In “The Runaways,” Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning play Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, the leaders of the all-girl ’70s rock band that gave name to the film. On screen, it’s easier to believe the scenes of affection between the two characters than the inevitable Behind-the Music-style bickering, probably because in real life the teen actresses are friends and co-stars in the cultural juggernaut that is the “Twilight” franchise.
Like the best duos, in person the pair are a study in contrasts: Fanning is blonde and appears affable and remarkably well-adjusted for having grown up on movie sets, while Stewart is darker in both mane and personality. She has a tense, brooding energy and the angsty teen hallmark of having lots to say but not yet the capacity to clearly articulate it in. (See: numerous awkward late-night TV appearances). Speakeasy caught up with the actresses for a quick conversation while they’re in New York to promote “The Runaways,” which opens this weekend.
The Wall Street Journal: Kristen, who taught you to play guitar for the film?
Kristen Stewart: My dad taught me how to play guitar when I was little and I’ve been playing ever since. I learned how to play Joan’s songs by listening to them. And I had this guy who taught me the songs, and she taught me how to play like her.
So you jammed with Joan?
Yeah. Which is really, really intimidating. Only on a musical level. I am not intimidated by Joan. She’s really great and quite gentle, oddly. But then you pick up an instrument and you’re like, can I please leave?
Both Joan Jett and Cherie Currie advised on the film. How did they help you shape your roles?
Kristen Stewart: When I first read the script, [the Joan character] was talking to Kim Fowley and I thought, God, he’s so annoying. And he’s irritating at times. But she was like, you’re not threatened by him. She wasn’t threatened by him at all. So when he’s yelling at her and saying “tougher!” she’s laughing at him. That’s something I would have played differently. I would have responded to him all Joan Jett about it, like argh.
Dakota Fanning: There was a moment for me when Kim and Joan approach Cherie in Rodney’s English Disco about being in a band. The way it’s written, it’s like Cherie is too cool for them. But Cherie told me that in real life she was really star struck and couldn’t believe they were actually talking to her and was so excited and trying to be cool but wasn’t cool enough. That could have changed such an important scene when all three first come together.
Kristen, because you’ve starred in a hit franchise like “Twilight” so early in your career, how do you think it will influence the way you choose future movie roles?
I think it’s put me in a position to have choices. But I don’t think it’s affected much. It’s not like because one budget is bigger than another you say, ‘Oh, I did a big movie. Now I have to do big movies all the time.’
Or the paparazzi attention that’s come with “Twilight” could make you go for smaller films.
I don’t have that. Thank God. That would be too much. If I had to map out my career I would be, like, really overwhelmed right now.
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