Kristen Stewart, the actress globally recognised for playing Bella Swan in the blockbuster 'Twilight Saga', is charting a bold new path in her career. The star, who made her directorial debut earlier this year, recently opened up about her journey, the changing face of cinema, and her aspirations for the future in a revealing interview.
From Bella to Behind the Camera: Stewart's Directorial Journey
In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, the 'Love Lies Bleeding' actress got personal about her transition from actor to director. She confessed that the desire to direct was ignited the very first time she stepped onto a film set. Her directorial debut, 'The Chronology of Water', premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.
Stewart revealed that filmmaking is in her blood. Her father worked as a stage manager and her mother was a script supervisor. "I was taken to sets from an early age, and had a first-hand view into what went down on the floor since I was a baby," she shared. However, her debut project was not an easy ride. She described it as a tough endeavour, primarily because securing backing was a significant challenge. "Everyone was like, 'I cannot sell this,'" Stewart recalled, adding that potential backers were overly focused on the negatives.
She described the film's aesthetic as "lush, soft and girly," emphasising the importance of creating something distinct. As a woman in the industry, she believes it is crucial to forge a unique visual language to make one's voice heard and vision seen.
Reflecting on the Twilight Phenomenon and Personal Growth
While discussing her career trajectory, Stewart naturally reflected on the franchise that catapulted her to fame. She spoke fondly of working with Robert Pattinson in the teen vampire drama and reserved special praise for director Catherine Hardwicke, who helmed the first 'Twilight' film in 2008.
"That [first] Twilight movie is hers and reflects her; Catherine accomplished that, hands down," Stewart stated. She commended Hardwicke's ability to create a personal film amidst immense pressure and countless competing opinions. "Being able to withstand and organize that many opinions, and still make something that feels like yours, is near impossible to do. With so many voices in the room and with so much expectation, nothing feels personal," she explained, highlighting the unique achievement of the original film.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Authentic Storytelling
Kristen Stewart's journey from the global phenomenon of 'Twilight' to the auteur-driven space of Cannes marks a significant evolution. Her insights reveal an artist determined to follow her instincts, whether in front of the camera or behind it. By choosing to direct a project as personal and visually distinct as 'The Chronology of Water', she is actively shaping a career defined by creative control and authentic expression.
Her story is one of navigating massive fame to find a genuine artistic voice, and her future plans seem firmly rooted in creating and championing cinema that is different, personal, and unmistakably her own.
