“ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What was your biggest fear going into [opening] weekend?
CHRIS WEITZ: 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.”
Aw, Chris ‘gets’ it.
I love you Chris! you did such a great job with new moon! You are the best!!
It’s funny he mentioned the cinematographer because I was perusing the Eclipse IMDb site today and saw that they were using the same cinematographer from New Moon. I was so happy!!! I think this was a very visually beautiful movie in every conceivable way. It was everything Twilight the movie should have been.
Not only was it visually beautiful, but the score was achingly perfect. It was sad and haunting and lovely all at once. I hope and pray that David Slade keeps Alexandre Desplat on for Eclipse. Or at least, is allowed to use the theme he created. That melody is exactly how I imagined Bella’s lullaby (not the Carter Burwell version… sorry to say that).
Chris Weitz, if you’re reading this (which I doubt, but that would be cool…haha)… don’t listen to reviewers!!! They are paid to be cynical, jaded and critical. You are right… this was for the fans and, speaking as a fan – I couldn’t have been more thrilled with how this turned out! It exceeded my expectations tremendously and I honestly wish there was a way you could go back and re-make Twilight! Haha! I wanted to cry last year after seeing Twilight for the first time. It was so pathetically awful, it broke my heart. You have completely redeemed this story for me! You’ve made me want to read the books again, which I honestly didn’t have the heart to do after the first film.
Summit, Chris, anyone who’s listening… can we start a petition to have Chris direct Breaking Dawn??? Pllllease?
I agree with you! After watching twilight I was sooo pissed because it wasnt like the book at all!! And in New Moon Chris stayed true to the book. I loved so much the movie although this isn’t my favorite book. He did a super great job!
I couldn’t agree more about the soundtrack, I was very disappointed at first, but when I heard it with the movie… I got it! Very well done!
It’s weird when I listened to the soundtrack before the movie came out, I was so disappointed–the songs just didn’t do it for me. But while I was watching–oh man, was I bawling my eyes out especially during those empty months (*impossibiliteee*). So now I love the soundtrack. It has a meaning now.
shes saying “its a possibility…….”
I cant help but feel disappointed at the critics and haters..i know i shouldnt let it get to me, but it rips me up inside…that people like SM, CW, the actors….should all be hated on…it makes me sad because they are all such wonderful people =(…i loved this movie so much…because chris did one thing that catherine really didnt do..and that was he captured the essence of new moon perfectly…
I’m just going to go ahead and do this… Am I the only one who thinks Chris Weitz is hot? There. I said it.
He IS hot! I want to kiss him for doing such an awesome job with my favorite of Steph Meyer’s books. Yes, New Moon is my favorite… I guess I’m a glutton for torture because I am SO Team Edward. Lol!
bwahahaahaha!!!!! I’ve always thought Chris is good-looking but you just melt when a guy is smart AND funny AND self-deprecating (sounds familiar?).
Yes!!! He can direct me anytime! j/k I had to say it. No, seriously he carried the book under his arm just so he can get it right. I love a dedicated man! Thank you Chris Weitz!
Especially since the haircut.
The critics have their opinion doesn’t mean I should not see for myself. I loved it just like I loved the books.
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.
As a fan, I enjoyed the movie very much. As Chris Weitz said, New Moon was visually spectacular.
Something else that infuriates me about the reception:
Chud, an entertainment website, reviewed New Moon and awarded it a 2/10. Deven Faraci, the owner of Chud (he’s a moronic guy who injects his articles with snark and plenty of arrogance), said that he was “pleased” when he heard the rumor that Chris Weitz may be taking an extended break from movies. After reading the storyline of Chris Weitz’s upcoming film, he arrogantly called it “Oscar-bait”. I responded, “So, all stories that deal with human connections have to be Oscar-bait? What a cynic.”
I agree with you Matt. I don’t ever listen to the critics anyways I go to movies to enjoy myself and feel that the opinion that matters is mine and I LOVED NEW MOON ! I have to disagree that the movie was better then the book. I love New Moon but the book was beautiful in it’s own way that nothing will ever compete with it.
THANK YOU CHRIS WEITZ AND I REALLY HOPE YOU COME BACK !
So that’s the name of the cinematographer. Javier Aguirresarobe. I was so giddy looking at the end credits that all I really remember is Peter Lambert, the editor. Why, Chris, you really put up a great team! Kudos!
Yep. Javier is incredibly talented, and his focus made New Moon one visually superb film. Thankfully, he also returned for Eclipse.
Uh, did you guys read the comment blog? Did Chris Weitz really respond to this Tom Brazelton guy? If so, cool.
Doubtful. Online impersonation is incredibly easy. I know that Chris *does* read a lot on the Internet, particularly when he was making The Golden Compass, but we shouldn’t simply assume that it’s him because someone was easily able to type in “Chris Weitz” for the “Name” in the comment box.
I was never impressed by the critics anyway, they don’t make the movie, they help very little with the box office returns (if at all lol). And let’s face it, they were prepared to dislike new moon from the beginning. Just like the fans reacting differently, wishing for other scenes to be included, so the bottomline is you can’t please everone (haha lame).
all i can say is WOW.
Chris Weitz made me veryyy impressed…
i’m impressed by how he answered the questions…
and for that,
THANK YOU VERY MUCH, CHRIS WEITZ…
Judging by the comments here, wow, it seems like Chris Weitz did a great job in making a movie for fans.
I’ve not yet watch the movie but it makes me very much more excited for it.
I was very impressed with NM and Chris Weitz! He had the guts to stick to the books for the fans…that is very rare. I am so thankful for his vision of NM.
I’m going to see it for the 3rd time tonight! So excited!
What makes a film a success? Is it satisfying to the movie goer? Is it loved by the audience? Does the film have artistic elements in cast, script, direction, cinemography, musical score? Are the critics being negitive because it’s a genre that appeals mostly to females? (my husband loves the mythology of the Twilight Saga, enjoyed watching the movie Twilight, and plans to see New Moon).
It maybe that the critics are jealous that these books and films are a huge success with an audience, who for the most part, are not buying into their reviews, making the critic irrevelant.
I’m soooo jealous woth all of you who have seen NM multiple times… I’ll only see it on Thursday… Can’t wait!
Here are my thoughts on the critics:
1. What makes them experts? Some may be well-qualified (probably those from major media or industry-news outlets) but I think a lot of them are simply paid to express their personal opinion, be it an educated one or not.
2. In a situation like this, they are rendered useless. Their opinion doesn’t matter – the target audience for this movie is going to go see it regardless of what they have to say, which I can’t imagine doesn’t bug them a little. Their whole reason for being is moot.
Couldn’t agree more!!!
So true!!! & to be honest, a movie that had made more than $ 140 million need the critics thumbs up? I don’t think so!!! NM has the best (& some) impartial critics:”The Fans”
My problem with the negative critics is that it seems to be that every time a movie is geared towards a female audience, it gets a bad review. Which I find rather insulting as a woman, because not only do I go see romantic movies, “chick flicks”, and dramas, I go see action and horror as well – so my opinion should matter.
That being said, NEW MOON (and coincidentally the rest of the Twilight Saga) is NOT a movie for critics. It’s a movie for the fans, and quite honestly I wouldn’t want it any other way. I wanted to see an adaptation of the books I loved so much, not some cheap Hollywood version of it.
I LOVED Chris’ version of New Moon, even though it’s my least favorite book. I thought he did an extraordinary job. Everything was improved, the filming, the editing, the script, the content, the acting.
That being said, if critics don’t like it – they can shove it. Twilight fans have proved that what they have to say doesn’t matter, hello 142M opening weekend!
I wonder what the actors think of all the negative reviews. I’m sure they’ve seen negative reviews from their other films too but for someone like Kristen (for example) she seems to get bother quite easily by the media and what they write about her and or Rob, be it true or false.
I’m just curious how much it affects them when they read these horrible reviews. I mean, I’ve read a few of them and some of these critics are almost hurtfully mean to the actors, screenwriter and director.
So unfair, but the movie did make a ton f money so hopefully the actors & CW know that the fans appreciated all their hard work and doesn’t let it bother them.
That is normally why I ignore the reviews: some of them go beyond simply reviewing the movie and directly attack crew members, certain actors, or the fanbase. It’s not particularly difficult to feel the venom behind their words.
Agree! There is an entire industry, that is a subset of the entertainment industry, that exists only to cruelly put people down. It’s really pathetic. A negative review that’s objective and constructive, okay, but some of the things I’ve read cross the line. I don’t envy famous people!
LOVE YOU CHRIS WEITZ! LOVE WHAT YOU DID WITH NEW MOON! The critics be damned! This was made for us fans, and we felt the love,truly we did! I actually know a few people who go to see movies strictly based on critics’ reviews. Pfft! As if they cannot form an opinion for themselves! As if they need to have an ‘authority’ tell them what they will enjoy and what they won’t! What a bunch of cheeseheads! The only important thing is that he didn’t let the fans down. He came through. In spades. Team Chris!
Chris you are awsome!!!!
Thank you for a kick butt movie!!!
Loved it!!!!
and we have to remember us the fans are the ones buying the movies tickets and making this film a huge success now!!!
They (movie crittics)got their screaning free for doing their job of trashing movies. When is the last time anyone acutally liked one that they did anyway?
I really need to stop reading this reviews bec I just end up pissed off. It’s just really frustratingly irritating to see these lame a–es hate so badly on the film, saga, and even its crew. I can only imagine how Chris most feel with this being his second book adaptation film being totally ripped on by critics again. But you got to love his integrality from his statement that said it all, “this was made for the fans, and if you don’t get it, then you don’t get it.” Plus when he was announced as director he gave us, the fans, a letter smoothing our fears that he would keep true to book and do it justice. I have such respect for a man that can keep to his word, himself, and his work. Thank you so much Chris. We, the fan, loved YOUR work.
I loved it and completely agree with what everyone is saying. I also hope the cast and crew arent too bothered by reviewers I mean seriously surely the biggest vote is by the people and people are talking about this movie everywhere I go and everyone is loving it and incredibly impressed with Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner particularly. So good job guys! and I agree Chris Weitz for Breaking Dawn!!
Chris Weitz, you did a beautiful job and we, the fans, can’t thank you enough for making New Moon the movie we all wanted to see. We support you, respect you and want you back for Breaking Down. You are a very sensitive, talented and wonderful human being!
I say we start some trend on twitter to show Chris some love…something like #WeloveUChrisWeitz or something like that…to show this man we don’t care about the critics and neither should he!Or some video on youtube or something along with a petition for him to direct Breaking Down because now we know he won’t let us down….
What do u think guys?
i loved it! i dont care what the other haters have to say about it..
I’m really upset with the reviews & ratings of “New Moon” (esp. on IMDB).
I wouldn’t call myself a fan of the Saga- I think the books are so poorly written that it hurts, even though the idea for the story is quite interesting. However, I read them all & I have to admit that I waited impatiently for the “New Moon” adaptation as that volume deeply appealed to me on the emotional level (yep, I’m a bit of a masochist;)
After “Twilight” movie (which I can describe as
completely makeshift, even if it had its charm & atmosphere) I didn’t have high expectations, but Chris Wietz managed to deliver a surprisingly good picture. And I know what I’m saying- I’m not an expert, but I’m a real movie junkie for sure, so I’ve watched tones of films in my life.
“New Moon” is a professional piece of cinema- the story runs smoothly, the montage is great, the photography is impressing & crisp. Even the screenplay improved (though I’m no fan of Mrs. Rosenberg whatsoever). CGI effects are satisfying as well. Most of the actors are doing their job great (especially Kristen, who I actually loathed in the first movie- but in the second one she delivers an amazing performance). As a person who is a huge music lover I’m also VERY pleased with the soundtrack & the score. Mr. Desplat composed music which elevates this movie to another level. Burwell’s score was edgy, climatic & original, but remained in the comfortable “teen” music zone, whereas Desplat’s work is a fully orchestrated, elegant, classic piece of ART. Burwell’s Lullaby was pretty, yet quite mediocre for my liking. In “New Moon” we finally get a beautiful, highly emotional piano composition which reminds me a bit of “Love Story” melancholic theme. I’ve actually listened to the score a couple of times & come to a conclusion that it could fit any “Wuthering Heights”-type of romance as well. Which is good, because Meyer’s story needs a bit of universality added to it, at least when it comes to such visual media as cinema.
All in all, “New Moon” is much more interesting than the first movie, even though the story in the book seemed so slow & static. This movie actually has some real “tissue”, if you know what I mean.
I think we all realize that “Twilight” movies are not Fellini or Bergman type of thing, right?
They’re here to entertain crowds & make money. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be at least decent & that we can’t simply enjoy them. Taking that into consideration, they should be appreciated for what they are.
But it seems that the mega-hoopla created around Saga provokes many haters who really undermine the director’s & crew’s efforts which is a great pity. If “New Moon” was just another movie of the year, I think it would be judged in a more fair way.
That’s why I really feel for Chris Weitz – he did a great job. I have lots of respect for him.
why would get on here and say you’re upset by the movie reviews and then slam the books? that’s kind of contridictory and insulting to most of the people on this site who love the books.
if you’re upset by the movie reviews, don’t you think people would be upset by reading your book review? lol!
Well, partially you’re right.
I’m just the kind of person who tends to be overly straightforward sometimes, sorry.
But just as the Twilight movies are not Fellini or Bergman type of thing, the Saga is nowhere near Shakespeare or Proust. And I’m not saying that because I’m another hater or because I don’t like the hype around it. This is just my opinion after reading those 4 books. I think S. Meyer is a good story-teller, but not a good writer (esp. when it comes to language).
However, it’s your right to diagree with me. You can love S. Meyer’s style. You can also hate it, but still dig the books.
I was just wondering if ANYONE knew who makes Bellas sweater vest and shirt in the Classroom scene???
Has anyone seen/read The Golden Compass? The series is amazing. The movie was decent giving the fact that New Line screwed it up. I think we should get Summit to redo The Golden Compass and have Chris direct it, since the other studio did such a poor job and did not care about the readers or Phillip Pullman.
But then again, Chris did put his heart and soul into that movie and probably does not want to make it again.
Only wishful thinking over here.
New Moon was beautifully made. Thank you Chris, Javier, and Summit!
I thought New Moon was a beautiful movie. It was so epic and grand in so many ways. I actually loved it and NM is my least favorite book. Well done Chris & I hope you direct BD!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH CHRIS WEITZ FOR MAKING NEW MOON SUCH AN AMAZING MOVIE! I LOVE YOU! PLEASE COME BACK FOR BREAKING DAWN!?