Author Lidia Yuknavitch offers insights into the transformation of her 2011 memoir, The Chronology of Water, into a major motion picture directed by Kristen Stewart. She discusses the creative autonomy Stewart exercised in bringing the story to the screen, her limited but meaningful collaboration with the director, and her deep appreciation for actress Imogen Poots's ability to embody the complex emotional landscape of her life experiences. Yuknavitch candidly admits to not yet having viewed the film, explaining her unique connection to the project through others' reactions and Stewart's artistic vision, and also reveals her current artistic endeavors, having transitioned from writing to painting.
Yuknavitch expresses profound awe at seeing her life story translated into a cinematic work. She views Kristen Stewart's adaptation not as a direct replication of her book, but as an independent artistic creation inspired by her narrative. This perspective highlights Stewart's distinct vision, which Yuknavitch fully supports and celebrates, describing it as "autonomous, rebel-yell art." The author feels immense joy for Stewart's achievement, emphasizing that the film stands as Stewart's unique artistic expression.
Regarding the collaborative process, Yuknavitch explains that it was not a traditional joint effort. Stewart initially posed questions about specific emotional responses and character reactions from the memoir, which Yuknavitch would answer. Following these exchanges, there would be periods of silence, indicating Stewart's independent creative development. Yuknavitch perceives their collaboration as a deeper, more intrinsic connection rooted in their shared identity as women artists who understand the necessity of expressing profound internal experiences. This bond, she suggests, allowed for a unique artistic synergy without constant direct interaction.
Intriguingly, Yuknavitch confesses she has not yet watched the completed film, despite its release. This admission, she notes, is both a source of internal struggle and a testament to her trust in Stewart's interpretation. She has gathered impressions from interviews with Stewart, critical reviews, and feedback from close friends who have seen it. These indirect experiences, coupled with her understanding of Stewart's artistic sensibilities, give her a sense of having "seen" the film emotionally, even without a physical viewing. She eagerly anticipates the day she will finally watch it, joking about the intense anticipation.
When contemplating who might portray her on screen, Yuknavitch, an admitted introvert, had never seriously considered the idea. However, upon seeing clips and images of Imogen Poots in character, she was struck by Poots's remarkable capacity to convey intense emotional depth. Yuknavitch clarifies that Poots's portrayal transcends mere physical resemblance; instead, it is Poots's extraordinary ability to inhabit a wide spectrum of emotions and to delve into the unspoken, often challenging, aspects of a woman's journey that resonates deeply with the author. She feels a powerful recognition of Poots's willingness to confront and present these complex narratives.
Currently, Yuknavitch's creative focus has shifted significantly. For over a year, her writing has taken a backseat due to personal life circumstances. Instead, she has found a new outlet in painting, producing hundreds of artworks. She describes this transition as an intuitive process, one that she is exploring with curiosity as she seeks to understand the narratives emerging from her canvases. Despite this shift, she recently experienced the nascent stirrings of a new novel, suggesting that her literary voice is beginning to re-emerge, driven by an unstoppable creative impulse.
Lidia Yuknavitch's journey from memoirist to cinematic inspiration, and her evolving artistic path, underscore her profound commitment to authentic expression. Her nuanced perspective on Kristen Stewart's film adaptation highlights a rare form of artistic collaboration built on mutual respect and shared understanding, even as she embarks on new creative frontiers.
