Comments on: ‘New Moon’ Director Quits Filmmaking, Doesn’t Sound Smug At All

By: Zeiram

Zeiram — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:24:53 +0000

Don't give up Chris. You've made some great films. Golden Compass is a misunderstood childrens' masterpiece if you ask me (though I'm sure like most I'm in the minority there when it comes to that opinion). To back it up, Roger Ebert gave the film a well-deserved 4-Stars and it won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects (also well-deserved). That should tell you somethign right there at least. Even so, if the dude wants to do other things with his life and he isn't getting the same pleasure out of making films, he obviously has the right to do so. Trying to break into it myself, I often wonder how much of it is pure inspiration and how much of it has become a soul-less money-making corrupt scheme controlled by very powerful entities. You've gotta have some hope.

By: Frank

Frank — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:46:11 +0000

Why couldn't he have quit before making The Golden Compass? That movie was crap through and through, I fail to believe it can all be blamed on studio interference.

By: thegrubz

thegrubz — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:32:25 +0000

I suppose orson wells should have improved his craftsmanship too, then the studios wouldn't have recut his movies, right?

By: Jill

Jill — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:59:06 +0000

Sometimes you just know when you're done with something and it's time to move on. I think Weitz's response to “what now” is brave and honest (good for him!), and can't be tarnished by the writer's immature, self-indulgent commentary in the last paragraph.

By: twiLIGHTER

twiLIGHTER — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:41:44 +0000

it will be a box-office hit because the fans are going to see it no matter what, dragging parents, friends, and boyfriends with them no matter what

By: twiLIGHTER

twiLIGHTER — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:41:44 +0000

it will be a box-office hit because the fans are going to see it no matter what, dragging parents, friends, and boyfriends with them no matter what

By: Nikki

Nikki — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:03:00 +0000

I think that he’s an alright director but retiring sounds like a good idea for me. My daughter loved the Golden Compass but hated the movie. I just got home from seeing New Moon and I liked it; it was a great movie but for me-it just didn’t give me that excitement and rush of emotions (other than the very beginning) that Twilight did. I didn’t like the CGI wolves or the added scenes that weren’t in the book such as when Bella slaps Paul and how they kind of taunt her-the pack in the book weren’t anything like that esp. towards Bella. Their whole goal is to protect their tribe and humans from Vampires. So why would he have allowed that scenario in the first place? Well anyhow I liked it and I would see it again and probably will seeing as I have a daughter and she has friends. I think it should get better reviews but really if it fails Im not even blaming Weitz but Summit-they are the ones who messed with the original formula!

By: Derich

Derich — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:56:00 +0000

Your comments at the end are absolutely justified. The guy’s filmography blows. C’mon people, About a Boy? American Pie? Such classics of cinema. I say good riddance, make room for real filmmakers with interesting stories to tell. I’m pleased to hear that the director of the latest CGI-infested vampire movie with a cast of Abercrombie models is biting the dust. Quite pleased. I only hope he follows through.

By: marcella brown

marcella brown — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:53:00 +0000

there’s a whole lotta saga for those vampires. he’ll be back for part 3. after the crisis is over.

By: jordan

jordan — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:31:00 +0000

If anybody sounds like a spoiled little brat, it’s you Neil Miller.

By: Jason

Jason — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:02:44 +0000

Sounds pretty funny… But there is a low point that comes after making a feature. It's almost like a funeral between projects. And kung fu and surfing doesn't sound at all bad in those moments… I'm sure it won't be his last flick.

By: Neil Miller

Neil Miller — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:15:50 +0000

Alright fine, maybe I am the only person who forgot about ABOUT A BOY.. Sorry.

By: Neil Miller

Neil Miller — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:03:14 +0000

Oy vey… I can't be the only person in this world who's forgotten About a Boy.

I have fixed the information above. My apologies to Chris Weitz fans (and Rob Hunter). I do not apologize for the commentary at the end, though. The guy made a smug comment. That's that.

By: michaeldance

michaeldance — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:29:58 +0000

Exactly which alternate-universe IMDb did you read that told you Chris Weitz has only directed two films? And one of them was Antz?

He's directed five movies, if you count the uncredited work he did with his brother on American Pie. And he didn't direct Antz, he co-wrote the screenplay.

By: Ashley Anne

Ashley Anne — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:27:00 +0000

This movie is going to be a box office hit regardless of Weitz's talent. Everyone is crazed over vampires right now! Plus, there will be a ton of kids out of school for the week w/ thanksgiving- what will they do ? Go see New Moon. I'm sure I'll have to end up taking a cousin or two. http://www.newsy.com/videos/what_s_this_vampire...

By: RobHunter

RobHunter — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:40:45 +0000

As Carlos already pointed out, Weitz also directed About A Boy which is a fantastic film. On the flipside, he did not direct Antz, he only wrote it.

But I also don't get what exactly makes him “sound spoiled, bratty or elitist.” It's not as if he was born with a silver directorial spoon in his mouth. He worked his way up to feature films doing just that… working. So if he wants to take some time away from the Hollywood machine so be it. He's made a nice chunk of change from his film work and his desire to just relax for a long while is completely understandable. You're saying you wouldn't walk away from all the hard work (snicker) you do at your job if you had the chance to do so Neil?

By: PHiL

PHiL — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:32:11 +0000

Once he gets his cut from New Moon he'll come around.

By: lucascott

lucascott — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:58:33 +0000

he probably does realize it. but after making those, Chris had nothing but duds. Compass had some potential but not big screen. mini-series event of all 3 books perhaps. but there was just too much in those books that was key to making them work. and was also what would piss various groups off (and thus it was toned down and cut out). and while New Moon will make box office, like the first film, it isn't likely to be really that good of a film (based on a poorly written novel with paper thin characters and boring dialogue too focused on how perfect Edward is. ugh)

frankly I think this is the best move Chris could make. If his heart isn't in the game he needs to back off. he can always come out of retirement. Go off and live a little, take a very deep breath, find the stories that are just part of world. maybe a story will speak to him and he'll make a little quiet film out of it. or guide someone else to make it. Perhaps his place in the world isn't to be the king but the trustworthy advisor.

By: Carlos

Carlos — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:50:49 +0000

You do realize Chris Weitz also directed About A Boy and American Pie right? Is this a joke I don't get?

By: Jamie

Jamie — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:49:17 +0000

This article wouldn't have been half bad if it didn't have your stupid commentary at the end.