Robert Pattinson
As Twilight mania hits UK shores again with the release of the latest in the vampire saga Breaking Dawn, education charity FILMCLUB has been asking Twilight cast, filmmakers and some famous fans about why they believe the films have become a smash-hit phenomenon with a dedicated army of fans.
Actor Charlie Bewley (‘Demetri’) told the charity; 'I think a lot of people emphasise with the movie and the book franchise because it’s like that forbidden love and its fuelled by the passions, emotions, hormones and desires of all these youngsters and I think that’s probably what’s made it so big.'
Breaking Dawn director Bill Condon added that he thought that the 'fantasy and wish fulfilment side of it' was one of the main reasons for the film’s popularity, whereas producer Wyck Godfrey believed the love story was the core attraction saying; 'I think that its because Edward is so perfect, Jacob is so perfect and people look to these books and hopefully the movies to experience deep romance.'
Twilight star Robert Pattinson, who plays vampire Edward Cullen, even admitted he was a little baffled by the phenomenon around the films, saying; 'I know people are kind of obsessed with it but I don’t know what the end result of their obsession is!'
Celebrity fans also joined the discussion - Strictly Come Dancing star Holly Valance said: 'I wish I had had something like this in my childhood where it was a book that I loved to death and it got made on to the big screen.
'I didn’t have anything like that so I’m quite jealous of the younger generation under me now that get to enjoy such imagination and great story telling and get into such epic adventure.'
And pop star Pixie Lott believed the smash-hit vampire saga appealed; 'Because teens especially love it, because I think it covers all areas - romance, action, fantasy, every involved!'
Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part One is the first of the final part of the phenomenally successful franchise of films adapted from the Stephanie Meyers books, but it is also only one of several vampire flicks that have captured film lover’s audiences. So if you like your movies with bite, try these recommendations from FILMCLUB;
1. Dracula (1931, PG): Bram Stoker's immortal vampire creation creeps onto the screen in what is perhaps his most famous incarnation.
2. The Lost Boys (1987, 15): This classic American '80s film sees two teen brothers move to a new town in California and have to pit themselves against a gang of biker vampires.
3. Let The Right One In (2008, 15): Beautifully atmospheric, haunting Swedish horror about a bullied kid who makes friends with the vampire who's moved in next door.
4. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1992, 15): The comedic film which inspired the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series, about teen cheerleader-turned-vampire-killer Buffy Summers.
5. Night Watch (2004, 15): Hit Russian fantasy horror packed with creatures and spirits about the battle between the light and dark sides over a child born with special powers.
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