In a recent New York Times interview, Kristen Stewart criticized the entertainment industry for prioritizing blockbusters over diverse indie projects, labeling it a 'capitalist hell' that marginalizes women and minorities. She also challenged gender biases in acting, questioning why Method techniques are rarely associated with female performers. Her remarks coincide with the release of her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water.
In a video interview with The New York Times, Kristen Stewart voiced strong concerns about the state of filmmaking, arguing that the industry is at a 'pivotal nexus' ready for a 'full system break.' As an Oscar-nominated actress and director, she highlighted how Hollywood's emphasis on big-budget tentpoles creates 'unbelievable barriers' for artists, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.
Industry Barriers and Diversity
Stewart lamented the difficulty in producing non-blockbuster films, stating, 'It’s too hard to make movies right now that aren’t blockbuster-y, whatever, proven equations.' She described the current structure as 'capitalist hell,' adding, 'it hates women, and it hates marginalized voices, and it’s racist.' This aligns with a 2024 UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report, which documented drops in opportunities for people of color and women behind and in front of the camera after 2023 highs. Report co-founder Darnell Hunt noted that studios prioritized 'safe' choices over profitable diversity initiatives.
Despite appreciating unions, Stewart suggested workarounds like 'stealing our movies' or envisioning a 'weird Marxist, communist-like situation' to democratize storytelling. Her views echo those of filmmakers such as Steven Soderbergh, Michael Bay, and James Cameron.
Gender in Method Acting
Shifting to acting techniques, Stewart called performance 'inherently vulnerable and therefore quite embarrassing and unmasculine.' She questioned gender norms, asking, 'Have you ever heard of a female actor that was method?' Discussing Marlon Brando's mispronunciation of 'Krypton' in 1978's Superman as a form of integrity, she noted men are often 'aggrandized' for such acts, while women face scrutiny. 'Brando sounds like a hero, doesn’t he? If a woman did that, it would be different,' she said. Stewart recalled a conversation where a male actor dismissed female Method actors as 'crazy,' underscoring the double standard.
Her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water—based on Lidia Yuknavitch’s 2011 memoir—is currently playing in select theaters.