Twilight 'sets impossible benchmark'

An Australian film expert has said that the Twilight series sets a new, impossible benchmark for the perfect man.

Dr Lisa Bode, an associate lecturer in film at the University of Queensland, says that after reading the books, women are gaining unrealistic expectations of men. She believes that Robert Pattinson's vampire character Edward Cullen is so perfect that 'regular' guys don't stand a chance with girls.

According to the ABC, Bode said: "They're idealising Edward to the point where real men can't compete anymore. It's a kind of performative thing, an empowering gesture."

She continued: "If you consider the way that women have had to put up with men's ideals for centuries, and feeling insecure in relation to that, there's perhaps a little bit of revenge coming through."

Facebook groups such as 'Twilight has ruined any chance I have at a realistic relationship' and 'Because I read Twilight I have unrealistic expectations about men' have recently been launched.