Kristen's interview for 'Seberg' with Abendzeitung (Germany)

Google translated.

Ms. Stewart, did you know the tragic fate of Jean Seberg?

I actually only knew her as the "Herald Tribune" newspaper girl in Jean-Luc Godard's "Breathless" and as the icon of the Nouvelle Vague. In preparation I watched other films and interviews with her. She radiates an incredible energy on the screen, a fascinating innocence and is incredibly present - different every time. A progressive and strong woman who fell into the clutches of the FBI in 1968 for supporting the Black Panther civil rights movement and for having a liaison with black activist Hakim Jamal. These people ruined her career, invaded her privacy, sniffed around the apartment, tapped phones and installed bugs, harassed her like an animal. The background shocked me.

What do you like about this character?

Jean cannot be pigeonholed, always surprises. She is an icon, smart and modest, not an intellectual, but an emotional person who, however, fights for his convictions, is committed to humanity. She always wanted everything, right now. At the time, she was also a pioneer in terms of equality, which scared some back then. Women with their desire for freedom and independence seemed dangerous, as they shook the male power structures. I also liked her honesty, that she didn't prudish hiding behind false shame, but lived out a very modern morality with her affairs and followed her instinct. But, and we shouldn't forget, she paid a heavy price, was lonely and self-destructive.

Should artists even take a political stance?

There is no compulsion to do this. Everyone has to decide for themselves. But in my opinion, as an artist, you should position yourself politically and say what's going on instead of just spreading mild statements. For me personally, it's not enough to just shine in the studio. I need a relationship with the audience and that includes showing my colors. At the airport, Jean took the opportunity to show her solidarity and raised her fist in a group of black activists: the trigger for the extermination campaign against them. I found it impressive how she rushes into the matter, lets her instincts decide and shows no fear. She was hungry for change, didn't want to wait any longer. However, if you are committed, you have to be aware that you can ruin your career. In any case, I won't let anyone keep my mouth shut.

Stars serve as role models. Are you feeling under pressure to always do the right thing?

One rattles loudly, the other softly. But everyone should be aware of their influence. We are in the limelight and we have some responsibility.

Instead of the sensational press like back then, social media are now setting the pace. Does this make the situation worse?

I am not active in any forums, do not use social media. But you can't avoid them, but you shouldn't react hectically to any false information, because you would be busy around the clock. I avoid getting upset about gossip and putting every stupid remark on the gold scales. I'm not going to let this kind of criticism scare me. We shouldn't overestimate social media or just pay attention to what others think of us.

The surveillance methods right into the private sphere, the targeted defamation. Was that just typical for the time?

The stink and stink of the 50s still lingered over the country, despite all the demonstrations against racial segregation or the Vietnam War. Of course, everything these FBI guys did was illegal: sheer violence, totally insane and inhuman torture that nobody deserved. Jean was deliberately psychologically destabilized until her charisma died out. As an optimist, I hope that this will not happen again. But who knows whether every wrong word we use will not be registered somewhere and whether a secret service has been targeting us for a long time. The necessary ability to compromise, a hinge for the functioning of society, falls by the wayside. We live in a very polarized world.

Where it says "Make America great again". A false promise, right?

The idea of ​​the "American dream" still haunts many minds: the rise from dishwasher to millionaire. Total nonsense. But it keeps people happy, clouds reason. The gap between rich and poor is widening. This equal opportunity message is a ridiculous lie. Unfortunately, she still raises false hopes and sedates.

The "Twilight" madness was your big career opportunity. How do you think about that in retrospect?

The madness is not over yet. Even today fans are running after me, wanting photos and autographs. I am more relaxed about the hype. I used to operate the PR machinery and answer questions when I didn't have an answer just to meet expectations. It all seems far away to me, totally crazy. Still, I think back to it with one laughing and one crying eye. It feels like opening a book from the old days.

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