Jennifer Lawrence Praises Female Directors: “They Don’t Overdirect”:

Jennifer Lawrence has opened up about the unique experience of working with female directors, sharing that they often bring a different energy to the set — one that avoids overdirection. During a recent post-screening Q&A for her new film Die My Love, Lawrence reflected on collaborating with director Lynne Ramsay. She noted how her experience with Ramsay differed from working with male directors, who sometimes can feel controlling or overly directive. “I have noticed a common thread among female directors: they don’t overdirect,” Lawrence told Vulture. “I’ve worked with male directors who constantly feel the need to assert control over every moment. And honestly, it’s not even productive—it’s just annoying. When I think of an auteur, I tend to think of someone controlling… maybe even neurotic.” Lawrence said Ramsay was completely the opposite. “She built this entire world, making sure we all understood it through music, conversations, and the atmosphere on set. Then she would slowly step back,” she explained. She added that this approach often led to unexpected and authentic moments. “Sometimes, from that absence, something interesting would emerge. Then she would appear and say, ‘That’s great, do it again.’ Or if we accidentally laughed during a take, she’d just say, ‘No, it was perfect. I loved it. Do it again.’” Ramsay herself also discussed her directing style, emphasizing freedom and trust on set. “I love working with actors. When you really trust each other, magic happens,” she said. “Sometimes I let the take run longer than usual, which can feel uncomfortable, like, ‘What did we just do?’ But that’s when something unexpected can happen. I gave the actors space to explore the house, to move naturally. There’s a scene with Grace just being bored and a laundry basket—I didn’t instruct her to tip it over with her toe, but there’s a real, raw energy in that moment.” Die My Love, adapted from Ariana Harwicz’s 2012 novel, follows Grace (Lawrence) as she spirals into psychosis in the wake of a loveless marriage shortly after giving birth. The film also stars Robert Pattinson, LaKeith Stanfield, Nick Nolte, and Sissy Spacek. Lawrence previously shared with The Hollywood Reporter how Ramsay’s emotionally led approach shaped the production. “Weeks before shooting, we spent time in Calgary discussing our characters—not rehearsals, just deep conversations. Then she showed us around the house, which started to feel like another character in itself,” Lawrence said. “She does incredible world-building. By the time filming begins, she steps back and observes. But she’s also a cinematographer, and her eye for composition is breathtaking. Every shot could be a work of art. She’s truly gifted.” Lawrence’s praise highlights the growing recognition of female directors in Hollywood, showcasing how their collaborative, less controlling style can foster authentic, nuanced performances. The partnership between Lawrence and Ramsay is a testament to the power of trust, space, and emotional depth in filmmaking, creating moments that feel both real and unforgettable.

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