14 DAY TRIAL // They say the fourth and last book in the “Twilight” series, “Breaking Dawn,” is also the hardest to transition on the big screen because at least two essential scenes are rendered from the perspective of the character living it. The task of the director making this film (or films, because they might be 2) is twice as hard as with the other “Twilight” installments – and recently appointed Oscar-winning Bill Condon is more than aware of it.
Condon, who most notably helmed the critically acclaimed “Dreamgirls,” is breaking his silence on the challenge ahead of him in an open letter to all “Twilight” fans, posted on his Facebook page. In it, not only does he details his ongoing efforts of becoming acquainted with the Twilight universe, but also promises that he will do his best to stay true to the book. Being chosen as director for such a popular film is truly an honor, he says, in more or less words.
“Greetings Twihards, Twifans, Twilight Moms, Team Edward, Team Jacob and Team Switzerland, I just want to say hello to all of you and let you know that I’m stoked to be getting underway on the adventure of making BREAKING DAWN. As you’ve probably heard, I’ve been given a very warm welcome by Stephenie and Team Summit – who are super-focused, as you know, on getting these movies right,” Condon writes, showing that he certainly doesn’t lack a good sense of humor.
“The wonderful world that Stephenie has created has obviously struck a chord with you, and I don’t think it’s difficult to see why. For me, her characters are simultaneously timeless, yet very modern. Rooted in a beautiful, real landscape with a great sense of place, Bella, Edward, Jacob, and the rest of the Forks/La Push menagerie, experience emotions that are primal, and universal: desire, despair, jealousy – and it all comes to fruition in BREAKING DAWN. This is a final chapter in the best sense; not just wide in scope and scale, but emotionally charged and intense throughout. I’m a huge admirer of the already-iconic Kristen, Robert, and Taylor, and wanted to be the one to work with them as they face the challenges of bringing your beloved characters to the end of their journeys. Really, what could be more fun than that?” the director further says.
Another plus for him is that, when Summit contacted, he just happened to be looking for a story like “Twilight,” with classic overtones yet modern in essence. Out of love for the community of fans (definitely one of the biggest and most loyal in the world), for the writer, for the story and the incredible characters, Condon also promises to do his very best to be faithful to “Breaking Dawn.” He doesn’t say, though, whether he’ll be making one or two movies – but fans can go ahead and ask him that themselves, as the director is taking questions from them on the same channel.