'Twilight': What does Catherine Hardwicke's exit bode for 'New Moon'?

By now, Sunday's sudden and stunning news that "Twilight" director Catherine Hardwicke would not return to helm "New Moon" has had time to sink in.

Consider what her departure means for the franchise.

Hardwicke was key in casting Kristen Stewart and breakthrough star Robert Pattinson as the young lovers in Stephenie Meyer's romantic vampire saga, and she's got a proven track record in dealing with themes and issues concerning young people ("Thirteen" and "Lords of Dogtown.")

Perhaps more important, Hardwicke, who in fact is still on the promotional tour for the film, which has grossed almost $140 million in the U.S. alone, is something of a "Twilight" fangirl herself. The night before the Los Angeles premiere, she visited fans in line -- many of whom had been there for a couple of days -- posing for pictures and signing autographs. She was also at least partially responsible for getting the film's initial script, which she compared to "Charlie's Angels," nixed in favor of a more faithful telling.

Now she's gone and fans what to know what happens next. There are few schools of thought:

Not to fret, different directors can keep a series fresh. Just look at the "Harry Potter" movies, which began with the straight-forward adaptations of Christopher Columbus, went through a darker if more emotionally powerful period with Alfonso Cuaron ("Prisoner of Azkaban"), got an adrenaline boost from Mike Newell ("Goblet of Fire"), and have matured under David Yates ("Order of the Phoenix" and the upcoming "Half-Blood Prince.") Ditto other successful franchises such as "James Bond," the "Bourne" movies.

Movie watchers have already begun discussing who should take over. RopeOfSilicon.com has five female suggestions, among them Kimberly Pierce, who directed "Boys Don't Cry," and Mira Nair from "The Namesake." Earlier this month, Film.com weighed in with its top choices, including young upstart Sarah Polley and long-shot Sofia Coppola.

It doesn't matter who's behind the lens, as long as screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg sticks around. Rosenberg is credited with condensing 500+ pages of story into a two-hour film, helping to eliminate some of Meyer's clunkier passages of prose and injecting more humor into Meyer's story (i.e. the exchanges between Charlie and Billy, the dialog among Bella's human pals, details such as the wall of graduation caps.) Critics who had positive things to say about the film were grateful.

On the flip side, taking such liberties infuriated some Meyer devotees, and could do so to an even larger extent in "New Moon." Rosenberg reportedly achieved a way to squeeze in more screen time for Edward, even when he's supposed to go MIA for the majority of the second book.

The cast will be back -- what could go wrong? Pattinson and Stewart aren't going anywhere. Does anything else matter?

We have a problem, Forks. Whether or not you fell in love with Hardwicke's vision, the director's finger was on the pulse of "Twilight" fans. She relentlessly scoured Oregon for Bella's and Edward's perfect meadow, the pivotal scene for most readers. She made sure Stewart and Pattinson would steam up the screen -- on her own bed, no less. She made sure the book's many characters were all accounted for, even arguably expendable folk such as Eric.) She even went so far as to film a scene from "Midnight Sun," Meyer's as-yet-unfinished retelling of "Twilight" from Edward's perspective, which will be included as a bonus for fans on the film's forthcoming DVD. Will Summit Entertainment be able to find another director so in touch with teens and just as passionate about the source material?

What do you all think? Is Hardwicke's exit a good or bad thing for "New Moon"? Does it make a difference? Who do you want to see take over? 

-- Denise Martin

Related:
"Twilight" sequel "New Moon" gets the green light from Summit
Complete "Twilight" Countdown coverage

Photo: Catherine Hardwicke. Credit: Getty Images

Comments

[Deb]

While the script was okay, the cinematography was awful! How many extreme closeup shots of Edward and Bella staring into each other's eyes did we really need? The incidental music was laughably awful too. I will give her credit for being true to the books, but visually the whole thing sucked.

Waiting for #2.

[ew]

Wow, you mean Twilite was supposed to be a vampire film? Ohhh, i thought they said Camp-fire film...or a tween movie, or to be shown at Jesus Camp (no offense J, love your work)

but a feature release?? --- puh-leasssse...

i saw it as one of the most over-hyped and under-delivered films in a long time, this month...

as for the "legions" of multiple viewers, wow, just wow, fascinating, captain, yet illogical

but then again, people actually are buying tickets and then staying in their seats for Four Xmases -- if ever there were a litmus test for ____________ (fill in the blank-headedness)

[Krista]

Why does everyone keep blaming the director for the crap movie that Twilight was? If they should let go of anyone, it should be the script writer. Did the woman even READ Twilight?!?! The director couldn't help the cheesy special effects or the "glitter" that adorned Edward's face, because of the very limited budget. I'm sure with a bigger budget they could have used George Lucas's company and made those parts better, but as far as the dialogue, there is just no excuse. I would have paid THEM to write a better script just so they couldn't have ruined the masterpiece that is Stephanie Meyer's book.

[Spare Me]

Ok, can I ask what you do for a living, Rebekah Irene? IF you are part of the Entertainment Industry, you must be a writer. If you aren't part of the industry, you must be a struggling writer or dreaming of being a writer because your ignorance towards directors typically comes from writers who are unhappy they don't get as much credit as directors do. If you are a writer or want to get into writing, you'd better accept one solid fact...the directors are the captains of the ship...always. It's been that way for years and will continue. Are you serious when you think the writers, who are immensely creative, can be responsible for direction of the cast, crew, etc? Unless the writer also truly understands business and is a true business person, there's no way. Writers are too emotional. Now, don't get me wrong...that's not a bad thing...as long as they aren't in charge of a production. The writers that are business are also directors, if you do your research. By the way, have you ever paid attention to how the studio negotiations go? The Directors Guild ALWAYS negotiates on their own and the other studios follow. So, what do you think that means about the directors? Duh...captains of the ship. And while everyone is entitled to their opinions, you really do sounds like an idiot when you say that, "...losing a director never hurt anyone." Obviously, you really don't know your film history.

[anna]

NO NO NO!

That is exactly what I am afraid of, after Chris Columbus left for HP the movies were terrible! NOOO

[cbk16]

Harry Potter has kept fresh with new directors. For Twilight, after all the criticism from the critics, (also may fans also don't like the film style), it is best to have a new director.

[Stephhead]

Why are we fussing over CH?! It's the screenwriter who needs to go!!!! MR and CH together ruined the movie and that can never be redone. Bad script, lame dramatic effects rather than sticking to the movie and allowing it to be a smooth beautiful story that it is. Kristen will be fine in New Moon, she does unhappy better than she does happy (notice in Twilight you never felt like she was happy? always weird) But regardless of the director, it's the script that makes or breaks the movie adaptation of a beloved book

[andi]

im delighted new moon will have a new director. i thought that twilight was good, but only because of the book. my friend's who haven't read the book were having a hard time following along. she never even explained why edwards eyes change color, i mean come on. and what was the point of the field trip except that it took out too much time for the blood type scene? she did a good job with some things, such as casting and music, but i think thats about it. im excited to have a new director in new moon, but hope that the screen writer keeps true to the story. i think edwards absence is crucial to the story line, unfortunate as that is for rob's fans. im hoping that the newer movies start to get better with each movie, like the harry potter movies. they have done well even with different directors.

<3

[azun]

It is sad that catherine is not going to do the sequel, she understand the books and did keep the essence of it.

I am afraid that Summit wants to have a cheap-rush sequel, but if they do that, without exaggeration or inaccuracy "literally" They will end up paying for it

[potch]

Hardwick did an amazing job. Anyone who doesn't think so obviously isn't intelligent to understand it. She has a passion and love for the series that you're not going to find in another director. Plus I HATE when movies switch directors. It screws with the continuity of the setting and details. Changing directors did NOT help HP.

[Cece]

Catherine Hardwicke is an artistand a talented film maker. Its a shame she is not going to do the next instalment. Susanne Bier (Things We Lost in the Fire)... Miss Bier is super talnted and is able to do sexual tension and loss... New Moon has plenty of that not to mention her incredible camera work. Hopefuly the music is something that they are looking to change as well ;> For me personaly unless they are geting Peter Jackson/ Del Torro to do the next few instalment it had better be a woman. Few get to do work of this scale and since they are the female director friendly prod company this shouldn't be a prob.

[I LOVE THE BOOKS, ambivalent about the movie]

I am glad she's going. The Twilight series needs to have a new director for each film (remember the mechanical wings of the owl in the first HP movie? And now look at the films---very worthy of JK Rowling)

I am sad, however, that the studio is keeping the screen writer. I thought she did a horrible job of adapting the book. The entire courtship of Bella and Edward got lost in translation and the meadow scene was barely recognizable. The tone of that scene in the book and the scene in the movie completely clash. Ugh.

And how dare she alter the story to put more Edward in the story of New Moon? Team Jacob fans will NOT be happy. And neither should Team Edward. Afterall, it takes pain to appreciate the joy in life. The Twilight movie was bad enough, I think it will go downhill from here. I don't plan on seeing any more films. I like the characters and dialogue the way I imagine it inflected as I read the book---seeing Hardwick and Rosenberg's vision was torture. I'm skipping the rest of these films.

[A Twilight Fan]

I think CH did an incredible job of keeping loyal to the book, of casting, and of really bringing Stephenie Meyer's creation to life. I think she gave a lot of young people a real chance, and unlike others, I like the injection of humor in the script.

I'm sorry she's leaving. She wanted more time and budget for New Moon - that's realistic, people. Turn 'em and burn 'em is just going to make this another low-budget sequel, which is really sad.

I hope I'm wrong.

[Heather]

Oh I'm SO glad. Catherine Hardwicke ruined Twilight and now I'm so happy there is some hope left for New Moon. This news MADE MY DAY.

[Jessica M]

I am worried that the direction of the sequel will not follow the book at all. I think the script will be as lackluster as the first. A bad script =bad movie no matter who directs it.

[nita]

Without Catherines vision I fear that New Moon will bomb out at the box office.

Look at this womans's creativity!! She did wonders with this film. She is an amazingy talented person who brought the characters of Twilight alive. No director in Hollywood or anywhere else could possible replace her. The talent she has can't be replaced.

Catherine, is what made this film. Her directing of these wonderfully talented people made the movie. Your movie is only as good as your director.

She should not be expendable. The fans should fight this decision. Start a petition for her to continue directing the sequel. The fans of Twilight have a lot of power. They need to use it to save Catherine.

~Nita~

[Kathleen]

Catherine in an awesome director. She will be missed and Summit will go down...obviously they do not know how to deal with a true artist who delivers! Man, they're scum.

[carla galeano]

I really loved the movie, but to be honest, i thought bella's character was dull and empty lacking everything that made her interesting in the books...the books are written from her perspective and judging her by this movie, we would have been bored after the first chapter...i think it would be great for Joss Whedon to direct the next movie! He's had much experience in turning average girls into interesting characters (Willow, Tara, Cordelia, River etc) and would give Bella the necessary push to hold the second movie. Edward is hardly in the next movie and if Movie-Bella doesn't wake up from the trance she seems to be in, there's no way she can keep us entertained!
Joss would be perfect for this and he would also give the movie the sarcastic aspect it lacked in the first one...yes, the books were romantic and sweet, but they were also funny and sexy and i missed that a lot in the movie.

[andrea]

i'm glad there's going to be a new director, the movie was ok, but it could be so much better. the tone in twilight was weird and awkward, and let's face it, the movie was a little bit cheesy. I think that this change is a good thing

[Hilda]

I think that everything will work out just fine.

Catherine did a good job with what she had budget wise. I will give her HUGE props for her main casting choices. If Summit were wise they will keep all the major players,I.E. The Cullens. Jacob,Billy,ect. The fans will react badly to shake-ups in casting!

IMO,they need to hire another female director. Someone that is going to do right by this franchise!

[Jalyn]

I liked Hardwicke did a okay job with Twilight. Her visions were a lot of mine, but I did not like the closeups, transitions, & the way she put music over every single conversation that they had. One of the things I enjoyed about the book is the conversations between Edward & Bella. I think she did a good job with the casting, but after I seen the movie I was disappointed in Stewart. She looked bored & she just did not give her all as Bella. I know they always change things from the book into the movie, but this book was so simple that they really didn't have to change anything. I am still angry over the part where Edward keeps asking Bella to say it & she says, vampire. Whatever. Lame? It was like they wanted to focus on that more than the love between them. I also felt like the first kiss was too intimate. You have to remember who the audience is & how Bella didn't get so worked up until the third book really. I think she went for a too sexy of a scene with what Bella was wearing. I know a few mothers that were upset due to them bringing their 12 year old daughters. Yes, it was PG-13, but that isn't the point. Hardwicke did okay, but it will be great to see another woman/man view of the book(s).

I hope in New Moon they will show all sides of the story. I agree with someone that stated it would be great to see Edward's point of view since Bella & Jacob continue to do the same thing day in & day out. I think that will give everyone a little inside into his head. Also, I would love to see the Cullens more & how they view things.

One of the things I loved about Twilight (the book) was that Edward was so careful around Bella & careful of being close. But in the movie, he was not afraid to be so close to hear, touch her, & show her his true self. Even though he wants to keep that away from her. I was upset with that.

Movies are never like the books, but.. thats life.

I am happy that Pattinson is back. I think he did a good job as Edward. I was worried at first, but he pulled it off nicely. Also, everyone they cast for the Cullens did great too. Very nice. Now Jacob.. eh. I hope they pick a new Jacob. But all in all, my opinion.

[JohnDemetry]

I loved the movie! It was amazing, if not, alas, great. Catherine Hardwicke is the perfect director for this: nothing in the book compares to the moment Bella enters Bio class in the film... Edward -- repulsed -- winged like an angel (flanked by a stuffed owl), Bella -- self-conscious -- her hair billows against the fan. The danger of sexuality, the grace of Desire. Beautiful. The film is full of that stuff (I don't know why people call this exposition!?!? What more conflict do you need? It's the later "conflict" that seemed not quite to work for me, but all was made right by that heartbreaking prom scene. Killed me.) I was hoping Hardwicke would continue so that she could work through the ideas she introduces. It was like My So-Called Life with Godfather ambitions. In that tradition, I had hopes Part II would be better.

So this is BAD news from my perspective.

Yes, the great d.p. Elliot Davis deserves A LOT of credit. I have no doubt the editor might as well. But only one person could have gotten those performances from those actors. This is a real shame. Oh well, here's hoping Kathryn Bigelow or Sturla Gunnarsson or Neil Jordan or Patrice Chereau (!!!omg!1) will be hired to take over "New Moon". But something tells me they're not looking for artists. Anyone who directs "New Moon" should do screenings of "The Story of Adele H.", "Godfather Part II", and "The Company of Wolves" for inspiration and instruction.

[Jamie]

As long as they get someone who is as passionate about the project as Catherine is and was then we'll be ok, but if they are not having her back so they can rush things out and we get a crappy second movie, they're gonna be shooting themselves in the foot. I hope Summit knows what its doing.

Yes, having the same actors, and the same screenwriter and most of the same crew (ie: costuming, makeup, producer, ect.) will help the continuity of the film even with a different director, so I hope they've kept all of those ducks in a row.

It just seemed as if not just Kristen and Rob have great chemistry, but them along with Catherine together.

[stacie]

i'm not sure why everyone is so thrilled with CH not being in on the sequels. understandably, twilight the movie could have been MUCH better, but i agree.. it has much to do with the screen writing. the two main characters HARDLY talked to each other throughout the entire movie, MR basically wrote in scene after scene of them staring at each other as if they were drugged out. that's my only complaint about MR though, i do think she did a fantastic job at condensing that huge book.

my only hope is that whoever the new director is, they have equal the passion towards the project as CH did... bc i have a feeling the real reason she's not coming back is bc she's being handed a limited budget again. and we all saw those "special" effects in twilight. god help us if they don't get the money they need to do the werewolves correctly... if they fall flat in new moon, we can expect the worse for eclipse (and don't even get started on breaking dawn... people need to stop focusing on that book getting its turn as a movie, bc if new moon is worse then twilight, you can kiss any chance of that goodbye... can you say direct-to-dvd starring a completely different cast)

as the article mentions above, we have MUCH to be thankful for from CH.. she did cast the best actors in my opinion (who had to struggle with making a lacking script rise). i'm keeping my fingers crossed that new moon either keeps on pace with twilight, or is better. summit... please take the time and resources to do it correctly!

[Tracey]

Does it really matter? How is it that suddenly Twilight is the tour de force in the movie world? Who cares? It's just another tween movie -- albeit with a rather hot lead actor, IMO -- but that's it, it's a film.

It's not Harry Potter, and it won't ever be near the league of HP fandom because Rowling hit a niche at the right time (and I can say this without prejudice as I can't stand HP anymore, despite once being a large fan). Twilight is good -- and I've got all the books, and even reread them a few times.

But that's it, it's just GOOD. It won't be fantastic, and it won't be crap. It's medicore, so really, complaining about the screenwriter or who the director is won't change anything when the material you have to work with is only ho-hum. It takes a lot of talent to bring something like that to extraordinary and let's face it, unless it's Nolan or Spielberg, what's the likelihood of this film series being anything more than just a passing fad?