kristen Stewart – Bella Swan
Taylor Lautner – Jacob Black

The Cullens
Ashley Greene – Alice Cullen
Elizabeth Reaser – Esme Cullen
Jackson Rathbone – Jasper Hale
Kellan Lutz – Emmett Cullen
Nikki Reed – Rosalie Hale

Peter Facinelli – Carlisle Cullen

Wolf Pack

Gil Birmingham – Billy Black
Chaske Spencer – Sam Uley
Alex Meraz – Paul
Bronson Pelletier – Jared
Kiowa Gordon – Embry Call
Tyson Houseman – Quil Ateara

Booboo Stewart – Seth Clearwater
Julia Jones – Leah Clearwater

Humans

Billy Burke – Charlie Swan
Sarah Clarke – Renee Dwyer

Anna Kendrick – Jessica Stanley

Christian Serratos – Angela Weber

Michael Welch – Mike Newton

Justin Chon – Eric Yorkie

Story Structure:

            The story is shown in a linear structure. The plot was based on the book. It could have been because I have read the series and therefore, I know how the flow would go.

Synopsis:

Based on Stephenie Meyer’s Breaking Dawn, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 continues to get through Edward and Bella’s love story. This time, they’re headed to their happily ever after. Edward and Bella (At last!) gets married and consummates their marriage in the beautiful island of Isle Esme in Brazil. The best nights of their existence are cut off when Bella gets knocked up. The half-human, half-vampire baby she conceives sucks the life out of her. Edward is hell bent on getting rid of it while Bella decides to keep it. Ironically enough, she asks for Rosalie’s help. The newly wed couple flies back to Forks.

Back at Forks, Jacob and the wolf pack learn about Bella’s condition. The Cullen clan cannot do anything about it but to honor her wishes. Sam, the leader, decides to kill Bella because he sees that the baby is a threat. Jacob goes against Sam’s order. He still loves Bella despite all the odd consequences. This creates a rift between the wolf pack. Jacob becomes The Cullen’s ally and keeps an open eye on Bella. Much to his chagrin, he notices the newfound closeness between Bella and Rosalie. Rosalie is as strong-willed as Bella about keeping the baby, but for a different light. Rosalie wants the baby for herself. Seth Clearwater and his sister Leah, join Jacob, making a pack of three.

All is well when suddenly Bella has to give birth. It is gruesome and there is a lot of blood and venom involved. The baby is so strong for Bella’s body that she gives up after the baby is out. Edward tries to revive her by biting her and letting his venom flow through her body. The movie is open-ended. Bella waking up as a vampire is shown as the last scene.

Analysis:

The movie is character, narrative, and stylistically driven. Breaking Dawn is the last book from the Twilight Saga which is recognized all over the world, making the character and the story well-known. If you don’t know anything about the characters and the narrative, you are living under the rock.

                If you haven’t read the book, you can still follow through the story. The film has all the important moments and plot points met. Again, that is if you haven’t read the book. If you have, (Like me) you would see the missing bits. The movie added a few scenes to act as fillers. (Scenes that are not written in the book) To be quite honest, the screenplay is lacking. It did not capture some of the points that (I think) should be included and seen in the movie, like Rosalie and Jacob’s verbal jabs for instance. It has humor and could lighten the movie. Unfortunately, it was not portrayed. The flashback of Edward’s rebellious stage is very well done although the movie could go on without them. It should have been in the first movie or perhaps, the third one.

                The CGI is definitely flawless. The wolves look real with all the fangs and fur. The running wolves were as perfect. We could learn a thing or two with the way they did CGI. The conversation between the wolves felt a bit awkward though. The talking wolves looked a bit off.

Of course, the story would not be complete without the romance. The wedding and the honeymoon, which are emotion-provoking parts, illustrated romantic love. The pregnancy and birth showed motherly love. The love scenes managed to be sexy but still refined. But in my opinion, the moment where Edward tries to save Bella’s life is the most romantic. It made me cry. (Well, everything about the movie made me cry)

My only objection is about their hair. I wish they brought the wigs used in the second franchise (The Twilight Saga: New Moon) back. Carlisle’s wig made him look bloated and Rosalie’s should have been more blonde.

Over all, the film is grand. My emotions were all over the place. I laughed at several moments and cried at others. I will definitely see it again and appreciate all its glory. I can’t believe I have to wait for another year for the second part! I might die from running out of patience!

Rating: ★★★★