Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion by Mark Cotta Vaz is an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Twilight film, offering fans an extensive visual and narrative journey through its production, from casting and set design to costume choices and special effects.
Book Information
Title: Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion
Author: Mark Cotta Vaz
ISBN: 978-0316043137
Genres: Nonfiction, Film & Television, Behind-the-Scenes, Photography, Pop Culture
Published: October 28, 2008
Introduction: The Cultural Impact of Twilight
Before delving into the book itself, it's important to recognize the enormous impact of Twilight—both as a novel series and as a film franchise. When Stephenie Meyer's novel Twilight was first published in 2005, it quickly amassed a massive fanbase, especially among young adult readers. The story of Bella Swan, an ordinary girl who falls in love with the mysterious and alluring vampire Edward Cullen, became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring millions of fans and leading to the creation of one of the most successful film franchises of the late 2000s and early 2010s.
With such an eager audience awaiting the film adaptation, the making of the Twilight movie was a process filled with anticipation, excitement, and high expectations. Mark Cotta Vaz’s Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion captures the entire journey of bringing this beloved story to life on the big screen.
This book is not just a companion piece but an essential behind-the-scenes exploration of the Twilight film, complete with exclusive interviews, never-before-seen photographs, set details, costume discussions, and insights into the challenges faced during production.
Overview of the Book’s Structure
The book is structured to take readers step by step through the filmmaking process, beginning with early production stages like casting and script development, moving into set design, costumes, and special effects, and concluding with reflections from the cast and crew.
Each section provides in-depth discussions of different aspects of filmmaking, making this an invaluable resource for both die-hard Twilight fans and those interested in the moviemaking process in general.
Casting: Finding the Right Edward and Bella
The Challenge of Casting Iconic Characters
One of the most critical parts of bringing Twilight to life was selecting the right actors for the beloved characters of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. The book dedicates a significant portion of its pages to discussing the casting process, detailing how actors were chosen and why Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson ultimately won the lead roles.
Bella Swan – Kristen Stewart
- Kristen Stewart, known for her roles in films like Panic Room and Into the Wild, was cast as Bella Swan after impressing director Catherine Hardwicke with her naturalistic acting style.
- The book includes insights from Hardwicke on why Stewart was the perfect Bella, emphasizing her ability to portray Bella’s quiet strength and deep emotions.
- It also includes interviews with Stewart herself, discussing how she approached the role and what attracted her to the character.
Edward Cullen – Robert Pattinson
- The casting of Edward Cullen was one of the most debated decisions in the Twilight fandom. Many fans had their own visions of Edward based on the books, and Robert Pattinson’s casting initially sparked mixed reactions.
- Mark Cotta Vaz details Pattinson’s audition process, including the now-famous chemistry test between him and Kristen Stewart, which was filmed in Catherine Hardwicke’s own home.
- The book also explores Pattinson’s dedication to the role, including his intense preparation, his struggles to embody Edward’s supernatural presence, and his approach to Edward’s complex personality.
Other Cast Members
- The book also introduces the rest of the cast, including Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black, Ashley Greene as Alice Cullen, and Peter Facinelli as Carlisle Cullen.
- Each actor’s journey to joining the film is detailed, along with behind-the-scenes stories of their first days on set.
Creating the World of Forks: Set Design and Locations
A major challenge for the filmmakers was bringing the small, rainy town of Forks, Washington, to life on screen. Since much of the Twilight series relies on the atmosphere of its setting, the locations played a crucial role in making the film feel authentic.
Filming in Oregon
- While Twilight is set in Forks, Washington, much of the filming took place in Oregon due to logistical and financial reasons.
- The book includes detailed breakdowns of the locations chosen for key scenes, such as Bella’s house, the high school, and the famous meadow scene.
Set Decoration and Mood
- The book explores how set designers worked to create the perfect visual representation of the Twilight world.
- Catherine Hardwicke and her team focused on making each setting feel both intimate and atmospheric, using muted color palettes and natural lighting to enhance the film’s dreamy quality.
Costumes and Makeup: Transforming Humans into Vampires
The costumes and makeup in Twilight played a huge role in establishing the distinct visual look of the characters, especially the Cullens.
Edward and the Cullens’ Vampire Aesthetic
- The book goes into detail about how the filmmakers approached the challenge of making the Cullens appear otherworldly without relying too heavily on CGI.
- Makeup artists designed a special pale, shimmering skin tone for the vampires to subtly suggest their supernatural nature.
- The book includes behind-the-scenes photos of the cast undergoing the transformation process each day on set.
Bella’s Simple Yet Iconic Look
- Unlike the vampires, Bella’s look was meant to be natural and relatable.
- Kristen Stewart’s wardrobe consisted mostly of casual, practical clothing to reflect Bella’s down-to-earth personality.
Bringing the Action to Life: Special Effects and Stunts
One of the biggest challenges in making Twilight was translating its supernatural elements into realistic, believable visuals. The book dedicates a significant section to explaining how these effects were achieved.
Vampire Speed and Strength
- The book explains how wire work and stunt choreography were used to make Edward’s movements appear supernaturally fast and graceful.
- There are behind-the-scenes images showing Robert Pattinson performing stunts, including the famous tree-climbing scene.
The Baseball Scene
- One of the most visually striking moments in Twilight is the baseball scene, which required a mix of wire stunts and CGI enhancements.
- The book includes interviews with the stunt coordinators who choreographed the game to make the vampires’ movements appear inhumanly powerful.
Conclusion: Why This Book is Essential for Twilight Fans
Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion is much more than just a companion book—it is a celebration of the passion and hard work that went into adapting Twilight for the big screen.
It provides:
- Exclusive insights from cast and crew members
- Hundreds of stunning photographs
- A deep dive into the creative choices that shaped the film
- Behind-the-scenes stories that enrich the viewing experience
For fans of the Twilight saga, this book is a treasure trove of information and a nostalgic look back at the film that launched one of the biggest fandoms of the 21st century.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a longtime Twilight fan or someone interested in the filmmaking process, Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion is a must-read. It captures the magic of the movie while offering an inside look at the immense effort that went into bringing Stephenie Meyer’s world to life. With its in-depth interviews, high-quality imagery, and meticulous attention to detail, this book stands as an essential piece of Twilight history.