Juniors plot 'Twilight' comeback
Class of 2011 seeks to shirk 'slacker' label

By Elise Porter,
Writer
January 26, 2010

After being the first class in campus history to not produce a movie for the Night of the Stars (NOTS) formal, the class of 2011 is attempting to make a comeback.

With the event approaching on Feb. 20, the juniors are working to prepare a 25-minute movie that will shatter their reputation as "the slacker class."

The juniors plan to do a spoof of the Twilight film for NOTS. Because their version is a parody, Edward Cullen will not be his usual vampiric self. Instead, the Cullens will be portrayed as having a chronic case of cold sores and a fetish for ketchup.

Because people are more involved with the movie-making this year, junior Zach Camden says the class of 2011 is on the right track.

"Last year was very embarrassing and I was really disappointed with the lack of effort from my class," Camden said. "This year will be different because we have people taking charge and stepping up to leadership roles. We've actually gotten a lot of stuff done already."

In addition to having one of the largest roles in the movie, Camden will contribute to the filming and editing process.

"I'm playing Edward Cullen, which is one of the main roles," Camden said. "I'm pretty excited just because we actually have a movie. I'm even more excited that I can be such a big part of it. My main goal is to entertain people, whether it's acting funny, weird or just like the character."

Like Camden, junior Cassidy Hutchins is taking on a lead role.


"I'm playing the main character, Bella Swan," Hutchins said. "Besides just playing the role, I want to make the process more fun and entertaining for people — for everyone involved. My class has been pretty apathetic in the past, and I hope that, when they see me having fun, they will want to contribute next year."

Even though Hutchins believes the juniors will produce a decent movie, she says it may not be enough to completely rid them of their "slacker" reputation.

"I don't think the movie will completely get rid of our reputation, but I do hope to soften people's comments," Hutchins said. "I'm sure there will be snide remarks, but I really hope people look at us differently. I'm just glad we got it together this year instead of next year; next year would have been too late."

Hutchins says that part of the reason the process is so enjoyable is because of the comical story line.

"I want to make it a little ridiculous," Hutchins said. "The story and everything is really silly, so I'm hoping the fact that we take it seriously will be funny. I have trouble keeping a straight face sometimes. We've had to re-shoot stuff because I start laughing. So, hopefully I'll be serious enough."

Director Jessica Massie worked alongside Sydney Carlson and others to write the script, which she hopes will inspire comical performances from the cast.

"Because Zach is such a hilarious person, casting him as Edward will create a comical effect for the whole movie," Massie said. "We're basically trying to take things in the original movie that were supposed to be serious and then expose the ridiculousness of them by exaggerating and making them funny. We're doing things like changing the way that the memorable lines are delivered."

Despite all the work that will be required, Massie says she enjoys the responsibility.

"I like taking charge and making sure things get done properly," Massie said. "I want there to be a lot of student involvement. It seems that my class has trouble getting involved in things; I want this year to be different."

Night of the Stars from Tyler Duerr on Vimeo.

For more information on NOTS, visit Jan. 29, 2009 article, Celestial ornamentation charms NOTS 2009.