Chris Weitz Talks New Moon Reviews & Opening Weekend
Entertainment Weekly has a great interview with Chris where he talks about the movie reviews for New Moon and opening weekend.
What was your biggest fear going into [opening] weekend?
I didn’t have any particular fears. The tracking numbers were enough to indicate that I wouldn’t be letting the studio down. But if one could imagine their biggest fears, it would be complete rejection of the movie, by the fans. What I’ve realized over the last week is I won’t necessarily get good reviews for this movie. Having swallowed that, this was made for the fans, and if you don’t get it, then you don’t get it.Did the negative reviews surprise you?
Nothing surprises me in terms of reviews. Having been a reviewer myself, there are only two ways to spin this story. You can either be the one guy who says this is a great movie, or more likely, take a more jaundiced view of the whole thing. And given the media blitz that has accompanied New Moon, it’s rather unsurprising. I do wish there was more appreciation for cinematographer Javier Aguirresarobe. I think he’s a genius and I think he made something beautiful.A lot of fans say they like the movie more than the book, that New Moon was their least favorite book in the series.
New Moon takes a lot of time to read and you have a lot of time without Edward in the picture. And here in the compressed scenario of the movie, there is less time without RPatz. And the fact that Taylor [Lautner] does such a great job, to the reading audience who’s been very skeptical of him, here he is in the flesh, and it’s quite something.
Read more at EW.
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November 24th, 2009 at 5:28 PM
coooool
November 24th, 2009 at 5:30 PM
I loved NM. I just wanted a little of Bella’s Lullaby.
November 24th, 2009 at 5:33 PM
“You don’t get it. You don’t get it.” YOU GO CHRIS!!!
November 24th, 2009 at 5:34 PM
I am disappointed in the slightly negative reviews, but I suppose that I should not be surprised. This was, after all, a movie for the fans. Chris Weitz seems to have embraced this fact by discussing the reception from critics that may not necessarily be as invested in the saga.
I absolutely loved New Moon. It was an adaptation of an immensely popular series, yes, but it was also an entertaining FILM in its own right. I can’t wait to see the deleted footage that he has promised for the New Moon DVD.
November 24th, 2009 at 5:35 PM
“…this was made for the fans and if you don’t get it, you don’t get it.” - THAT’S WHY I LOVE HIM!!!
November 24th, 2009 at 5:51 PM
I’m one of those people who didn’t favor the second book as much as the rest, and so I suppose I expected the movie to be a bit dull. However, like Chris said, the movie deserves credit for the cinematography, and I believe Chris deserves even more credit for making the film FOR THE FANS–and not to please movie critics (most of whom I think are…well, nevermind).
November 24th, 2009 at 5:54 PM
Well, the second book is absolutely one of my favorites in the series. It introduces some incredible antagonists, as well as the wolf pack. It’s also one of the most significant books as far as critically examining Bella’s relationship with Edward is concerned, and how it could possibly survive under the circumstances.
November 24th, 2009 at 5:59 PM
I think Chris did a fantastic job. I’m sure the critics are just tired of seeing so MUCH Twilight Saga stuff. Honestly, though, (and no offense to Catherine Hardwicke fans) I think Chris did a MUCH better job. The whole thing looks so much more professional and flows better–and New Moon was my favorite book; I was so glad that he did so well. I was looking forward to the film because there wouldn’t be much “RPattz” in it. (I’m not a hater, just not a fan. He was easily the worst actor in this film. He was just so dead and cold–no pun intended).
Anyhoo (I didn’t mean to leave such a long comment), I’m quite happy with Chris’ work, certainly much more so than Catherine Hardwicke’s, and I feel kind of sad for him that he doesn’t seem to be getting as good reviews as he and the rest of the brilliant crew deserve.
November 24th, 2009 at 6:09 PM
I never have understood the job of a critic. To me - everyone has their OWN opinion. A critic is telling youTHEIR opinion. It is a stupid job. Anyway, I loved the movie. It had action, romance, comedy, suspense, etc.I think Hardwick & Weitz both did an amazing job. What people need to realize, was that NM had a bigger budget than Twilight. They were both AWESOME!!!
November 24th, 2009 at 6:19 PM
New Moon was my favorite book and I think the movie was pretty much perfect in comparison to the book. Chris did AMAZING! Those critics don’t know what they’re talking about. I’m gratefull for Chris and the crew, they did great.
What I find funny is half of the critics probably haven’t read the books, don’t like the themes presented, or aren’t giving it an open minded chance. Just like tons of people I know, have said, “Oh, that’s dumb,” but haven’t ever read the books or even watched the movies. I find it soooo amusing when they finally break down and watch it and…like it!!! Haha.
November 24th, 2009 at 6:32 PM
Have you guys HEARD what they’re saying on the comments below this article on EW? They’re BASHING Chris! Go put those haters in shape like I did!
November 24th, 2009 at 6:34 PM
I rarely devote any of my energy to combating Internet haters. I don’t see what Chris did to deserve any such bashing, since he’s a genuinely nice guy who made an incredible movie for the fans.
November 24th, 2009 at 6:40 PM
yeah i mean new moon was different than wut i had thought but it is growing on me ! and rob looks hot in that pix ! but no way was new moon horrible at all ! I LOVE IT ! but im not quite ready for eclipse countdown mode yet ! i am still in shock !
November 24th, 2009 at 6:51 PM
@Jess
The guys running the EW site are pretty moronic. They never monitor their comments. =P I know it’s a free country and we can say whatever we want and blah blah–but seriously…basic courtesy doesn’t apply online. It really stinks.
November 24th, 2009 at 6:53 PM
It really bothers me that people like New Moon the least. I dont speak of everyone but i think most people the first time reading the series automatically hated NM because edward left. The whole series is not just about bella and edward, jake is a really important character. So are all the wolves. Again i dont speak of everyone. but ive heard people say something like “i couldnt even finish reading new moon once edward left it was terrible”
New Moon was my favorite book in fact. (but i am team jacob so that might be part of the reason lol )
November 24th, 2009 at 7:08 PM
@Kay: I know. It’s so annoying. And it’s not even constructive criticism. Just plain bashing.
So rude!
November 24th, 2009 at 7:09 PM
I seriously HATE when critics say bad stuff about new moon and twilight when they don’t understand the movies/books in the first place. One review I read said the wolfpack was “immune to wearing actual clothing” (but you know in a much meaner way. Like if that person actually knew something about new moon, they would know that when they turn into wolves their clothes rip AND their already 108 degrees. Ever wanna punch someone in the face and you don’t know them? Thats what i feel like everytime i read a bad New Moon review
November 24th, 2009 at 7:12 PM
The movie was literally AMAZING. New Moon wasnt really my fave of the series but the movie was so…so idk . It just left me speechless, it was simply great. I loved it. So thnx Chris, I really hoped that you wouldnt see the negative reviews, but now that you have I really hope u in no way feel bad bcos we the fans thought u did an incredible job and the movie was PHENOMENAL!!
November 24th, 2009 at 7:13 PM
to jacobblack_aaf:
Exactly! I know a LOT of people (so please dont be offended this does not apply to everyone) who say New Moon is horrible because Edward left. Uh… if you’re only reading the books for Edward….. I dont think you can nessecarily (SP?!) call them a fan. So shya im not talking about everyone but in my opinion Edward Cullen shouldn’t but someones only reason to read the books and say their “obsessed”.
November 24th, 2009 at 7:33 PM
I love chris weitz! i mean yeah i’m totally team edward, but that doesn’t mean i can’t appreciate watching some jacob! =]
i mean we all know who she picks so we have nothing to be worried about
I hope he comes back to direct breaking dawn, i know i’m in like the small small smalllll minority of twilight fans that don’t like breaking dawn and i think he would do a good job with making it better than the book (please don’t yell at me! ha =])
November 24th, 2009 at 7:44 PM
@jacobblack_aaf: i am so team edward and new moon is my favorite beside twilight! if that means anything…
i agree, Chris should be damn proud! lol he totally did a phenomenal job. and when the credits started rolling, my first thought (besides WHAT?! OMG AMAZING) was ‘i wish he directed eclipse!!!!
November 24th, 2009 at 7:46 PM
@B: I’m kind of scared because whenever people ask the cast what they liked about David Slade they shy away from that question and talk about Chris Weitz (who is awesome). So I hope Eclipse is awesome!
November 24th, 2009 at 8:26 PM
I think people are shying about from David Slade’s work because we’re still focusing on New Moon. The real dirt will come in soon!
By the way…Chris Weitz is genius! THANK YOU for the incredible film!
November 24th, 2009 at 8:33 PM
I have to say that NM, the book, is not my fav out of the series. My reasons for that are that is seems to be a slower read than the rest despite the added characters & action. I never found myself falling in love with Jacob, and though I know the point was to be depressed, it was just too much so for me… HOWEVER, everything that i did not particularly like about the book, CW “fixed” for lack of a better term. I giggled several times, loved the one-liners through out the movie. I found myself FINALLY able to see the other side to the argument of who would be better for Bella. Taylor not only nailed him, but IMHO, actually improved Jacob for me. Most important to me, the movie didnt seem to drag on as the book did for me. It was the perfect mix for me. I LOVED his sequences for the months that pass, the hunt for the wolves/Victoria, especially the wolves chasing Victoria with the crow overhead. Couldnt picture the slow-mo in my head as they were describing it before hand, but loved it vs all the blur of the moving at vampire speed. LOVED the improved “sparkle”. Actually the only thing negative I can think of to say about it was that I wasnt a big fan of the costume designs and some of the vamp makeup. I am NOT a CH hater, I LOVED & LOVE Twilight the movie, but now after seeing CW’s movie and all that he was able to achieve with the movie, that out of the 4 that I was the least excited to see, in such a short amount of time & money-well he is my new hero!
@Jess, I have noticed that too, I am trying to keep hope that it was just because they were focusing their energy on promoting the here & now that is New Moon and not because Eclipse (my fav) is any lesser of an experience. I guess time will tell, but regardless after seeing NM-I now soooooo want CW to do Breaking Dawn!!!!!
November 24th, 2009 at 9:42 PM
new moon was amazing…chris weitz is an amazing director and the movie soo close to the book…he is awsome!!!!!
November 24th, 2009 at 10:53 PM
They are giving away 4 free tickets to New Moon movie and a copy of the book for email. you better get yours befour it runs out.http://myfreebiesandsamples.blogspot.com/2009/11/4-free-tickets-to-new-moon-movie.html
November 25th, 2009 at 12:02 AM
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November 25th, 2009 at 2:07 AM
I think Chris did a truely wonderful job, I really loved the movie. I dont especially care what a jaded film critic believes. Actually, do any of us?
November 25th, 2009 at 8:04 AM
Great interview. Chris is a decent guy, and a very good director. He did right by us fans, and that’s all that matters.
November 25th, 2009 at 8:01 PM
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