Exploring Love and Resilience with Kristen Stewart and Katy O'Brian in Love Lies Bleeding

Love Lies Bleeding is a unique story that blends love, strength, and violence, set in a heightened version of the American West in the 1980s. The plot follows Lou, an introverted gym manager, and Jackie, a bodybuilder with big dreams, as they quickly fall in love. However, their love leads them into the dangerous world of crime, getting entangled in the drama of Lou's family.

Rose Glass, known for her directorial debut Saint Maud, is back with a new film that shakes things up. Collaborating with writer Weronika Tofilska, they introduce a fresh crime couple to the audience. Love Lies Bleeding features Kristen Stewart as Lou, Katy O'Brian as Jackie, Ed Harris as Lou Sr. (Stewart's character's father), and Jena Malone as Beth.

Kristen Stewart Shares Insight Into Her Love Lies Bleeding Character's Journey

Screen Rant had a chat with the team behind Love Lies Bleeding - director Rose Glass, Kristen Stewart, and Katy O'Brian. Glass talked about the inspiration behind the movie's visuals and story. Stewart delved into her character's journey, while O'Brian discussed the themes of strength, both physical and emotional, explored in Love Lies Bleeding.

Katy O'Brian leans on a car and Kristen Stewart sits atop one in Love Lies Bleeding - Kristen Stewart Shares Insight Into Her Love Lies Bleeding Character's Journey

Rose, Love Lies Bleeding is quite different from your first film, Saint Maud, but they both touch on similar themes. Both films explore the idea of people attempting to change themselves and the dynamics of intimate relationships. Can you share what inspired the story behind Love Lies Bleeding?

Rose Glass: I collaborated with Weronika Tofilska on this project, unlike "Saint Maud," which I wrote on my own. We definitely influenced each other a lot during the writing process. I shared a basic version of the idea with her, and then we just let our creativity flow without holding back, aiming to surprise and entertain each other. This approach led us to where we are now.

Kristen, in this film, we delve into the complexities of love, particularly Lou's unwavering determination to protect her loved one. What drew you to the character of Lou, and what were your initial impressions when you first read the script?

Kristen Stewart portrays Lou as someone who is holding onto a lot internally. We don't uncover the depth of her struggles until we have already grown to appreciate her quirky personality. However, we soon realize that her nervousness, defensiveness, and struggles with communication stem from dark places she is ashamed of. It's both funny and strange to see her fall deeply in love with someone.

Playing the role of a weak, frail individual who is brought to life by someone vibrant is a unique experience. Lou's character tries to embody goodness and righteousness, but she questions the ever-changing concepts of right and wrong. It's a constant struggle to define these terms. Watching her fight for the right to be vulnerable and loving is touching, relatable, and far from noble or righteous.

Katy O'Brian Discusses How Love Lies Bleeding Explores Strength

Kristen Stewart in Love Lies Bleeding - Katy O'Brian Discusses How Love Lies Bleeding Explores Strength

Katy O'Brian shared her experience of playing Jackie, a physically strong and independent female character. She emphasized the importance of portraying Jackie as a fully formed and beautiful person beyond just her appearance. Despite the action-packed nature of the role, Katy wanted to bring vulnerability and humanity to the forefront, focusing on what lies beneath the surface. For her, Jackie's story is about the desire for love and the emotional struggles that come with it, making it a heartbreaking yet relatable journey. Despite the challenges, Katy expressed her love for the character and the depth she was able to bring to the role.

Kristen Stewart: She's so lovable and adorable.

Rose Glass Borrowed One Significant Element From Mulholland Drive

Rose, I absolutely adore Mulholland Drive. It's one of my all-time favorite movies. I definitely felt some Mulholland Drive vibes while watching this film. Can you share with us some of the cinematic influences that inspired you while making this movie?

Rose Glass shared that they took the name Winkie's from a diner without the producers realizing it until filming. She and Weronika admitted to the act, explaining it was an homage. Glass mentioned that while filming, it's easy for elements from famous films to unintentionally influence the work. Therefore, she tried not to focus too much on these influences to avoid feeling self-conscious. She mentioned that she only watched Thelma and Louise after completing her film.

Glass acknowledged that Thelma and Louise is such a well-known film that one may feel like they've already seen it without actually watching it. She anticipated similarities in the storyline but chose not to watch it to prevent feeling self-aware. She made a conscious decision not to revisit other iconic films that could potentially influence her work. Instead, Glass focused on creating her own narrative and letting the characters guide the story.

About Love Lies Bleeding

Jackie (Katy O'Brian) and Lou (Kristen Stewart) lean toward each other in the gym in Love Lies Bleeding. - About Love Lies Bleeding

Lou, a gym manager who keeps to himself, finds himself falling in love with Jackie, a determined bodybuilder with aspirations of making it big in Las Vegas. However, their relationship takes a dark turn as they become entangled in the criminal activities of Lou's family.

Get ready to experience the intense and gripping story of Love Lies Bleeding on the big screen starting March 8th.

Source: Screen Rant Plus

Editor's P/S: