Open Forum Friday: Kristen Stewart… Talented or Terrible?
As Snow White and the Huntsman heads into theatres this weekend, it’s still unclear if the movie has what it takes to become a substantial summer hit. Audiences do not always accept fantasy films with open arms, and although there are some big names in the movie, there is also one big name that could potentially hurt them more than it helps them. Universal took a bit of a risk in casting Kristen Stewart as Snow White; although her association with the Twilight franchise could potentially bring in some fans, it could also keep many male moviegoers at bay. It’s unfortunate that she is such a polarizing actor, but is there actually a good reason for all of the hate?
I first took notice of Kristen Stewart in Sean Penn’s Into the Wild back in 2007, and at the time I thought she was attractive, mysterious and intriguing. She then went on to become a huge star with Twilight and has been taking flack for it ever since. While I don’t think she’s very compelling as Bella Swan, I have enjoyed her performances in several other movies including Undertow, Adventureland, The Runaways, and yes let’s not forget, David Fincher’s Panic Room. I do think she can act, although she resorts to a certain dead-eyed stare (not unlike Kirsten Dunst) far too often. What do you think? Is Kristen Stewart a terrible actress or does she deserve more respect? Is it fair to judge her based on the Twilight films? Are you interested in Snow White and the Huntsman or will you avoid any movies that she stars in? Give us your thoughts her on Open Forum Friday.
Comments (43)
I liked her in The Yellow Handkerchief, Adventureland and Runaways—she’s very competent and comfortable in those films. Twilight only shows a small range of her abilities. Her choices (and she will have many) will be interesting to see after Twilight wraps up.
Posted by projectgenesis on June 1st, 2012I think she can act but shouldn’t headline a movie. Shes good in certain roles like in Adventureland and Runaways but when shes shoehorned into a leading role or one where she needs to express more than one note she fails. I would never skip a movie because shes in it but I’m also not looking forward to any movie more just because shes included.
Posted by The Oriole Report on June 1st, 2012I hate to comment on this since I haven’t seen “Huntsmen” yet, but I loathe this sort of argument. I would like to think she’s more than her Twilight films would lead you to believe. Look at someone like Natalie Portman–she can be pretty awful (“No Strings Attached”) but when challenged can be pretty awesome (“Black Swan”). Talent is one thing, but a director who can draw out a good performance from their actors is entirely another. And if you get the big bucks for a dead pan stare (and little to no effort) and the director isn’t asking any more than that, why challenge yourself?
I’m not saying Stewart’s a Meryl Streep–far from it. But I don’t think it’s worth discrediting any actor just because of success in a run-of-the-mill big budget series. Every actor deserves a chance to prove themselves outside of their franchise… but I guess I need to put my money where my mouth is and see “Huntsmen” this weekend. Fingers crossed…
Posted by Falsk on June 1st, 2012The question SHOULD have been, why doesn’t she just go away?
Posted by Dan Squires on June 1st, 2012*Stares at Sean. Runs finger through hair to tuck behind ear. Stares some more. Bites lip*
*Looks at ground.*
“I don’t…. uh….hmmm. I don’t know… Ya’know?”
*Stares at Sean again. Bites lip*
Posted by Ovenball on June 1st, 2012I think that the Twilight flicks are the reason that no one likes her in other films, that goes with the other goofs in those flicks. Sure Stewart was in good flicks like Adventureland and Panic Room, but the rest of the cast overpowered her. She sucks moose dick!
Posted by Mike H on June 1st, 2012I think Kristen is a pretty normal girl and thinks before she answers questions in an interview – that’s a huge difference. That’s why her answers are not as polished, routined and bored as from many other stars.
In my opinion she comes quite close to Bella as outlined in the books. So I would not overemphasize on how she acts. But in the end it’s a question of like or dislike – leave it to that. Time will show if her movies will be entertaining or not.
Posted by ret-law on June 1st, 2012I thought she was decent in The Runaways and that type that she seems to fall into worked perfectly in Adventureland. I don’t think she’s amazing or anything, but she can be good in the right role.
Posted by KeithTalent on June 1st, 2012I think she’s fine in the right role and that we shouldn’t hold “Twilight” against her or anyone else in those movies…except for Taylor Lautner. That kid is to charisma what kryptonite is to Superman. He’s like that kid in X-Men 3 that sucked the powers out of any mutant within the vicinity. I experienced his unique brand of anti-charisma firsthand when I worked on “Abduction” a couple years back, and anyone that’s seen it can tell you that he just brings everyone down. It’s a movie FULL of otherwise fine actors that deliver their lines like they just got a phone call telling them that their kids had just died or something. So yeah, blame Shark Boy. Give Stewart a chance.
Posted by PlanBFromOuterSpace on June 1st, 2012She seems like someone who can act with good direction, but probably not strong enough to give a great performance with a poor director. Even the Twilight movies have had some good directors, but you can tell the directors are just “jobbing” it.
Posted by Dave on June 1st, 2012I liked her in Adventureland and Panic Room. I don’t blame her for her performance in Twilight. Even Natalie Portman gave shitty performances in Star Wars. Bad movies and direction are responsible for her bad performances in my opinion.
Posted by theocean85 on June 1st, 2012I don’t blame Kristew for her performances in the Twilight franchise because she has nothing to work with. Bella Swan is an empty shell of a character and therefor it’s impossible to make her likable or interesting. I really like Kristen Sweart in Runaways and Panic Room, and if “Blow White on my Cunt, Man” happens to suck I don’t think it will be her fault.
Posted by Steve on June 1st, 2012I really think she’s terrible, but why hate? Why EVER, EVER HATE?!?!?!?!??!?!??
SHE’S AWESOOOOOOOOOOOME!!!!!!
Posted by scott on June 1st, 2012@12
Everyone knows that the REAL porn title is going to be “Snow White and the Cuntsman”. Get it together, man…
Posted by PlanBFromOuterSpace on June 1st, 2012Christopher Nolan just needs to cast her in a movie, and everyone will love her. Then again people still hate Katie Holmes.
Posted by Anthony on June 2nd, 2012I think Greg loves Katie Holmes. He sure mentions ‘The Gift’ quite often. Boobies! Am I right Gasman?
Posted by cap on June 2nd, 2012It’s seems many people find it the “cool” thing, the most acceptable to hate on her for Twilight and any role afterwards, which is supremely unfair. Much of the hate, it’s terrible to say, is who she is personally. Miss Stewart doesn’t play the H-wood fame game at any cost; which is what this culture has been trained to think as normal and the only way to get ahead, be famous, be adored. She doesn’t want that. She doesn’t need that. I really agree with an earlier post that poor/limited screenwriting, direction and even producers’ wishes can stunt an actor’s projection. But when all sides are strong, you can see it shine through, like you see her roles in The Runaways, Speak, Welcome to the Rileys, Panic Room, The Yellow Hankerchief and especially, The Cake Eaters.
Posted by lis on June 2nd, 2012She has her entire career ahead of her. Twilight could have just been a paycheck and exposure for her. She could greatly improve if she puts effort into her performance, which she was not really doing in Twilight. She shows more emotion in the Snow White and the Huntsman trailer than all of the Twilight films combined, so there is hope for Stewart. She can break free from Twilight.
http://www.videodetective.com/movies/snow-white-and-the-huntsman/297977#.T8pGaNWWeJQ
Posted by Scott Harrigan on June 2nd, 2012I think she’s really good. I would definitely agree that she’s terrible in Twilight but so is everyone else and I’m pretty sure the script is mainly to blame. Imo she’s very good in all of her smaller indie movies, she was good in Into the Wild and I also thought she did a good job in The Runaways. If one counts the Twilight movies as one big thing, the ratio of good performances and good movies compared to bad performances and bad movies is pretty damn strong. I’m definitely gonna check out Snow White and Kristen Stewart is a big reason why.
Also, I don’t give a shit if she doesn’t smile a lot in photographs or if she’s a fivehead like Greg(I think) said some time ago.
Posted by patrik on June 2nd, 2012Oh and she’s as pretty as they come.
Posted by patrik on June 2nd, 2012she is mediocre, but she’ll be great in tarantino film in 15 years.
Posted by anton on June 3rd, 2012This movie was very mediocre. Kristen Stewart’s portrayal of Snow White was not compelling at all. Charlize Theron totally outshines her.
Posted by Alex on June 3rd, 2012@7
I have seen a few of her interviews, it almost seems like there is a COMPLETE lack of thought most times. She has a bad tendency of pulling out this really weak bag of tricks (mentioned: hair tuck, lip bite, rolling eyes, saying “umm…” so many times I’m worried she’s having a mild stroke) all to leave the interviewer with something that not only barely resembles an answer but a coherent thought. Oh and then she says “yeah” like she’s totally pleased with what’s just escaped her mouth
Posted by Jacob on June 4th, 2012she is a megan fox actress. a pretty face not much talent. But because she sparks this controversey, and this discussion she will keep getting rolls because people wanna prove their point by seeing the movie. THe cult classic the runaways and twilight also gave her a pretty legitimate fan base as well.
Posted by Rick on June 4th, 2012oh, and btw, she sucks!
Posted by Rick on June 4th, 2012Saw the huntsman, and her acting is definitely some of the worst this year. It’s real bad, and that “dead stare”/confused look is all over the place. I liked her in adventureland, but she might have lost touch with some of her other movies recently.
Posted by Bob on June 4th, 2012A Megan Fox actress? Pleeeeeeaaaaaaseeeeee.. Megan Fox could do what Stewart did in Welcome to the Rileys or any of her indie movies really..
Posted by patrik on June 6th, 2012And I have actually defended Megan Fox a few times, but she is nowhere near Kristen Stewart..
Posted by patrik on June 6th, 2012Obviously, it’s meant to say that Megan Fox “couldn’t” do what Kristen did.. fuck I want an edit button.
Posted by patrik on June 6th, 2012Saw SW&TH last night, sucked. This movie sucks on several levels but especially because of Kristen Stewart. What a Horrible Actress. She has pretty much one look for the entire movie, blank expression on face with mouth open. Look at the photo at the top of the page here, that’s the look for 2 hours. Close your mouth bitch!
Posted by Corky the Retard on June 6th, 2012Like mentioned already, she’s fine in certain roles but I don’t think I’ve seen a single movie of hers yet where I didn’t question her as a leading actress. She fits a certain character type really well but doesn’t seem to have the range and emotion to carry a movie or transcend a generic/crappy one.
Posted by devolutionary on June 6th, 2012I saw this movie and Kristen just killed the movie for me,what the Hell is up with that stupid look she does through out the thing what a Huge mistake as lead “actress” and big props to the queen in the movie. If your a fan of hers I’m sorry to say the you must like crappy movies,and why do people say she’s pretty she is ugly
Posted by cassie on June 7th, 2012Kristen Stewart cannot act, and it has nothing to do with the Twilight movies; she has no talent. If she was a good actress the savvy viewer would still recognize that in a shoddy movie. She is the worst actrss out there, hands down. I am honestly baffled as to why she keeps getting leading roles.
Posted by Kim on June 7th, 2012I went to see SW&TH with my best friend who thinks Kristen is beautiful and talented. Honestly, I don’t get it. She has no talent (one mode), hair that always looks unwashed, a teenage boy’s gangly body and huge ears that stick out. Put her next to the beautiful and talented Charlize Theron and how can any producer think I’m going to buy that Snow White is “fairest of them all”? With so many beautiful actresses out there (with actual acting chops) how did she land the leading role?
Posted by Julissa on June 8th, 2012I still remain unconvinced the Kristen Stewart has any talent; her role in Twilight, albeit a horrible film and plot which is designed to convey the female character as a pathetic/annoying/gloomy/dependent person, could have still been played better by another actress and we should stop blaming that role solely on the reason as to why she is so bad in it. The truth is, she can’t act; I just saw Snow White and at first I thought I would give her the benefit of the doubt because at that stage I thought she probably wasn’t given the right roles. But then she gave such a dismal performance in the film and I thought Ok, you’re actually bad! Firstly, there is no way she is more attractive than Charleze. Secondly, the character she presents does not connect with or inspire the audience, and she could have given it so much more- she was boring and very passive (very much like a British Bella in a corset). I can see absolutely no improvement in her acting abilities since Twilight. Even in Into the Wild she plays a very subdued character that barely smiles. She can only play one role!! I think she likes to be the submissive female character that relies on men to show her the way and save her its sad. She can never just be a strong female. She ruined this film for me and it could have been so much better. Plus she does not possess that ‘classic beauty’ that Snow White should have: think that youngest daughter from Downton Abbey- now she would have done well with that role! It was wasted on Stewart.
Posted by Kate on June 18th, 2012She acts almost as well as a rock. Why she is being considered a star is one of the great mysteries of this decade. At least she gets her ass kicked by Charleze Theron who blows her off the screen in terms of looks, acting, beauty and character in real life. Do you see those red carpet fashion shots of Stewart? God she is repulsive. I agree with Kate. How could the “mirror on the wall” lie like that ans ay Krirsten Stweart is more beautiful than Charleze Theron ? HAH ! Natalie Portman would have made a much better Sleepng Beauty.
Posted by scarey on June 19th, 2012She suuuucks so bad!!!!!
Posted by Pter on June 19th, 2012I liked her in Panic Room but I found her acting in Twilight to be horrible. She didn’t represent the character at all. She showed no real emotion and when she tried it was so forced it was embarrassing to watch. I LOVE the twilight books and she so RUINED the movie with her terrible representation of the character.
She has no diversity and I can’t imagine why anyone would cast her in anything else. The only thing positive about her is she is extremely beautiful. Unfortunately that doesn’t make up for the injustice she did to the twilight saga.
Posted by Reeny on July 16th, 2012I think she’s a bad actress altogether, but to top it off she has those evil eyes that constantly project “bitch” (which I suspect she is IRL).
Posted by supershwa on August 2nd, 2012Kristen Steward is truly is a terrible actress, and i cannot fathom why she has received any more roles after Panic Room. Panic Room was her peak and she was okay in it for me; mostly because i though she was a young boy, which completely confused me when i discovered she was a girl.
I don’t want to sound shallow but she is not pretty in the slightest, and not only does she seem to have a terrible personality but the few times i have watched award shows an she receives awards she comes off as a condescending arrogant asshole. I do not like Kristen Steward and it would be better for all if she just found a new career where the public would not have to watch her terrible movies.
Posted by Katie on August 9th, 2012She’s just a 22 year old kid girl.
The dumb and bored stare she often ware’s is part of some kind of young sexy girl code. The “huuu, im so cute and sexy but so imature, lost and bored. Can you help me interesting stud?” kind of thing. She does that look in her own way like other young models and actresses do.
In think she should pay more attention to the skirts she ware’s with those awful knees of hers.
I really think she has terrible knees.
Posted by Portuguese Fellow on August 15th, 2012Don’t actors have to – act? She does not. She just sort of – stands there. She can however, pout. A little.
Posted by Giorgio on January 28th, 2013ok so i dont wanna be rude or anything, but i’m a audio visuel / acting student. I think that kristen can be a little bit better on stage than on screen, why?? Because she is able to act with her body sort of, but i’m sorry her face is not a face of an actress (actress have to show emotions and facial expessions), kristen has only one face. When i watched twilight i was like ok i’m gonna give another chance maybe bcz of the script or something but then i saw snow white and i was like: fuck! Kristen has ruined the wholeee thing!
Posted by joseph on February 1st, 2013Ps: i don’t hate her but she’s sure not the highest paid actress like they say!! I mean rellyyy????
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