Kristen Stewart Says Acting Is “Embarrassing and Unmasculine”

Kristen Stewart has shared her thoughts on Method acting and why it can feel different for men and women in Hollywood.

In an interview with the New York Times, the “Chronology of Water” director said that acting naturally puts performers in a vulnerable position. She believes that some male actors use Method acting to cover up that vulnerability.

Stewart said, “Performance is inherently vulnerable and therefore quite embarrassing and unmasculine.” She explained that acting involves speaking someone else’s words, which she sees as “inherently submissive.” She added, “Have you ever heard of a female actor that was method?”

The conversation touched on Marlon Brando’s famous mispronunciation of “Krypton” in the 1978 Superman movie.

Stewart mentioned that Sean Penn, who knew Brando, said the moment was Brando’s way of keeping his own integrity while working on a big studio project. Stewart said that men are often praised for holding onto themselves in these situations, while women are judged differently.

“Brando sounds like a hero, doesn’t he? If a woman did that, it would be different,” she said. She added, “If you have to do 50 push-ups before your close-up or refuse to say a word a certain way — I mean, Brando, [expletive], I’m not coming for him.”

Stewart also described a pattern she has noticed on set. She said some male actors act tough before emotional scenes to make themselves feel less exposed. “If they can protrude out of the vulnerability and feel like a gorilla pounding their chest before they cry on camera, it’s a little less embarrassing,” she explained. She added that this behavior can make the performance look almost magical, as if it requires a special talent.

The actress shared a story that reinforced her belief about the double standard for women. She said she asked another actor if he had ever seen a female actor use Method acting in an intense way. According to Stewart, he replied, “Oh, actresses are crazy.” She said that answer showed her how differently women are treated when performing.

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