LIH: Special Edition
By Parisienne
The relationship between Edward Cullen and Bella Swan is one of triumph over tragedy. It also appears to be a relationship that passionate fans of the Saga cannot get enough of, in fantasy or reality. Recently, I purchased a book called Bitten By Twilight: Youth Culture, Media, and the Vampire Franchise because I find it interesting how works of fiction can have a profound impact on the daily lives of people. I plan on writing about each chapter in the book at later dates but first I wanted to start with Chapter 13.
Chapter 13 is aptly called Twilight and the Production of the 21st Century Teen Idol. I chose this chapter first because I wanted to help shed some light on whether or not “Robsten” truly exists. In order to find the answer to this four-year-old question, we must journey back to 2008, when Edward Cullen and Bella Swan came to life on the big screen.
In the fall of 2008, Summit was in talks with Lionsgate about a merger because Summit was not making very much money. They are an independent film studio that could not compete with other major studios and had to sell Twilight aggressively because they had no other means of internal investments or cross-promotion. They had to find a way to regain their 37 million dollar investment in the film.
In order to properly market the film, Summit needed to understand the appeal of the main characters and a core demographic needed to be established: Teenage Girls. According to the text, Stephenie Meyer made Edward a celebrity, which was done in three ways: His physical characteristics set him apart from everyone else in Forks, he has many talents and is presented as being intelligently and materially superior to humans. Bella Swan is portrayed as the every-day-girl and is turned into a celebrity herself by being with Edward.
The core strategy to build the franchise was to turn Robert Pattinson into a teen idol. However, within the Twilight franchise, the idea of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart being romantically involved off screen proved to be a strategy fans were willing to accept. This started the “Are They, Aren’t They,” rumors and “Robsten” was born. Many fans are passionate about the “relationship” of the two leads and have dedicated sites to discuss whether or not Robert and Kristen are actually together.
In order to help build the core strategy, both actors were hired because they were virtually unknown. This strategy was successful because Edward and Bella could be fused with the actors. Fans could/would see them as the “real life” Edward and Bella. For example, Robert Pattinson is described as a loner and an intellectual just like Edward. Also, Pattinson compliments Stewart in interviews just as Edward compliments Bella in the book. For example, “She’s the best actress of her generation.”
According to the text, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart have neither confirmed nor denied that they are actually in a romantic relationship in order to fuel speculation. Some of the press believes Summit’s publicity team may have guided the actors into letting the public continue their beliefs in “Robsten” so that the characters appear realistic.
Overall, the book is quite enjoyable if you are a Twilight fan or just want to a peek into the inner workings of how a franchise is begun, I highly recommend it. Twilight is marketed in many ways besides “Robsten” (games and clothing), but I chose to discuss the marketing of “Robsten” because the Saga will soon be coming to an end. And I also wanted to answer the question, “Are they or aren’t they?” They aren’t. Robsten has been decoded.
Please join us this Saturday & Sunday for an open discussion.
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Source: Click, Melissa, Aubrey, Jennifer and Morawitz-Behm Elizabeth (2010) Bitten By Twilight: Youth Culture, Media and the Vampire Franchise. New York: Peter Lang Publishing, Inc.
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Paris,
Friggin’ spectacular!!! You already know what I’m going to say. 😉 I will be back!!! I’m going to go do some finger warm-ups in the corner. hahahahahaha!!!
LB,
Thanks. 🙂 I couldn’t have done it without you. 😉
Paris-
Applause!!! Great, great article…….So many questions. Hmm! Where to begin?
First let me ask u? Everything about Robsten promotion is so formulaic. How much money has gone into marketing this franchise this way? It seems some fans don’t see the pattern. Why is that? Is it because the gossip sites are selling the story the fans buy into it?
OB,
I don’t know how much money has gone into marketing the franchise this way. The book didn’t say. Although I do know that when Twilight opened it grossed 69 milion which at that time was more than Summit’s first 5 films put together.
Honestly, I think fans want to live in the fantasy world of E/B and as such refuse to see the pattern. “Robsten” stories in tabloids clearly follow the books. Its a huge cash cow right now for everyone involved. Although, I think once R/K say the truth it won’t be. Its the speculation that drives the franchise.
Do u think any of the fans will turn against the gossip sites that participated in the farce when it’s over?
Honestly, IDK. I don’t think the people that are more easily led by what they read will because I’m sure that there will be some type of story in place.
Hi Everyone!
There is much more to say on this topic. I just scratched the surface of what has gone into the marketing of “Robsten” and Twilight but I shall try my best to answer all questions. 🙂
Paris,
How did your sources research their info?
LB,
On this particular essay, it looks like the internet, magazine interviews and newspaper articles were sourced.
Paris,
Great article.
What I can’t believe is you have two schools of thought on the web, at least.
• You better not provide any spoilers (or I will sue)!!!!
• And please give me characters I can relate to.
These two preferences are completely at odds with each other.
Yet people keep going to Twilight movies knowing exactly what to expect at the end of each movie. In fact movies that differed from the books, “New Moon,” seemed to produce the most anger. Movies that did not follow through with what was promised got the least support.
Bella is supposed to be the contemporary girl next door, and Edward (at least early on) was some sort of James Dean figure.
Am I correct, are unthreatening women and reliable bad boy’s combinations catnip for a wide range of contemporary women?
CR,
I think women are drawn to a little bit of danger. JMO. Women don’t want someone who is non-threatening. They want someone who will take care of them if they need it and also seem to be a little possessive. (This is my woman back off type thing)
Honestly though I think the draw for the characters Edward and Bella is that any girl/woman can put herself in Bella’s shoes and imagine herself being taken care of by Edward.
I had to break up my reply.
I think that women want an idealized man and that is what Edward gives them. He is the ideal man in a sense. He’s very intellegent, gifted and loving. However he has had years to become the way he has. I highly doubt that if Bella met Edward in the early 1900’s would he have been the ideal man for her? Who knows.
Had to break it up again.
Even though in Eclipse, Edward says that he would have married her had he met her then, I don’t think that it would be the same relationship as it is presented in the Saga.
As for the films, I think that people are disappointed with all of them in a sense because the movies never live up to the books. Although, I also think that the ability to act and not be hyped up comes in to play as well. IMO, certain characters were not as well fleshed out because actors won’t do proper research for the role.
Paris
ITA. Research is soooooo important in building and shaping a character. Do u think the amount of research done by an actor off set helps them get into character easier on set? What do u consider proper research?
There is no way to judge what is the proper amount of research because its up the discretion of the actor. However, I will say that when an actor doesn’t do any research at all and then claims they did. They look like a liar. One can plainly see that nothing was done.
Paris,
You described Edward as being an idealized man; would you explain that? You say he’s “intelligent, gifted, and loving” as though that can’t be found somewhere else. Despite the fact that she appears to be average, all of Bella’s friends at school are honor students so they all at least excel at being students. Jessica even jokes about this in Breaking Dawn.
Are you describing this idealization in physical terms? I would agree the cast is far more attractive than most non-film families but because of film Bella’s, semi-detachment from Edward it’s hard for me to describe her as attracted to Edward physically. I was wondering whether she was attracted to what Edward does.
I was wondering because the character seems to be one of the least presumptuous personalities you might ever find in film. Looking at the RP’s choices of male characters he frequently chooses characters that discover the woman once they encounter each other in one environment or another. He never seems to enter with any preconceived notions; later the pursuit of the women seems believable because and the audience is meeting them for the first time also.
Isolated and having fully advantage in the woods he talks about the fact that he can easily manipulate her physically, emotionally, and sexually but you have no impression that he takes her using vampire weapons. She smells good (which we the audience can’t perceive in film) and she’s so stupid, he should have killed her five times over. Instead the 100-year-old virgin vampire decides to seduce her like an average yet super confident perv.
To me, the fact that he breaks in and takes a resistant Bella anyway makes him seem to be a much bigger Mac-daddy than anyone expected. Is this what you call idealized also or is it something else?
CR,
I tried to stay with the essay when writing this and the authors of the essay found that to the readers of the saga, Edward is the ideal man. They say that when SM used to give readings of Twilight and bookstores women would scream everytime she mentioned Edward. If they were screaming for Edward or Rob was never stated.
Sorry, I have to break it up again. Looking at it from a “Robsten” standpoint because there are 4 different “Robsten” websites mentioned in the article. To those particular fans, it seems that men that “intelligent, gifted and loving” don’t exist in their reality, Since they give the perception that the only man who can be that way is Edward and by the “fusing” Rob. That is what is the “ideal man” in their mind. Although, I doubt if they ever met Rob in RL and had an actual conversation with him. They would find that he is NOT Edward he is himself. I’ve never met RP but I can tell from his interviews that he is NOT Edward.
Continued……
I know in Twilight, Edward chose Bella because of her smell and the fact that he couldn’t read her mind was fascinating to him but I think he chose her because he saw that she is as dumb as a box of rocks and could therefore be easily led.
Same goes with Jacob. I think they both forced themselves on her but in different ways. Don’t forget Edward has had years on Bella to mature in his thinking.
I agree with you I think Edward is the Grand Mac Daddy of them all. I don’t think either E or J is someone young girls should want in a man.
Because I showed up so late I can’t refer to exact posts, I know that’s my fault.
“They say that when SM used to give readings of Twilight and bookstores women would scream everytime she mentioned Edward. If they were screaming for Edward or Rob was never stated.”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I think it’s pretty spectacular for Stephanie if they’re screaming Edward’s name.
I think it’s pretty spectacular for Rob if they’re screaming his name.
(Or maybe not, see below…)
Paris: “To those particular fans, it seems that men that “intelligent, gifted and loving” don’t exist in their reality…”
CR: Ugh.
Paris: “the only man who can be that way is Edward and by the “fusing” Rob.”
CR: I have no training in psychology or mental health, but that sounds a little pathological (I’m probably not using this word correctly).
CR: I’m sad to hear all of this and should be smart enough not speculate but my impulse control is a little low today so I’m probably going to bite anyway. Here goes…
• I don’t know internationally, but the climbing US divorce rate is really bad. I think not growing up in the proximity of a father can really warp your notion of what men are supposed to be. Boys/men and girls/women are affected by this. Men aren’t Gods.
• When I was a child, my family wasn’t rich but I had access to children’s sports teams and arts programs. Doing those things gave me a more realistic notion of my strengths and weaknesses and allowed me (in many terms) to better track my own ambitions. I keep hearing that kids today do not have access to that, and I worry for a child’s self-image when all they have is school, frequently one parent, maybe friends, and the media as their sole source or social interaction.
When I have seen interviews with Rob seems extremely down to earth. But despite the enormous popularity of this franchise, he can’t possibly take on all of the social problems of the world’s women. Add in that many are really horny and that makes it even worse. It seems to me that he has enough to do maintaining his stellar batting average in terms of choosing great scripts and film projects.
I know what an actor is; they’re human and have limitations.
I had a friend that insisted I read the books with her, so I know the storyline. Robert Pattinson is the only actor who I think resembles his character. So I find it difficult to follow the logic of the books.
The other characters generally don’t receive enough screen time for semblances to really matter.
Unfortunately Rob ends up having to carry all of the weight of the series importance because even if he does not resemble Edward, Summit goes to great effort to make him appear that he is. The rest of you did a great job of discussing that elsewhere on this board. And it sounds like all of the jealousy of the company, and some of his acting collaborators must be numbing.
We can have them intersect! 🙂
-More on Rob, I’m going to get metaphorical because I don’t know the exact names of people who are involved.
The saddest thing about him is he’s standing up to his butt in pond scum (thanks LB). When I say that I’m not being vague, I mean the kind that’s mixed with maggots, leeches, and the kind of toxic biological viruses that are created in industrial waste run offs. Even if he can’t distinguish it, they KNOW they’re pond scum. That does not mean they have to stay pond scum, but most are given every opportunity (by older and higher quality filth) to stay the way they currently are. Committed as this assortment of vermin, pests, and bio waste would likely be; what better life than to continue reproducing yourself while creating events that distinguish your destructive worthlessness.
This means keeping NON-POND SCUM extremely busy. Give rashes, warts, bumps, boils, shingles, hives, scabs, and scurvy and make sure every patch of healthy skin is covered and fully diseased. Why give all of these visible skin irritations to make the statement that the eventual patient was fully infected by you. How better to assure everyone knows how potent you are, distinguish your influence, and verify your destructive reputation in the filth diaspora. But what is far more necessary is to keep the eventual patient from fulfilling any of his own destiny or potential. If he fulfills his potential than obviously you have had little impact, or it might prove that you are far less significant than you or anyone thought. If he is successful conditions might change for him or others, the environment might at least minimally purify, and maybe everyone would be happier.
I hope he stays focused, ambitious, fearless and only as angry as it will help motivate him to change much of what plagues him in the first place. He has a right to live his life the way he wants to. And some of us depend on it.
CR,
I don’t know whether to hug you or name a street after you.
Even if I tried, I cannot add anything more to your insightful comments.
LB,
Do you mean like “Disorganized Comic Relief Boulevard?” All this crap should have been posted somewhere else.
My previous statements did not get reply link options at all. I guess that’s OK but it’s sort of a mess when you are talking to others. Ahh, mysterious wordpress.
In terms of appreciative inspiration and gratitude, I think I would dedicate “pond scum avenue” to you.
Ok I posted that last one in the wrong spot!
Here: We can have them intersect! 🙂
That’s a really great post CR!!
I will give u a big hug instead!!
In your opinion, why is Edward such a “catch”?
Edward is such a catch because he’s talented in many areas. He’s a musician, he’s a doctor and he’s good looking. He’s also very much a gentleman.
Well we know the guy isn’t perfect: what do you think his flaws are and is it possible that many teens and woman overlooked these flaws so Edward would always perfect?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA
LB,
Edward’s biggest flaw is he’s exceptionally horny, like a man, not a vampire. Edward had two super powers and that one he was controlled by. Let’s be honest have we ever seen a more repressed vampire in a movie. Edward is dressed yet not over dressed; in other words he’s ready. It’s cold in Seattle but most of the time he wearing a little t-shirt and that dumb p-coat. He’s so repressed; he’d probably isn’t wearing underwear.
Conversely, Dracula is dressed for the Opera. Unlike Drac, Edward is 100 years of horny balled up in one vampire.
This is how you know he was all about the carnal, he snuck into her room at night. If he just wanted to be near her, he could smell her in school. Who knows what he was really doing in there in her bedroom (most men do). But as soon as someone else entered her room he knew immediately in Eclipse; and when that was over he had killed two vampires. Just a suggestion of cock blocking and Edward chucked the gentlemanly behavior and returned to murdering.
This has got to be the biggest joke of the series, and thankfully Charlie see’s right through it in the very beginning. Obviously Edward may not have admitted it but he obviously wants to get in her pants. This is why all the science fiction fan boys eventually shut-up and stopped complaining about Meyers and Hardwicke because they identified with the crushing Edward lust.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! OMG!!! I can’t stop laughing!!! He’s a total hornball but he would NEVER admit to it! And as we have said before…in 107 years he’s never played in a one man band?
I still like Edward, not gonna lie.
I think we all do.
Having standards makes him exceptional.
Most can overlook the vampirism, after all he keeps that under control.
We can’t help but admire him, and cheer him on.
Ultimately he makes us all better in the end, that’s why we keep watching. He makes us believe we can do incredible things too.
CR,
You said that Edward makes us believe we can do incredible things too. What types of incredible things? Can you elaborate on that?
Oh, about Edward….
– He overcomes being a violent predatory vampire.
– He actually has the guts to wait 100 years, for his dream girl to get married and have sex. I don’t believe anyone thinks men do this. Yet I’m sure some do. I just don’t think it’s advisable to admit it to everyone. Yet the entire Cullen Clan knows.
– Despite being a blood sucking monster he and his family, maintain this “vegetarian” process only eating animals.
In my own world, I would hope to be more decisive professionally and live according to my spiritual convictions.
LOL! LB, I’m sure he blows his own trumpet every 50 years.
*snort* OMG!!!! Now I have a visual!!! Bleach, bleach, bleach!!!!!
LOL! 😉
CR,
I totally agree. He also had one human put behind bars. If you read Midnight Sun, after the group of men tried to attack Bella in the parking lot and Edward saved her he took Carlisle with him to find the guy and had Carlisle put him in jail so he could go sit in Bella’s room. Edward couldn’t even take care of his own fights.
I heard about Midnight Sun, but never read it.
I realize Edward doesn’t want to murder and if wasn’t so “sprung” he probably wouldn’t. I think it’s cool to rely on papa Carlisle.
Yes but he had Carlisle do it. So he could go smell bella all night and she’d never know. I just think if one is going to start something, one should properly finish it. Its not like Bella was going to go sleep walking.
You know, Edward couldn’t read Bella’s mind, so what would the guy do if at 1:24 AM, she opens her eyes??? I have woken up to my 2 year old starring at me and I about jumped out of my jammies…
This is hilarious LB & Paris!!
I think Edward is very possesive but he has a reason to be. I think because there is a reason for his possesiveness it gets overlooked.
How do girls/women live through Bella? I am assuming they are because of the creation and substantial fan reinforcement of “Robsten”/
They actually live through Kristen. Kristen is Bella for them through “identifactory attachment.” which is basically the wish to be like or become that celebrity. They want what they THINK she has. What they THINK she has is Bella’s life. IMO, there is no Kristen or Krisella. It has been and always will be Bella.
Since the part of the strategy was to fuse E/R and K/B in order to make the fictional characters realistic. That’s one way fans are able to live the fantasy. There are other ways but this is the most popular way it seems.
which is why Kristen has undergone so many image changes, IMO. She’s a cook, so is Bella. She’s shy, so is Bella. She has the man everyone wants to have, so does Bella. K’s problem is that she can’t play the farce well. That’s why she has so many image problems. When your character is fused onto your real life and you’re paid big money to keep the charade going. You better learn to love because you’re going to be stuck with it until the contract runs out. JMO.
Do you think the notion of “Robsten” has or will backfire on Summit? Well I guess now that it’s Lionsgate, will they have to deal with any problems?
I think the fallout is going to be huge. I hope that when its all said and done that it can all end somewhat peaceably. The writing is on the wall though.
Explain how “the writing is on the wall”. Do you think those who believe in “Robsten” can see it but are in denial, or they simply don’t see it?
These are really great questions but I think you can’t under estimate how aggressively the series manipulates male and female sexual urges and plays on every one’s libidos. Summit’s only hope is too keep on doing it. The longing is so severe that audiences waited for 5 movies to see them do it. That’s unbelievable.
Women have been driven crazy; it’s like they’re on crack. The crowds for BD were impossible for a Chick flick. It’s never happened before; this is why they now want Meyer to do it again.
After all that time, they were still let down. The “chemistry” that R/K are supposed to have is severely lacking.
I love your questions. 🙂
The “robsten” stunts are getting shorter or more likely now they are falling over into the work of the actors. R/K don’t appear at all to be good friends, they appear to be co-workers who by nature of their contracts are contractually obligated to fufill the role of “Robsten”.
Honestly, I don’t think Summit knew what they were in for when the idea of hiring unknowns to fuse fictional characters onto their RL was thrown on the table. They don’t care what will happen to the actors afterwards, IMO
Summit saved themselves from financial ruin. It is a brilliant idea. Just not very well fleshed out before it was implemented.
As for the fans, they refuse to see it and will bully anyone that offers a different viewpoint than theirs. There were a few websites mentioned in the essay but to be fair, I won’t mention them here.
Another way that Twilight was marketed was through clothing. According to the text, Hot Topic was granted early licensing deal months before Twilight opened.
Nordstrom also has a clothing line.
http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/photos/0,,20241149_20293044_20649351,00.html
Get. Out. NORDSTROM!!!!!!!! *face palming*
yep. of all places Nordstrom. You would think that the marketing company would stick with Hot Topic. What teen shops at Nordstrom? Just goes to show, they got the teen market and then went for everyone else.
And key chains, action figures, bookmarks, jewelry, fake tattoos, etc…a biiiiiit much.
and don’t forget the make-up that makes you “glow” like a Cullen.
and the sex toys, wall art, posters, pillows…holy sh*t. Sorry, OB, it just came out.
LOL!
They have sex toys? Why does this not surprise me…..? So much for promoting abstinence. LOL!!
yes they do! They’re right next to the glittery lickable lotions. LOL
Oh! You just made me dry heave….
Sorry! So sorry. have a saltine it helps.
LOL!!
Oh! The glitter body gel was fantastic.
LB,
Thanks for your intriguing questions. I enjoyed talking to you. I’m going to go for a while but if anyone has any questions. Please post them and I will answer them.
Its ironic that the chapter number used to talk about Robsten is 13. Interesting. I wonder if that was done on purpose.
Chapter 13 is Robsten? I’m sure it was planned.
yes chapter 13 dealt with Robsten and other marketing techniques of Twilight.
What’s with deal with number 13? Is it the superstition of being unlucky or does it have some other significance?
its the superstition of being unlucky. Unlucky number 13.
In other words it’s doomed to fail because everyone in it knows how it ends. Robsten is like the Titanic!
LOL! true. I just watched Titanic earlier this morning too. 🙂
I thought as much but I thought I’d ask anway! Cheers!
Hi I’m here,
Let me read and get caught up.
Hi!
I’m here too!
Hi!!
Paris U Said: “K’s problem is that she can’t play the farce well. That’s why she has so many image problems. When your character is fused onto your real life and you’re paid big money to keep the charade going. You better learn to love because you’re going to be stuck with it until the contract runs out. JMO..”
Me: I think if Summit did this farce for one film that would have been sorta o.k. However, to carry this out for 5 films is completely ridiculous. I think the media is responsible for escalating the frenzy to the levels it has become.
ITA. The media has carried through but Summit has done nothing to stop it. Why would they? They are making money by selling a fantasy and the tabloids help them do that. IMO, the tabloids and Summit are hand in hand.
They are in it. On some sites they can barely go one day without doing an article on R/K. There is nothing R/K can do to stop it because Summit is into over saturation and fueling the speculation 24/7. This can’t be good for the other films they are trying to promote. I mean they would have to incorporate the promotion of Twilight in with promoting their other films which I think must be a turn off to directors. No?
well i would think it would turn off directors too but look at Rob he got Cosmopolis with Cronenburg and Kristen got Swath because her director wanted the Twilight audience.
but i think that marketability plays into getting other roles. Not just lets see if we can carry Edward into Eric Packer or Bella into Snow White to try to get the audience because I can guarantee you the film will fail. People want to see Edward and Bella all the characters that R/K must have some quality of E/B in them in order for the Twilight audience to follow, IMO.
Honestly, though what they would rather see is R/K follow in E/B footsteps with marriage and babies. Will that happen? When hell freezes over.
That’s true Twilight has helped open doors that might have been closed before. But I think it’s the actors values, work ethics and taste in material that is going to win over people. Not stunts, over saturation etc.. Like I said u can’t fake substance. U either have “it” or u don’t. U are either prepared to handle the pressure of success or your not. K’s to me is not.
I agree with you. You should watch the BD commentary and BTS footage…..very telling of one’s true nature. They can talk her up all they want. Her actions and their words do not match.
honestly, if I was trying to sell K to someone. I would not let any of the BTS or commentary footage be shown.
U can’t cover up BS with flowers and claim it does not stink. People can see through it. I think that’s what is so ridiculous about Robsten. Everyone can smell the s****.
S****???? What S****? Everything is coming up roses. LOL
ITA with you.
I think the fans who support Robsten are really advocating decorating and admiring pooh!!
That’s the most clever way i’ve heard that put as of yet. LOL *applause*
I agree too. It should be about the books and seeing them come to life on the big screen. Instead it’s become sullied due to greed.
yes that as well but remember when Robsten was started Summit had no other means of money. They had no parent company to ask money from so they had to think of creative ways to make the most money as quickly as possible. I’ll give credit where credit is due. Fauxmances are useful is used in a limited and wise manner. Not lets throw our actors to the wind and not care about what happens to them. IMO, Robsten was not well thought out. They didn’t go through all the contigencies.
I agree. You would think that they would be a bit more respectful to the stars who made the money!
I don’t think Twilight had that much media buzz until Robsten was created. The speculation fueled it.
U know what angers me is that when this Robsten thing ends. Many will blame the actors for the deception. However, the media and Summit are the ones who they should be angry with not the actors. I think letting them down a little at a time is the best way to avoid a really huge backlash. IMO!! What do u think?
IMO, I think only one actor will be blamed for it. Rob, Kristen in the eyes of “Robstens” can do no wrong. She is above everything. I only mention them because they are mentioned in the essay. I have seen one article that talks about Bella and Edward getting a divorce and people are going apes****. One person actually suggested that Robsten play out their divorce in a courtroom so it would be televised.
Well I hope people will finally wake up from the fantasy and hold the people in charge of marketing who created this campaign at fault.
they won’t. If that happened every studio would be in trouble for manufacturing romances. 🙂 What people fail to realize is that fauxmances have been done before but the “throw them a bone and then deny, deny, deny” doesn’t work.
Good fauxmances are played out subtlely. I should go into PR. LOL
APPLAUSE!!! I bow to u!! IMO!! Desperation makes some people gluttons and unethical.
Thank you, Thank you! *takes bow* I’m here all week. LOL
Ah ha! The page finally loaded!
Great article Paris, I found it very interesting! As well as creating a real life Edward and Bella for the fans to be invested in, I think that “Robsten” became an ongoing story itself and that has been used to Summit’s advantage. Everyone knows how Edward’s and Bella’s story ends but no one knows what Rob’s and Kristen’s will be. It’s given the more obsessed fans something to cheer on and hope for a happy ending as well as them being able to live through them. No one is going to know the truth until after the last film has been released (and I wouldn’t put it past Summit encouraging this image until well after all the DVD’s have been released too) and they’ve taken advantage of it. This cash cow is going to be milked until it’s runs dry!
Hi Ozzie!
Thanks and ITA.
Have either of you noticed lately that nikki reed is being dragged back into the mess?
Yes! She’s married and moved on. Why do u think they are doing that?
because they refuse to let K take any responsibilty for her actions. Its always someone else’s fault.
Oh yes, I’ve noticed! It’s ridiculous! This whole thing isn’t that serious or important in the grand scheme of things to get that worked up over. Enjoy the books, enjoy the movies but please for the love of God and everybody’s sanity relax over the rest!
Like right now, R/K are apparently at one of her friend’s b-day parties. People want to know what, when, where, why, how. Its ridiculous.
Since when does Rob hang out with her friends? She’s always latching on to his.
Here’s my logic kicking in here. Stay with me. If R/K are a couple who have consummated their relationship. Why did R wear a vanity patch during his sex scene with K in BD? Why not go commando like he did in Remember Me?
Here’s my reason for that statement. R going commando would have saved the costume department the headache of trying to make a vanity patch that an actor will feel comfortable enough to perform in.
He really went commando for Remember me? Hmm, I learnt something new today, lol! 🙂
Lol! He went commando? I’ll be thinking about that when I watch it.
Well according to the commentary on RM. R stated the vanity patch kept falling off in RM. So he took it off and went commando. I remember this because I thought that was nice he did not blame the wardrobe. He just accepted the situation and got on with it. Anyway, making vanity patches are always nerve racking for wardrobe. Because the last thing u want is to have the production held up because of costumes or the actor complain they can’t get into character etc… So I said if R/K are a couple why not go commando during sex scene for BD? Why bother with all the drama of making patches? That’s the benefit of working with actors who are couples. U don’t have to worry about patches if they have a sex scene.
I learn something everyday and have some crazy party trivia!!!! 🙂
ITA. OB. Bill C. kept saying that he was greatful that R/K are so comfy with each other and that they like each other. I’ll have to take another listen to the RM commentary.
I’m just saying the crew who work on nude scenes are not uncomfortable seeing nude actors. At least I’m not. The whole point is to make the actors comfortable so they can do their job. If the actors are uncomfortable then it makes everyone nervous and it cost money, time etc… Anyway, I know R/K aren’t a couple because of this admitted fact they wore vanity patches. Plus he is willing to go commando in RM but not with his true love in BD?
OB,
ITA. Also, don’t you think that if they were a couple and went commando (I know they are not) but stay with me. He would at least try to protect his gf from prying eyes by helping her to stay covered and she would do the same for him. Plus the way she was grabbing him in the sex scene was awkward as all hell, if they were together they would know how to hold each other and how to make your S.O. comfortable.
Yes! ITA-U would also expect her not to try and kick him in the family jewels (during a scene) given this might impact his performance later off set. Only childish girls don’t plan for the future.
In that scene where he almost got kicked in the jewels bill had already just called cut. you can see he tries to get off of her but not fast enough i guess.
I agree with you in that Robsten in and of itself is its own story.
I think Robsten is just a spin off of Edward and Bella. R/K have to play two characters for this franchise not one. IMO!!
I agree but you cannot force two people who have clear disdain for each other to do something they don’t want. It will always back fire.
Oh yes, that’s the biggest factor of it (my thoughts on the fans having something in real life to hope for was a secondary outcome. I did put that in my original post but I must of taken it out by accident when I was trying to make sure I made sense. Oops, lol!). It has every single plot point from the books but some people are too stupid to see it! Not only do you have Edward and Bella but you have the other characters present. Tanya is any female co star that could threaten the “relationship”, Michael Angarano is a fusion of Mike and Jacob. Nikki Reed is the charater that she plays. I would even go as far as to say that the people who don’t believe and the “intrusive” press are the Volturi (I’m quoting intrusive because one, although the press is intrusive it’s no more than what any other famous person goes through and two, alot of the attention has been to promote the movie so it’s welcomed in a way)!
As each book has been filmed and released, the gossip has followed it’s story line. In the book Twilight Edward and Bella meet, the gossip was Rob and Kristen meeting. In New Moon Edward leaves, Bella has Jacob to fill in the gap but eventually goes to Edward. In the gossip, Rob goes off to film Remember me, Kristen’s still with Michael but eventually goes to Rob. In Eclipse Edward and Bella must fight victoria and her army to stay together. In the gossip, Robert and Kristen must fight Summit to stay together. In Breaking Dawn, it’s the fight to keep Bella alive long enough to deliver the baby and her transformation. Then the fight to protect the family. In the press it’s not only talk of marriage, living together and babies but also the fight to keep the relationship (the baby) alive by being secretive from the press and those who don’t believe (the Volturi). Also Kristen has “transformed” from being clumsy and uncomfortable with the press into a confident woman and Hollywood starlet (I’m not believing that either). It really is obvious when you take a step back and look at the bigger picture!
That that is my rant for tonight, lol! I’ll go back to trying to be more neutral for the sake of a fair discussion.
Ozzie,
Seriously you should frame this. I think you just figured it out. Honestly, I think everyone is waiting for the aftermath, what’s going to happen after? How will R/K get out of this?
Yep! The blood is in the water and all the sharks are circling waiting to see. Who will survive R or K? It’s sad to see the sharks/people focusing on the wrong bait. They should be going after those holding the fishing rod. After all wouldn’t they make a more satisfying meal. LOL!!
I’m starting a chant now…..R R R R R R R R R 🙂
I’m not even worried…
No worries here either!!
Ozzie! U are AMAZING!! Excellent big picture comparison. How did I not see this post last night?
You didn’t miss it! My internet was still being extra slow and I think 3 of my posts were posted after everyone had left for the night!
I’m glad you liked it because after I left I was thinking maybe I took it too far and was embarrassed! Anyway, I only thought of the Eclipse and Breaking Dawn comparisons last night because with Twilight and New Moon the book to real life comparisons were so obvious that I never bothered to look into the other two books to see what was mirroring them.
Ladies,
I thank you for stopping by and chatting me with me. I had a great time but i must go for the evening. you both have a good night!
Goodnight Paris!!
I’m going to take off as well. Have a goodnight Ozzie!!
Thanks and the same back to you both! Night! 🙂
Wow, great discussion ladies! You all know which side of the fence I sit on. 🙂
Rob talking about BD.
The definition of shy: Easily frightened away; timid. Another definition for it. Suspicious and distrustful.
U have to admit the guy has reason to be shy given papz want to follow him around constantly. I wonder if this interviewer (if she were in the same situation) would become a little paranoid or shy herself?
Anyway, I think it’s funny how people try to rationalize crazy behavior by telling someone it’s normal. That explains why Twilight is so popular. LOL!!
Ditto. 🙂
I think she would. I think anyone would. However, people never put themselves in the other’s persons place. How would she have handled the Malibu incident.
U Said: “How would she have handled the Malibu incident.”
OB: She would have called the police only to find out they could not help her. Then she would have been caught on camera strangling one of the pappz!! Then that same police officer (she called for help) while hand cuffing her, will say. Your kinda of camera shy aren’t u? Ahhh! The circle of life. LOL!!
“yes officer, i’m very camera shy.” I can hear it now. LOL
Naaah…she’ll flip him the birdies from behind.
I think Rob is that whole defintion and then some. He seems to be very introverted.
I think a lot of very disciplined and assiduous actors are introverts.
Paris,
What’s odd is a lot of actors whose work I tend to like over and over again…
• Jack Nicholson
• Barbara Streisand
• Meryl Streep
• Daniel Day-Lewis
• Robert Deniro
• Michelle Pfeiffer
• Sean Penn
• Cate Blanchet
… seem to be extremely reserved off camera or outside of performances.
I like them too. 🙂
Hi Everyone-
I believe women like Edward because he knows what he wants and goes after it. Some women are not attracted to indecisive men. They want someone who’s grounded given they are prone to be a bit emotional every month.
Survey says : “Great Answer!”
Survey says: “Great Interview!”
Yes! I hate the “I don’t care…whatever…” Just make a decision already! Even if I hate it, I can work with it.
wow, Paris, I can’t believe how much we have discussed for ONE chapter!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
I like to provide provoking, insightful things to talk about. Just wait there’s 13-14 chapters to go.
Great discussion everyone. Paris I’m looking forward to discussing the other chapters. Very interesting.
LOL!! LB….. Yes! I know what u mean. I think when a person is indecisive they don’t appear to be trust worthy. IMO!! It’s like if they can’t be fully honest with themselves enough to make a decision, how are they going to be fully honest with u? Does that make sense?