Since the release of “Eclipse,” the third movie in the “Twilight Saga” series, fans have been speculating how book four would be handled. Many were pleased to hear that the producers intended to break it down into two movies, the same as was done with the final Harry Potter book. But for those who were intimately familiar with the book “Breaking Dawn,” the question arose of where they would make the break from movie one to movie two. Other questions revolved around how the producers would portray the gory childbirth scene and just how much of the wedding night activities viewers would be shown. For those who attended midnight showings last night, these questions have finally been answered.
Spoiler Alert
It is unlikely that a single viewer of “Breaking Dawn” anticipated movie one to end before getting a glimpse of Renesmee and seeing Bella become a vampire. These expectations were minimally met with the movie showing the baby’s face up close only once for a brief moment and no clear full body view of the fully converted Bella. The camera circles Bella from above toward the end of her transformation as she’s lying on a table dressed in a designer dress (compliments of Alice). The changes to her face from gaunt to smooth are shown in profile and the final image of the movie is an up close shot of Bella’s blood-red eyes popping open.
The childbirth scene began with the spilled cup of blood, just as in the book. The breaking of Bella’s body was well done with Bella appearing to nearly crack in half backwards. Many of the details regarding the birth provided in the book are, of course, not able to be conveyed in the movie, but the producers did a decent job of portraying the difficulty of extracting the anomalous child. All in all, the scene was minimally gory but managed to make its point. The damage done to Bella’s body made it clear that she would die unless changed into a vampire.
The wedding night may be a disappointment to those hoping for a juicy sex scene. The original scene was more graphic, but being targeted at teenagers, producers tamed the scene to avoid an “R” rating. Generous views of Edward and Bella’s backs (not backsides) are the only real nudity to be seen. The audience did, however, enjoy watching Edward crush the headboard of the bed.
Summary
For those who love the “Twilight” books, this movie is likely to please. There was very little deviation from the book, with only inconsequential adjustments made for continuity. It is likely, too, that they will enjoy the movie more than those who have not read the books. Knowing the details that the movie is unable to share provides a better appreciation and understanding for the details that it does share. With “Breaking Dawn Part 2” comes the end of a second gigantically successful series. What new adventures await “Harry Potter” and “Twilight” fans only time can tell.
Paula McCullough - Tax Specialist and Accountant for almost 20 years and still learning. Mother of three young children, one with Autism.
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