Spencer star Kristen Stewart describes the intensity of her nerves before beginning production. The upcoming film follows Princess Diana (Stewart) as she navigates the holidays at the Queen’s Sandringham Estate while debating whether or not to end her marriage to Prince Charles (Jack Farthing). Directed by Pablo Larraín, who also made the 2016 biopic Jackie, the movie explores Princess Diana’s psychological turmoil as she takes stock of her relationship with the Royal Family. Last month, Spencer received widespread praise from critics at the 78th Venice International Film Festival. Many reviewers applauded Stewart for her dynamic and sensitive portrayal of the beloved Princess of Wales.
Notably, Stewart has worked in the Hollywood industry since childhood, carving out a niche for herself as an acting veteran. In 2002, she gained attention for her performance in David Fincher’s Panic Room, which starred Jodie Foster, and later nabbed a role in Cold Creek Manor. After steadily acting in a number of films, Stewart eventually skyrocketed to fame with the release of Twilight in 2008. During this time, she and her Twilight co-stars reached increasing levels of superstardom, leading to an intense level of public attention. After the franchise ended, Stewart pursued a mix of commercial and indie projects, including Snow White and the Huntsman, On the Road, and Seberg.
During an interview with BBC News, Stewart shared how her anxiety manifested physically while preparing for the making of Spencer. As she noted, she struggled intensely with her nerves prior to filming:
“I had TMJ to the point where I was like, completely locked up. I was like, ‘Huh, I guess I’m really nervous – I was really tripping out until we started.”
However, Stewart also noted that film director Larraín helped ease her concerns. According to Stewart, he advised her to “relax and trust the process.” To lean into her preparation, Stewart wholly committed to researching the complexities of Princess Diana’s life, including reading and watching all of her interviews. As Stewart explained, she specifically sought to portray the vulnerability and unpredictable nature of the late Princess, while also making peace with the impossibility of perfectly embodying her. She added, "You have to feel it, and it has to be yours. So I think I just had to relax."
Over the years, Stewart has explored a variety of genres, which has perhaps led her to her best performance to date. Considering the early reviews of Spencer, which have consistently spotlighted Stewart’s work, the commercial release of the film will likely draw in many viewers eager to witness the magic of her portrayal. As the recent trailers have similarly demonstrated, Stewart appears to have fully immersed herself in Princess Diana’s world, offering a compelling look at what could have happened at Sandringham Estate and beyond.
Source: BBC News
