Kristen Stewart could have been one of those actresses whose franchise films often lead to a loss of identity. After playing Bella Swan in the five Twilight films alongside Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen, her beloved vampire boyfriend-turned-husband, it could have been really easy to typecast the actress in certain boxes. However, Stewart’s acting prowess has helped her transcend compartmentalisation and forge a prolific career across various genres.
Stewart began acting from the young age of eight in school Christmas plays and then bagged various roles in films. In 2002, she was seen in her breakthrough role as Jodie Foster’s daughter in Panic Room. She has since been seen in various roles where she has presented distinguished performances, from playing the girl who goes nearly mute after being raped in Speak to her latest endeavour where she played Princess Diana in Spencer.
Known for her candid and honest self, Stewart has been unapologetic about her observations regarding her own career trajectory and has talked about how she has probably just made five note-worthy films. However, of all the films in her career, she once named one such film that she would love to try once more. Interestingly, the film is currently streaming on Netflix.
Stewart rose to global acclaim with her role as Bella Swan in the Twilight franchise. Based on Stephenie Meyer’s novel series, the film starred Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner and others, introducing fantastical creatures like vampires and werewolves. The five films follow the romantic trajectory of Bella and Edward’s love story as they go through various obstacles like mortality, jealous vampires, vampire civil wars, the birth of their daughter and more, which eventually leads to Bella turning into a cold-blooded undead vampire and their subsequent happy ending.
When Stewart signed up for the 2008 film Twilight, she was oblivious to the success the film would go on to receive. After the film was a massive box office success, the production company Summit Entertainment called for all adaptations. While most fans usually do not prefer the second film in the franchise, New Moon, the film is Stewart’s absolute favourite and she wishes to do over that film.
New Moon was a particularly darker film in the franchise where Edward and his family leave Forks after a mishap and a heartbroken Bella pines after him. Edward tries to commit suicide and the film involves a plethora of mature and heavyweight themes.
Calling New Moon her “favourite”, Stewart said, “I think the depths that are described in that and going from the forest to the bedroom to Italy. Oh my God, that’s why you live.”
She wishes she could “go back and do that movie again” and deliver a “better” performance. She even talked about how she had a “great experience” working with director Chris Weitz. She also found the infamous breakup scene between her and Edward “iconic” which she was afraid of “messing up”.
Although they shot the scene without a frame of reference, she managed to pull it off effortlessly. “There’s nothing like that moment in reality even. It’s not even like a normal breakup scene,” said Kristen Stewart, before adding, “I know what’s it like to get broken up with but I don’t know what it’s like to get broken up with by a vampire who I’ve now been physically and chemically altered by.”
Watch Twilight: New Moon on Netflix now.
