Self.com interview
In the '70s, The Runaways--the first all-girl American rock band--shattered rock 'n' roll stereotypes and inspired their peers to follow their dreams. Now, a new era of stars inspires their generation by re-telling an old story.
"I don't think a lot of people know what options the first all-female rock 'n' roll band had," Kristen Stewart told SELF during an interview in New York earlier this week. "A lot of girls don't realize there was a time when you couldn't do something, like you really couldn't do that [be in a band]--it was unexpected and looked down upon. We've grown up thinking we can be happy and do whatever we want, but back in the day, in terms of attitude and being who you are just personally, you used to not be able to be."
The movie, which focus on the relationship between edgy punk-rocker Joan Jett and Bowie-obsessed Bardot lookalike Cherie Curie, is as much a raw, gritty look at the L.A. rock scene as it is a cautionary coming-of-age tale. As Jett, Kristen Stewart has found an outlet for all the buttoned-up angst of the Twilight franchise--from her jet-black hair to rough voice, she channels the musician's nervous energy and fierce passion to make her dream a reality to a tee. Dakota Fanning plays her counterpart, the 15-year-old Curie who, after being plucked from the roller-rink crowd, goes from sex kitten to drug addict seemingly overnight. The chemistry between the two actresses is as electric as their eyeliner.
So who inspires these stars? "My mom," Fanning told us. "She's my best friend and with me every day from when I started up until now. My mom actually read [the script] first and told me I needed to read it. My parents know this is something I want to do forever, and they understand and support me."
"I've grown up with really strong women, so definitely my mom," Stewart agreed. "I haven't had that many role models, but Joan has become one."
Having the opportunity to actually work with the real people their characters were based on was also an inspiring experience for both of the actresses.
"I guess in a way it's easier to play characters that are whole and complete, real people," said Fanning. "You're not playing this figure or person that somebody make up. You're actually doing something real. But at the same time, when you know a person, everything changes your perception of it. But as long as they feel real to you, it doesn't matter if they are or not."
But singing in front of those "real people"? "It was never something that was easy," Stewart told us. "You don't know if you can do something until you do it, and we don't rehearse a whole lot so it didn't feel real until it really was the real deal. When we did 'Cherry Bomb,' I couldn't bring myself to hold the guitar right. Joan was there and I thought she was mad at me or something and thinking oh my god, you did horrible. And then it ended up being great." As for Fanning, "You have the responsibility of singing like Cherie Curie, singing a song like 'Cherry Bomb' that's so iconic to so many people. It was completely intimidating!"
Last night, The Runaways stars--including Stewart, Fanning, Jett, Curie, Michael Shannon, Riley Keough, director Floria Sigismondi--arrived in New York City to celebrate the premiere at Soho's Sunshine Cinema. Also in attendance: today's inspiring female celebs, including Kirstie Alley, Victoria's Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio, Life Unexpected star Shiri Appleby, Blondie's Debbie Harry and Chloe Sevigny.
Popcorn with Peter Travers: Kristen and Dakota
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