Podcasts > SmartLess > "Kristen Stewart"

"Kristen Stewart"

By Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett

Embark on a journey through Hollywood with "SmartLess" as hosts Will Arnett, Sean Hayes, and Jason Bateman chat with actress Kristen Stewart about her rise from the early days of auditions to her acclaimed career milestones. From the commitment of a 12-year-old poised for success to the whirlwind of fame brought on by the Twilight saga, Stewart candidly shares the challenges and triumphs she faced along the path to stardom. As a confirmed A-lister with an Academy Award nomination and her César win under her belt, she continues to capture the hearts of moviegoers with her latest performances in both high-profile and indie films.

The episode doesn't just shine a light on Kristen's on-screen achievements but also explores her personal evolution, uncovering her newfound passions in the culinary world and on the golf course. Stewart's entrance into directing with "Chronology of Water" suggests a new creative chapter, demonstrating her constant quest for growth—whether it's learning the perfect golf swing or mastering a delectable pomodoro sauce. Her preparations to take the helm of her own film project reveal an artist eager to transcend her role in front of the camera and bring her unique vision to life behind it. Join "SmartLess" for an intimate peek into the life of a versatile and ever-evolving actress.

"Kristen Stewart"

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"Kristen Stewart"

1-Page Summary

Kristen Stewart's Career Journey in Film and Television

Kristen Stewart began her acting career with early auditions accompanied by her mother, who believed in her talent and supported her decision to pursue acting. Her childhood commitment to acting was solidified when she promised to repay her mother for her headshots, should she become successful. At just age 12, Stewart's role in "Panic Room" marked a significant shift as she transitioned from a young observer to an active participant in the filmmaking process. However, it was her role in the Twilight saga at age 17 that skyrocketed her to global fame.

Despite the challenges of balancing other projects with the demands of a major franchise, Stewart found solace in her castmates during the surreal experience of Twilight fame. Post-Twilight, she transitioned to critically acclaimed indie films, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her role in "Spencer" solidified her status as one of the great actors, a perception bolstered by her Academy Award nomination and César win. Stewart's most recent work, "Love Lies Bleeding," an A24 film, continues to excite audiences, demonstrating Stewart's ability to succeed in both blockbuster and independent film realms.

Kristen's New Passions Outside Acting

Outside of her impressive film and television career, Kristen Stewart has cultivated new passions, including golf and cooking. Her fascination with golf has grown, especially since the pandemic, and she has even accomplished the enviable feat of making a hole-in-one. She enjoys both the challenge of the sport and the social connections it fosters.

Stewart's cooking prowess came into the spotlight during Thanksgiving, where she experimented with emulsification for a perfect pomodoro sauce and tackled the turkey with a culinary finesse involving a dry brine and cooking it in pieces. Her playful approach to cooking is paired with her desire to share her culinary creations at intimate gatherings, encompassing her love for the sensory experiences of food.

Driven to explore her creativity further, Stewart is poised to direct her first feature film, "Chronology of Water." Her excitement about stepping into the director's role reveals her readiness to shepherd the creative process and witness her ideas coming to life through the interpretation of others. This step marks an adventurous new phase in her creative career.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The César Award is a prestigious French film award, equivalent to the Academy Award in the United States. It is presented annually by the Académie des Arts et Techniques du Cinéma to honor outstanding achievements in the French film industry. Kristen Stewart's César win signifies her recognition by the French film community for her exceptional performance in a film. The award ceremony is a significant event in French cinema, celebrating excellence in various categories of filmmaking.
  • A24 is an American independent entertainment company known for producing and distributing unique and artistically driven films and television shows. They have gained a reputation for working with talented filmmakers and producing critically acclaimed projects that often deviate from mainstream styles. A24's work spans various genres, from horror to arthouse, and they have a dedicated following for their distinctive and original approach to storytelling. Kristen Stewart's involvement in an A24 film, "Love Lies Bleeding," showcases her versatility in working across different types of cinema projects.
  • A dry brine is a method of seasoning meat by rubbing it with a mixture of salt and sometimes other seasonings, without using any liquid. This technique helps to draw out moisture from the meat, which then mixes with the salt to create a brine that is reabsorbed, enhancing flavor and tenderness during cooking. Dry brining is often preferred for its simplicity and ability to improve the texture and taste of the meat.
  • Cooking the turkey in pieces involves breaking down the turkey into smaller parts before cooking it. This method allows for more even cooking and faster cooking times compared to roasting a whole turkey. It also gives the cook more control over the doneness of different parts of the bird. This technique can be particularly useful for ensuring that all parts of the turkey are cooked to perfection without any areas being overcooked or undercooked.
  • "Chronology of Water" is a project that Kristen Stewart is set to direct, marking her directorial debut. The title may suggest a focus on water-related themes or a narrative structure that follows the passage of time through water imagery. This film represents a significant step for Stewart as she transitions from acting to directing, showcasing her desire to explore new creative avenues. Kristen Stewart's involvement in "Chronology of Water" reflects her evolving career trajectory and her commitment to expanding her artistic horizons.

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"Kristen Stewart"

Kristen Stewart's Career Journey in Film and Television

Kristen Stewart delves into her acting career, which spans acclaimed indie films and major franchises like the Twilight saga. Her journey is a testament to her versatility and dedication to her craft.

Her childhood acting start and early audition process with her mom

Stewart recounts her early days before acting, when her mother would take her around town, presumably for auditions, and they invested in headshots. In a defining moment, her mother expressed belief in her abilities and supported her decision to pursue acting, despite the risks involved. Kristen made a promise to repay her mother for the headshots if she found success in the industry.

Breakout role in Panic Room film at age 12

Stewart's breakout role came in the film "Panic Room" at age 12. She reveals that the house in the film was a fully working brownstone built on a soundstage in Manhattan Beach where every outlet functioned. Several panic rooms were utilized for filming, including some that were detached and one that was integrated into the actual set. This role marked a significant change for Stewart, transitioning from merely being around sets with her mom to actively engaging in the filmmaking process.

The phenomenon of the Twilight saga at age 17 and massive rise to fame

At 17, Stewart's involvement in the Twilight saga catapulted her to extraordinary fame. The franchise turned into a global phenomenon, and her life changed as she experienced fame on a rare scale, particularly at such a formative age. This period brought her both the oddity and the challenge of experiencing personal events within the public eye.

The cast, who all rose to fame rapidly, found comfort and support in each other. Stewart even shares an anecdote about being photographed by paparazzi before the Twilight series release, emphasizing the abrupt and intrusive nature of the fame the saga brought. The series spanned over four years and included five movies, during which Stewart often lacked balance due to her relentless commitment to the franchise and her efforts to work on other projects for diversity.

Transitioning to acclaimed indie films like Spencer and upcoming Love Lies Bleeding

Will Arnett and Jason Bateman commend Stewart's shift ...

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Kristen Stewart's Career Journey in Film and Television

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • In the film "Panic Room," multiple panic rooms were created for filming, including fully functional ones built on a soundstage. These rooms varied in design and functionality, with some being detached from the main set and one being integrated into the actual set. Kristen Stewart's experience in this film marked a significant shift in her career, as she transitioned from observing sets to actively participating in the filmmaking process.
  • Transitioning from major franchises to indie films can pose challenges for actors due to differences in production scale, budget, and creative control. Actors may need to adjust to working with smaller crews, limited resources, and often more intense, character-driven narratives in indie projects. The shift requires actors to showcase their versatility and adaptability, as they move from the structured environment of a big-budget franchise to the more unpredictable world of independent filmmaking. Additionally, the marketing and exposure for indie films may differ significantly from the massive promotional campaigns associated with major franchise films, requiring actors to navigate n ...

Counterarguments

  • While Kristen Stewart's transition to indie films is praised, some critics argue that her performances in these films are not as diverse as claimed, suggesting she often portrays similar character types.
  • The narrative of Stewart's career may overlook the role of industry connections and luck in her early success, which can be as significant as talent and dedication.
  • The text implies a clear distinction between major franchises and indie films, but the line between the two can be blurred, as indie films can become mainstream and actors often cross over between the two realms.
  • The commendation from Will Arnett and Jason Bateman might be seen as biased, considering they are industry peers and may not provide an objective perspective on Stewart's career.
  • The idea that the Twilight cast found support exclusively within each other could be challenged by noting that external support systems, such as family, friends, and professional help, also play a crucial role in coping with fame.
  • The success of Stewart's indie projects might be attributed not only to her performance but also to the work of directors, writers, and other cast members, which the ...

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"Kristen Stewart"

Kristen's New Passions Outside Acting

Kristen Stewart, well-known for her acting prowess, is branching out and nurturing a few passionate interests beyond the silver screen.

Her love of recreational golf and golf fandom

Stewart shares that her interest in golf has evolved significantly since the pandemic, and her enthusiasm for the sport is evident when she recalls making a hole-in-one, which many seasoned players covet. She fondly recounts swings taught by her father in her youth but recognizes her engagement with the sport truly blossomed during the pandemic.

Despite not having shot a par for any course, Stewart shares anecdotes of performing admirably on individual holes, followed by a familiar golfer’s tale of subsequent poor play. Her commitment to the sport is immortalized with a tattoo from the local public golf course, a permanent memento from a memorable game with friends.

Stewart enjoys the camaraderie of the game, whether playing on public courses or occasionally attending posh country clubs, where she recognizes a starkly different atmosphere.

Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and others voice their approval of Stewart’s hobby, and they seem quite taken with the idea of golfing alongside her. Stewart's frequent presence at the golf course and conversations with people from the golfing community prove her genuine dedication to the sport. This laid-back environment suits her preference for relaxed social situations, as described by Bateman, who humorously suggests he has to chase after Stewart for a golf game.

Stewart's presence in the golfing world impresses her peers; Bateman admits that her participation lends the sport a newfound cool factor, while Arnett contemplates inviting her to a pro-am event, testament to her acknowledged skill and passion for the game.

Cooking and hosting intimate gatherings

Stewart reveals her culinary curiosity and expertise when sharing her technique of emulsifying for a perfectly frothy pomodoro with butter, pondering the use of olive oil for a different but equally tasty result. Her command in the kitchen was showcased during Thanksgiving, where she took the reins alongside her girlfriend, albeit with some annoyance at the additional dishes others brought along.

Explaining her approach to cooking the turkey involves a dry brine and cooking in pieces, a method often revered by culinary aficionados for producing a more flavorful bird.

Attributing her zeal for cooking to her identity as a "food-obsessed stoner," Stewart finds j ...

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Kristen's New Passions Outside Acting

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Stewart's interest in golf has grown notably during the pandemic, with her enthusiasm shining through as she recounts achieving a hole-in-one, a rare and impressive feat in golf where the player hits the ball directly into the cup from the tee box in a single stroke. This accomplishment is significant in golf culture as it is considered a remarkable achievement that many golfers aspire to experience in their lifetime. Making a hole-in-one is often seen as a combination of skill, precision, and a touch of luck, showcasing a player's talent and mastery of the game.
  • Kristen Stewart's interactions with Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes in the text highlight their support and admiration for her hobbies and upcoming endeavors. They express approval and interest in her golfing passion and culinary skills, showcasing a camaraderie and shared enthusiasm for these activities. Their mentions serve to emphasize Stewart's genuine dedication to her new passions and her ability to impress and inspire her peers in different creative and social spheres.
  • Stewart's method of cooking the turkey with a dry brine involves rubbing the bird with a salt and seasoning mixture and letting it sit in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. Cooking the turkey in pieces instead of whole can help ensure even cooking and potentially reduce cooking time, resulting in juicier and more flavorful meat. This technique can be preferred by some chefs for its ability to enhance the turkey's taste and texture, offering a different approach to traditional whole-bird roasting methods.
  • Kristen Stewart describes herself as a "food-obsessed stoner," indicating her love for food and cooking while also referencing her enjoyment of cannabis. This term suggests that Stewart finds pleasure in experimenting with food and flavors, possibl ...

Counterarguments

  • While Kristen Stewart's interest in golf is commendable, it's worth noting that not everyone may see her participation as adding a "cool factor" to the sport; perceptions of coolness are subjective and can vary widely.
  • Golf is often criticized for its exclusivity and environmental impact, which could be seen as at odds with more progressive or eco-conscious values that some of Stewart's fans might hold.
  • The admiration from celebrities like Jason Bateman and Will Arnett could be perceived as a reflection of a celebrity echo chamber rather than a testament to her skill in golf.
  • Stewart's culinary passion, while a positive personal development, may not necessarily translate to professional culinary expertise or innovation in the field of cooking.
  • Hosting intimate gatherings and cooking could be seen as relatively common hobbies that many people enjoy, and thus might not be particularly noteworthy in the broader context of celebrity hobbies.
  • Directing a feature film ...

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