Jennifer Lawrence, known for her extensive work with various directors, has noted distinct differences in how male and female directors approach their craft. In an interview on November 7, following a screening of her new film Die My Love, Lawrence reflected on these directing contrasts, highlighting the unique dynamic she experiences with women behind the camera. Her observations shed light on the nuances of creative control in film, revealing patterns she has encountered throughout her career.
Insights into Male Directors’ Tendency to Over-Control
Lawrence described a recurring trait she has observed with male directors, who often exhibit a strong desire to maintain visible control over every aspect of the film.
“I have found a commonality in female directors, which is that they do not do this thing, which is over-direct,”
the 35-year-old actress told Vulture. She contrasted this with male directors who sometimes display
“this need to constantly feel like they’re directing the movie.”
She further elaborated on her perception of this attitude by associating it with neurotic control.
“When I think auteur, my mind kind of goes to controlling and … what’s that word? Neurotic!”
Lawrence explained, emphasizing how some male directors’ involvement feels excessive and, at times, unproductive.
Working with Lynne Ramsay: A Different Directorial Experience
Lawrence cited her recent collaboration with female director Lynne Ramsay on Die My Love as a clear example of the contrasting directing styles. She described Ramsay’s approach as immersive yet hands-off, creating a supportive environment that allowed actors to explore their performances without constant oversight. “And Lynne was the opposite,” Lawrence said.
“She really built this world and made sure that we were all on the same page, through music and conversations and the atmosphere and the set. And then she would just kind of slowly walk back.”
This method, according to Lawrence, empowered actors to find authentic moments in their performances. She recalled,
“Sometimes, from the discomfort of that, from the lack of her visibility, something interesting would come from it. And then she would come out and be like, ‘That’s great, great, yeah, do it again.’ Or we would accidentally laugh and be like, ‘Oh, sorry.’ And she’d be like, ‘No, it was great. I liked that you laughed. Do it again.’”
About ‘Die My Love’ and Collaborative Choices on Set
Die My Love stars Jennifer Lawrence alongside Robert Pattinson in a story adapted from Ariana Harwicz’s 2012 novel. The film follows Grace (Lawrence) and her husband Jackson (Pattinson), who relocate from New York City to rural Montana, facing challenges as new parents adjusting to their changed lives. The film explores emotional and relational transformations, underscored by an intimate portrayal of the couple’s experiences.
Regarding the film’s intimate scenes, Lawrence revealed that she and Pattinson chose to forgo an intimacy coordinator during filming. Speaking on the Las Culturistas podcast on November 5 with cohosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, Lawrence remarked,
“We did not have [an intimacy coordinator], or maybe we did but we didn’t really. I felt really safe with Rob. He is not pervy and very in love with [his partner] Suki Waterhouse.”
Balancing Motherhood with a Demanding Career
During the production of Die My Love, Lawrence was pregnant with her second child, whom she later welcomed with husband Cooke Maroney. The couple also has a 3-year-old son named Cy. Earlier in November, the actress shared personal reflections on managing motherhood alongside her professional life, acknowledging the sacrifices involved.
“Having kids is sacrificial. It’s gratifying and it’s amazing and rewarding, but it’s not not sacrificial,”
she remarked on the The Interview podcast by The Times.
“I’d never had to say no to something before that I really wanted to do.”
She also opened up about experiencing postpartum depression, describing the emotional turmoil it caused.
“I felt like a tiger was chasing me every day,”
Lawrence stated.
“I had nonstop intrusive thoughts that I was at the whim of. They controlled me.”
The Significance of Lawrence’s Perspective on Directing Styles
Jennifer Lawrence’s thoughts on the directing differences between men and women provide insight into broader industry dynamics and creative collaboration on set. By highlighting how female directors like Lynne Ramsay foster environments that encourage actor autonomy and experimentation, Lawrence emphasizes the value of trust in filmmaking. Conversely, her critique of certain male directors’ controlling tendencies calls attention to the potential drawbacks of excessive oversight in creative processes.
As Lawrence continues to navigate her career alongside motherhood, her experiences underscore the evolving challenges actors face both professionally and personally. Her reflections contribute to ongoing conversations about gender roles in filmmaking and the importance of supportive, adaptive directing styles that empower talent and elevate storytelling.
