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Nikki Reed rides wave of a cultural phenomenon

Articles > Nikki Reed rides wave of a cultural phenomenon
- Posted on November 16, 2009 | From PhillyBurbs | Previous Next

By: LOU GAUL Burlington County Times

For Nikki Reed, the success of "Twilight" is no big mystery.

She credits the vampire characters with putting the bite on the imaginations of those who read Stephenie Meyer's book series and others who discovered the otherworldly beings on the big screen.

"The material hits on a lot of topics that fascinate young viewers," the 21-year-old actress says during a telephone interview to publicize "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," which is the second installment in the series and arrives Friday. "Vampires have been things the general population has been obsessed with for I don't know how long.

"Also, love is a universal theme in many films. We've brought together this epic love story featuring youthful vampires in a relatable film."

In "Twilight" (2008), a handsome bloodsucker, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"), embarks on a forbidden romance with a mortal, 18-year-old Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart of "Adventureland").

"New Moon" follows their lives as Edward vanishes, an action that sets in motion a series of events that initially threatens their relationship and ultimately her life.

In the films, Reed plays Rosalie Hale, a vampire jealous of Bella.

"Twilight" merchandising items of all shapes, sizes and prices are flooding store displays, and there seems to be no end to the products with the characters' images on them.

While making "Twilight," a modest $37 million production that grossed a huge $383.6 million globally, did Reed have any idea that it would turn into a cultural phenomenon?

"When we started doing 'Twilight' in Portland (Ore.), there was this small fan base for the film," says Reed, who enjoys traveling overseas in her free time, "but as we made the film, the books grew in popularity. The hype fed off the hype." Advertisement

Reed came to "Twilight," thanks to director Catherine Hardwicke, who had discovered her for the edgy teen drama "Thirteen" (2003), which Reed also co-wrote with the filmmaker. She invited her to be part of the fantasy franchise.

Hardwicke didn't return for "New Moon" due to its filming schedule being so close to the original. She was replaced by Chris Weitz ("The Golden Compass").

Reed understood the reason for the change and embraced Weitz.

"I never had an experience like this, where I had worked with a director (Hardwicke) and developed a character and then worked with a new director (Weitz) coming in," she says. "It did flow, and it wasn't a bad thing, because I like collaborating.

"It (changing directors) could have been a painful process, but I really enjoy listening to what people say."

For "New Moon," Reed sought to make her character more multidimensional.

"I tried to bring some compassion to 'New Moon,' " says Reed, who is preparing "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse," due in theaters next year. "I made an effort to show people that Rosalie is not as one-dimensional as she seems. There's more to her than just being bitchy."

In 2005, Reed appeared in "The Lords of Dogtown," also directed by Hardwicke, and became friends with its star, the late Heath Ledger ("The Dark Knight"). She has very fond memories of him.

"He was really an angel," says Reed, who plans on moving behind the camera to produce and direct in the future. "I was 15 or 16 when we shot 'Lords.'

"Being young and exposed to so many people in an adult world, you tend to feel intimidated, especially by men, but I felt so safe with him.

"I still can't believe it (that Ledger is gone). It still doesn't sound real."

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