Exploring Kristen Stewart's Directorial Debut 'Love Lies Bleeding' and the Art of Annoying Acting

Making a movie is not easy, as Kristen Stewart can attest to. Her first film as a director, "The Chronology of Water," has faced challenges in getting off the ground due to difficulties in securing funding. In fact, Stewart made a bold statement in January, declaring to Variety that she would not move on to another project until she had completed her directorial debut.

While the industry contemplates this threat, fans can look forward to seeing Kristen Stewart in her upcoming performances in “Love Me” and “Love Lies Bleeding.” These two stories showcase Stewart's characters falling deeply in love and making questionable decisions to sustain their relationships.

In “Love Lies Bleeding,” a gritty American tale written and directed by Brit Rose Glass, Stewart portrays Lou, a gym manager who is infatuated with Jackie, an aspiring bodybuilder played by Katy M. O’Brian. Their love story faces obstacles when they get involved with Lou’s criminal family, led by the tough Ed Harris, who controls their small town in 1980s New Mexico.

The thriller is a mix of classic and modern filmmaking, like a blend of "Bonnie and Clyde" and the Coen Brothers. It's a gritty queer love story with a strong dose of violence. Kristen Stewart, the lead actor, shared with CNN that working with director Glass was a valuable experience. "What did I learn from this?" she reflected. "Not everyone is cut out for directing like she is."

Katy M. O'Brian and Kristen Stewart as Jackie and Lou in "Love Lies Bleeding."

Katy M. O'Brian and Kristen Stewart as Jackie and Lou in "Love Lies Bleeding."

Anna Kooris/A24

Stewart is no stranger to the film industry. As a former child star who successfully led a mega-franchise before transitioning to auteur films and the occasional blockbuster, she has a wealth of experience and plenty of stories from her time in the trenches of modern-day movie-making. Working with renowned directors like David Cronenberg, Pablo Larraín, Olivier Assayas, Woody Allen, and Kelly Reichardt, she has earned an Oscar nomination and even won a César, becoming the first American actor to do so.

Glass, fresh off the success of her debut film "Saint Maud," had Stewart in mind for the role of Lou in "Love Lies Bleeding." In a joint interview with Stewart and O'Brian, the director shared that the film was a significant step up in scale, but she received a lot of support, especially for the more eccentric elements of the movie.

Her screenplay combines dark humor, sexuality, occasional gore, and phantasmagoria. The story is partly influenced by the impact of steroids on O'Brian's bodybuilder character. Stewart was fully committed to filming in Albuquerque during the summer of 2022. She expressed her complete trust in the director, praising her choices, instincts, opinions, and taste.

Stewart felt completely at ease working with the director. She admitted that she doesn't always trust directors, but with this one, she was able to fully rely on her. As an actor, Stewart acknowledged that she can be skeptical at times, but working with this director allowed her to let go and fully trust in the process.

Writer-director Rose Glass and actor Kristen Stewart in discussion on the set of "Love Lies Bleeding."

Writer-director Rose Glass and actor Kristen Stewart in discussion on the set of "Love Lies Bleeding."

Anna Kooris from A24 mentioned that she observed a delicacy and open communication style within the team, which she found to be quite feminine in nature. She also expressed how enjoyable it was to witness her taking charge of a chaotic situation with confidence and control.

Her goal is to have a relationship like the one she has with Glass someday.

She shared, "If I had to learn something from this movie, it would be to surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you. Look for those who are willing to share themselves with you, including their thoughts and their physical presence."

Stewart explained that she wanted to give her everything so that she could do exactly what she wanted to do, even though it may not align with her own desires. Somehow, these instincts come together and a movie is created. Stewart expressed her desire to be on the other side of that process.

When Stewart finds herself in the hot seat, her crew should not expect much downtime. The conversation shifts to O'Brian comparing her experiences in the New Mexico desert with Marvel and Disney productions. Stewart has had supporting roles in "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" and "The Mandalorian".

“We have so much more time on a Marvel set,” said O’Brian, “you just…”

“…expire,” Stewart interjected.

“It’s more laid back,” O’Brian offered.

“It’s boring,” her co-star replied.

Stewart doesn’t like to be kept waiting. Film industry, take note.

“Love Lies Bleeding” opens in select US cinemas on March 8 before going wide on March 15, and is released in the UK on May 3.

Editor's P/S:

Kristen Stewart's directorial debut, "The Chronology of Water," has faced funding challenges, showcasing the complexities of filmmaking. However, her upcoming performances in "Love Me" and "Love Lies Bleeding" exhibit her diverse range as an actress. In "Love Lies Bleeding," Stewart portrays a gym manager in a gritty queer love story set against a backdrop of criminal involvement. Her collaboration with director Rose Glass has been transformative, as Stewart commends Glass's exceptional directing skills and the supportive work environment she fostered.

Stewart's extensive experience in the film industry, from child stardom to auteur films, has shaped her perspective on filmmaking. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive team and trusting in the director's vision. Stewart's commitment to her craft is evident in her willingness to embrace challenging roles and immerse herself in the filmmaking process. Her upcoming performances showcase her versatility and promise to further enhance her reputation as a talented actress.