Kristen Stewart Discusses Queer Cinema and Breaking Stereotypes at Berlin Press Conference for ‘Love Lies Bleeding’
Berlin, Germany – Kristen Stewart, the acclaimed actress known for her diverse roles, recently shared her candid thoughts on the state of queer cinema. During a press conference at the Berlin Film Festival, she expressed her belief that the era of queer films being exclusively centered around sexuality is coming to an end. Stewart emphasized the need to explore sidelined perspectives and delve deeper into characters’ experiences beyond their sexual orientation.
Stewart plays a down-on-her-luck gym manager, Lou, who falls for the muscular girl and competitive amateur bodybuilder, Jackie (Katy O’Brian) in the gym. However, Jackie works for Lou’s gun-smuggling and rifle range owner dad (Harris). When Lou’s sister (Jena Malone) gets beaten by her husband (Dave Franco), Jackie takes affairs into her own hands.
The actress, who presided over the Berlinale jury last year, told journalists at the press conference this morning that the opportunity to work with filmmaker Rose Glass was one of her main draws to the “ballistic” project.
Breaking Away from Stereotypes
Stewart, who gained fame as Bella Swan in the “Twilight” series and has since taken on a range of challenging roles, spoke about her evolving perspective.
She stated, “We can’t keep doing that thing where we tell everyone how to feel and sort of pat each other on the back for providing space for marginalized voices, and only in the capacity that they are allowed to speak about that alone.”
Kristen Stewart Discusses Queer Cinema and Breaking Stereotypes at Berlin Press Conference for ‘Love Lies Bleeding’
The actress believes that the time has come to move beyond the surface and explore the rich complexities of queer characters.
I definitely did this movie for Rose,” Stewart said.
“Saint Maud is one of my favourite movies. We were friends immediately. She pitched it, and said A24 was willing to provide a lot of money for her second film, which is so fucking cool. The script was really interesting to read.”
The ultraviolent, twisty feature drew hoots and hollers at its Sundance premiere last month. The A24 film gets its international premiere tonight.
Stewart was asked whether the film had helped set a new standard in her mind for how queer stories are told, and how they don’t always need to be framed as coming-out stories.
Stewart acknowledged:
“I think we can’t keep doing that…We’ve all been here the whole time. The era of queer films being so pointedly only that is done, they’re over.” The actress said she enjoyed exploring a range of characters and roles and not always “feeling like you have to stand on a f***ing soap box and be everyone’s spokesperson.”
The Twilight and Spencer star cited Now and Then and If These Walls Could Talk 2 as among her favourite queer-themed movies.
The actress was asked multiple times about a recent Rolling Stone cover story, whose front page was an image of the actress with her hands down a jockstrap. She said she had a “great time” doing the interview but would have liked the cover to have gone further in its depiction of queer sexuality.
“The writer of the story was great and shaped it well. But I like how the article was called ‘uncensored’ and then the whole cover was censored because the existence of a female body thrusting any sort of sexuality at you that’s not designed for or desired by exclusively cis straight males, people aren’t super comfy with that.”
Also Read: “Was It Worth It? Maisie Williams on Game of Thrones and the Price of Fame”
From “Happiest Season” to New Horizons
In 2020, Stewart starred in “Happiest Season,” a groundbreaking lesbian Christmas rom-com produced by a major Hollywood studio. While she enjoyed the experience, she now seeks narratives beyond mere representation.
Stewart explained,
“I’m really kind of into the idea of unearthing sidelined perspectives and not making it all about the reasons that they’re sidelined, but their actual experience. What they love, their desires, where they come from, where they want to go.”
She expressed a desire to move away from the need to constantly advocate and stand on a soapbox, allowing the characters themselves to shine.
Upcoming Projects and Artistic Exploration
Stewart also updated her unique project, a Susan Sontag biopic. The film’s format combines documentary elements, research, and experimentation. It’s an ambitious endeavor that defies traditional boundaries.
Directed by Rose Glass, Stewart’s latest film, “Love Lies Bleeding,” explores love, violence, and family ties. She plays reclusive gym manager Lou, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she falls for ambitious bodybuilder Jackie.
‘Love Lies Bleeding’: A Game-Changer
Love Lies Bleeding, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, promises to be a game-changer in queer cinema. Stewart plays the lead role of Alex, a complex character navigating love, loss, and self-discovery. The film defies stereotypes, portraying queer relationships with authenticity and nuance.
With her commitment to authentic storytelling and a fresh perspective, Kristen Stewart continues to shape the landscape of cinema.
Stay tuned for more updates on the evolving world of film and the voices that challenge conventions! 🎥🌟🎬
