Kristen Stewart Helms ‘The Chronology of Water’ for NPR
Kristen Stewart is stepping into a new role as writer and director with her film, *The Chronology of Water*. Known for her performances in the *Twilight* series, Stewart aims to explore deeper themes through this arthouse debut.
About The Film
*The Chronology of Water* is adapted from the memoir of Lidia Yuknavitch, who reveals her tumultuous childhood. The memoir reflects on experiences with an abusive father and the struggle to find one’s voice amid adversity.
Key Themes
- Abuse and its impact on childhood
- The struggle for self-expression
- Fragmented memories and their nonlinear nature
Character Insights
Imogen Poots portrays Yuknavitch, often communicating with minimal dialogue. This choice highlights the character’s inner turmoil and reluctance to share her story, particularly during a poignant scene with a social worker where she states, “I’m not telling anything to you.”
The Significance of the Title
The film’s title, *Chronology of Water*, encapsulates its dual narrative. “Water” alludes to the protagonist’s escape route through competitive swimming. Meanwhile, “Chronology” underscores the fragmented storytelling method that mirrors the disjointed nature of recollection.
Artistic Vision
Stewart expresses her desire to create impactful films despite their size, emphasizing that small stories can have grand significance. She chooses to forgo directing lighter films for her debut, stating, “Even though my movie has tough subject matter, it also celebrates release in an exuberant way.”
Conclusion
With *The Chronology of Water*, Kristen Stewart showcases her evolution from actress to filmmaker. She aims to blend avant-garde storytelling with commercial appeal, highlighting the beauty in shared human experiences.
