Kristen Stewart has built a career around challenging, psychologically complex female characters, moving away from blockbuster filmmaking towards acclaimed independent projects. She says the performance every actor should see is Gena Rowlands’ portrayal in the 1977 film *Opening Night*, which she regards as a defining example of difficult, layered character work.

Stewart acknowledges that Rowlands is more commonly praised for *A Woman Under the Influence*, but argues that *Opening Night* extends the same exploration of womanhood, trauma and inner conflict. The article suggests Rowlands’ barely controlled intensity influenced Stewart’s own performances, including Princess Diana in *Spencer*, as well as her directorial interests.