Jennifer Lawrence has candidly discussed her relationship with Darren Aronofsky, the director of the film she starred in. She revealed that their romantic involvement was ‘unhealthy,’ particularly as she was also acting in a movie directed by him.
A Look Back at Jennifer Lawrence in “Mother!”
In 2017, Lawrence took on a challenging role in the film “Mother!” This psychological horror, crafted by Aronofsky, placed her at the center of a bewildering narrative as a mother whose home life turns into a nightmare due to unexpected invaders. Despite the mixed reactions, with some finding it disturbingly complex, Lawrence herself admitted to being perplexed by the film’s storyline.
During a candid exchange on “Watch What Happens Live,” she was questioned by host Andy Cohen about her understanding of “Mother!” She cheekily remarked, “Well, I was sleeping with the director, so I had the CliffNotes. So, five. Or four?” Her response, although light-hearted, reflected the intimacy of their off-screen relationship.
Behind the Scenes: Navigating Dual Roles
Lawrence’s unique position as both leading lady and director’s partner turned out to be more complicated than anticipated. In a conversation with Adam Sandler for Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series, she noted the difficulty that arose from their dynamic when reading reviews together.
“Normally, I promote a movie and then let it go,” she reflected. “But this was different because we were in it together. After a busy day on tour, he’d want to discuss it, but all I wanted was to take a mental break from it.” This expectation to be his support system, while also maintaining her space, proved to be emotionally exhausting.
Eventually, Lawrence realized the stress it added was unwarranted. “I finally thought, ‘This isn’t healthy for either of us’,” she admitted. “I couldn’t keep getting defensive about the feedback just because it’s my partner’s work.”
Reflecting on the Film’s Reception
Despite the polarized views, Lawrence still treasures the creative journey she shared with Aronofsky. “Some people hate it, others love it. It’s not something I need to defend,” she shared, emphasizing her acceptance of critics’ views while choosing not to let them impact her personally.
In moving on from this chapter, Lawrence has since found personal happiness. She is now married to Cooke Maroney, and the couple is excitedly awaiting the arrival of their second child. It’s a new stage for Lawrence, both professionally and privately, and one where she’s learned the importance of keeping work separate from personal relationships.
