Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Sheer Annoyance

Okay...Don't hate me, but, that is what I felt the entire time I made myself sit through the Twilight Movie last night. The book was definitely better, and I really didn't like the book! I really wanted to try to understand something that so many of my friends absolutely love. So I keep trying. But it comes down to this... When I hear about how great Twilight is, and how Meyer is the "bestest" writer in the world, I feel like I've entered the fourth dimension. I cannot begin to conceive how the mediocre writing, predictable plot, and poor characters of the book could have generated so much frenzied fandom. Twilight for me read like a Sweet Valley book with a Jesse McCartney type vampire. Worst of all, it brings the mystery of the wonderful vampire mythology down to the level of the screamy fangirl . Real Vampire lore means something to me. Good verses Evil, Light Verses Dark. Meyer has tried to change the meaning and symbolism of it all without really understanding what it is really all about. How light, when the dawn finally breaks, after the darkest night, keeps evil away. It is our greatest protection, not something that makes sparkles! There is so much more that is not evident in her books. She has no right to call her characters Vampires. They are something else. She De-fanged the Vampire!

I do think Meyer is smart enough. It is hard to break into the publishing world. And good for her that she is successful. But I remain extremely unimpressed. I realize people are going to hate me; Fortunately, there are not too many people who read my blog! Everyone has an opinion. Mine just happens to be different from most of yours, So don't hate me. I realize that maybe I am the one who is out of touch. And I am certainly no expert. But can someone please help me understand?

17 comments:

Lisa said...

I'm not mad. I've accepted it. And like to tease you. :o) But I will say in response to trying to make you understand...To me it's not so much the characters and I'm not "in love" with Edward. In fact Bella really bugs me. It all comes down to how I felt when I was reading it. I liked it. That's all.

Ginni Bingham LeVar said...

Rachel, I sure do love you! You know how to make me laugh. You were probably not trying to elicit that response in people but that is just what came out, laughter. I love the reference to Sweet Valley (virtually porn in my house).

Rachel B said...

Thanks for not getting mad at me!!!

Kylie said...

Yes, for me it was more entertainment. I am usually making fun of the Twilight books with the rest of them! There are sooo many lame things that happen and I really didn't get into #2 as much because of how lame Bella is. BUT, I was entertained and still into the story and though I laughed at several parts in the movie, I still had fun. But I also love cheesy stuff, so there is that. =)

jillybean22 said...

I'm totally cool with you having your opinion. The thing for me is that vampires are not real. And because they don't actually exist, they can be whatever somebody imagines that they are. Her vampires are different than the traditional version, sure. But vampires can be whatever anyone wants them to be, because it is all just stories and legends. I think the symbolism of vampire folklore can be different for everyone. I have never been into vampire books or movies so maybe that is why I don't find the Twilight books offensive. Sometimes I like cheesy, like Kylie, and most of the time I am reading because I want to escape to another world. And I think that's all she's trying to create. I think your awesome, Rachel, and if everybody liked all the same stuff, life would be really boring. :)

Rachel B said...

Yes, Jill. You have some good points. You are right about creative license and writers being able to create whatever universe they want to create. And of course Vampires are not real. I just have a habit trying to find deeper meaning in most of the books that I read, and I find the Twilight series terribly shallow. And sometimes I enjoy reading shallow books. But I just don't understand how so many women can compare the Twilight Books with truly great literature that so many seem to insist on comparing it with.

Rachel B said...

And Jill, I do think you are awesome and smart and amazing...
and I really appreciate you not getting mad and offended! And Ginni, that is so funny about Sweet Valley High! You're funny!

Miranda said...

I would never be mad at your for not liking Twilight. I couldn't stand the movie either...wish I had the 3 hours of my life back...HONESTLY.

You know me...I cannot get into Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings...and I know you love them both. But we're still friends Ü

Greg & Andrea said...

Well I LOVED the twilight books. But I have to admit that Bella drove me crazy through out all 3 books. And for me I liked the fact that Meyer put a different spin on Vampires. I like to have new ideas on old things like that. Everyone always thinks of Vampires as evil it was cool to think of them in a different way. And I just loved the way I felt as I read about Bella and Edwards love. It was the same love struck feeling you get when you first start dating someone new. It was just a fun read for me. But I do agree that the movie was not so great. But I don't hate you. Everyone had their own opinion.

Chelsea Stebar said...

I totally agree with everything you said. But you know that already. :)

Rachel B said...

Yay Chelsea!

Lisa said...

I just bought my very own copy of Twilight (the book) at Target tonight. So there! :o)

Rachel B said...

Lisa, I really am happy for you that there is something in this world that brings you so much JOY!!! I am still looking for mine!!! ;)

Laura said...

So I think I am the only person in the world who hasn't read the books or seen the movie! Yes, it is true. I do want to see the movie on dvd and think I might read at least the first book this summer. But I have also heard her writing is really poor quality- hence, why you can read the book in like one night...

Rachel B said...

Laura, I would have to say that I enjoyed reading the Tori Spelling Book much much more!!!

Amber said...

Well you know I LOVE TWIILIGHT! But I really don't like the movie (poor acting, directing and storyline in no way reflected the many reasons we love the books). I think I loved the books so much because it took me back to my first feelings of being in love. Not many books have been able to do that for me (actually no other books have done that). I've had that love triangle before and I think although Bella would drive me crazy, it was a fun escape. I also like how she has gotten many "nonreaders" interested in reading. I know you don't like it, and that is okay. I still love you, just like you still love us for loving the books.

Rachel B said...

Thanks everyone for being so kind and not getting mad. You are all great, and right, that literature comes in all forms and everyone likes diffrent things. So I respectfully agree that Stephanie Meyer has tapped into something that lots of people love, and for that, I can agree that she must be on to something...and I am sure she laughs at people who are her critics, like me, everytime she goes to the bank.