A Star-Studded Masterclass at the Deauville Film Festival

Kristen Stewart captivated audiences at the Deauville Film Festival with her masterclass, "My French Cinema," organized in collaboration with Chanel. The event drew a lively crowd of festivalgoers, locals, and fans eager to hear the star discuss her favorite French films and their impact on her career as an actor and filmmaker.

A Bold Selection of Cinematic Gems

Stewart's curated list showcased a diverse range of French cinema, from classic to contemporary, highlighting bold narratives that challenge conventions. She highlighted masterpieces like Louis Malle's "Elevator to the Gallows" (1958), Alain Resnais's "Hiroshima Mon Amour" (1959), Catherine Breillat's provocative "A Real Young Girl" (1976), Leos Carax's surreal "The Lovers on the Bridge" (1991), Krzysztof Kieślowski's poignant "The Double Life of Veronique" (1991), and Michael Haneke's intense "The Piano Teacher" (2001).

An Actor's Inner Struggle with Film Watching

With her trademark candidness, Stewart humorously admitted her struggle to watch full films, despite her desire to immerse herself in cinema. "It sounds absurd coming from me," she shared, noting she often finds herself drifting in and out of movies. Nevertheless, her passionate insights during the discussion revealed her deep connection to the films that have shaped her.

Exploring the Depths of Coming-of-Age Stories

One standout film that deeply resonated with Stewart was Breillat's "A Real Young Girl," a daring exploration of a 14-year-old's sexual awakening. She noted how watching the film right before starting her directorial debut, "The Chronology of Water," was transformative. Both films, she explained, tackle themes of shame in a way that is both raw and celebratory, offering a unique perspective on adolescent discovery.

Celebrating Complex Characters in 'The Piano Teacher' and Beyond

Stewart also extolled the virtues of Haneke's "The Piano Teacher," praising Isabelle Huppert's gripping performance as a repressed music teacher. Stewart found Huppert's character, Erika, fascinating due to her complex psychology, which reflects isolation intertwined with a fierce sense of self-preservation. Stewart deemed the film an adaptation masterpiece, akin to "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," capturing an internal narrative with striking clarity.

The Resonating Impact of 'The Double Life of Veronique'

Kieślowski's "The Double Life of Veronique" also left a lasting impression on Stewart, as its dual storylines evoke intense emotional responses. The film’s ability to convey complex inner lives without explanation captivated her, prompting reflections on individuality and self-transformation. "Sometimes you get sad that you're incomplete... but those versions of yourself still live within you," she expressed.

Romantic Despair in 'The Lovers on the Bridge'

Stewart's love for Carax's "The Lovers on the Bridge" stems from its raw portrayal of an unattainable relationship. Describing the dynamic between the characters, she noted the heartbreak of love that cannot be controlled, illustrating a metaphorical bridge that connects passion and destruction.

A Glamorous Evening at Deauville

During her time in Deauville, Stewart also enjoyed a lavish dinner hosted by Chanel and Canal+, mingling with fellow stars after the special screening of Richard Linklater's film "Nouvelle Vague." This star-studded environment reflected the vibrant connections within the film industry, leaving attendees inspired and invigorated.