Monday, April 19, 2010

Can 100 million screaming fans be wrong?

I admit, I stood in line to watch the second Matrix. And, I think, one of the Star Wars movies because my husband and a bunch of his (grown) buddies thought it would be fun. I did not dress up, but some in our party did and I would have loved to dress up as Trinity but decided that I would need a few months of marathon training to pull off black leather/spandex/army boots, and it just wasn't worth it.

I've avoided the Twilight movies because it's a teenager series and I'm not so interested in vampires or participating in pop culture when it becomes so silly--lining up at midnight dressed as a vampire to watch a movie? no thanks. . . creepy, actually. But in the middle of all the hype, I picked up this Vanity Fair. Is it the eyes, the hair or the gorgeous fisherman's sweater that looks like he just stepped off a ship returning from world adventures and wants to tell me all his stories? Next to a crackling fire. Tucked in a blanket.




Or the fact that I poured over the photography, studying ever lighting detail and angle? (These were shot in Montauk) (some of the best lighting in the world) (I'm spending some time near there this summer and plan to take lots of pictures of three gorgeous children) (I digress).



I watched the movie this weekend, heavily persuaded by my youngest sister (she stood in the line!). I am not a teenager; I have no love illusions. But this boy is divine and he plays piano. The character of Edward is flawed (did I mention he's a vampire?) but is the everlasting hero, is hopelessly drawn to uber-perfect Bella (duh) and wins the heart of every viewer who can't help but sympathize with his inflicted plight and constant struggle.

The movie itself was pretty good. It was certainly compelling and appreciatively entertaining. It was not my favorite story (I'm told I need to read the book), but I find myself drawn into certain movies because of the scenery, music, effects and pretty boys playing piano. I enjoyed the development of these characters and I think I may need to view this film a second time before I return it to a little sister who is anxiously awaiting her Edward's safe return. Of course, given that I have been turning the plot over and over in my head for most of the day, maybe I do. . . er. . . like the story.

To all those who now think I am a shallow woman who spends her time swooning over teenager movies, please stay tuned, I will make it up to you.

Photos by Bruce Weber for Vanity Fair, Dec. 2009.

7 comments:

  1. Oh, so that's where you've been... swooning over Edward. But really, you were only interested in the lighting. Uh huh.

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  2. I am so very glad you liked the movie and have been thinking about it all day!! You can keep it as long as you like and watch it everyday if you want. That was exactly what I was thinking about the photos - uh, the lighting was great!
    Love you!
    Karen

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  3. I must say I was exactly the same and watched the movie only very recently but I don't know if it was because it was built up so much by others but i was really let down by it and felt it lacked in the story and was overly simple in the story. I think i must be the only woman on the planet who thinks he looks a bit of a spade head...good hair though, cheers Katherine

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  4. Yes Tracy, the lighting! Actually I bought that particular Vanity Fair because of the Richard Avedon feature, he being among my most favored photographers. I really did love the natural light in Montauk, I promise! Katherine, I'm glad you share my opinion, is it just because we are adults and need a little more to chew on? Happy Tuesday, ladies! I love you too, Karen!

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  5. Oh my. At least the lighting is good, and that piano picture is pretty cool. (Is this your Jaimie?!!!!)

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  6. Traci,
    There have been so many times I've wanted to mention to you the lighting on the East End. I can't wait to see what you capture with your talent and camera this summer.

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  7. Lisa, we are going to take so many pictures this summer! I just bought Meg a dress with this in mind. . . Do you happen to have a baby grand piano that we can drag out into the seagrass?

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