Jennifer Lawrence Admits She Was Confused By This Movie Despite Being In A Relationship With Its Director

Jennifer Lawrence has earned a reputation for her versatility and commanding performances in major franchises like The Hunger Games and X-Men. However, not all of her films have been as straightforward to grasp—even for the actor herself.

One notable example is the 2017 psychological horror-thriller Mother!, a movie that left not just the audience but also Lawrence bewildered.

Directed by Darren Aronofsky, who was her partner at the time, Mother! stirred up mixed reactions for its heavy symbolism and unsettling narrative, leaving many viewers perplexed about its true meaning.

In an interview with Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live, Lawrence candidly revealed that she barely understood the movie despite having the advantage of being in a relationship with the director. When Cohen asked her to rate her understanding of the film on a scale from one to "totally confused," Lawrence didn’t shy away from the truth.

Laughing, she admitted, “I’m going to be honest... Well, I was sleeping with the director, so I had the CliffNotes. So, five. Or four?” The actress’s lighthearted response underscored the difficulty she had in decoding the film’s abstract storyline, even though she had access to inside information from Aronofsky himself.

Released to a polarized reception, Mother! follows Lawrence’s character, a woman whose tranquil life is upended when her home is gradually taken over by a series of bizarre and unwelcome strangers.

The film's eerie atmosphere, surreal sequences, and puzzling events left audiences struggling to make sense of its plot.

Theories began to swirl, with some suggesting that the characters represented larger symbolic ideas—most notably, that Lawrence’s character embodied Mother Earth, and the intruders symbolized the relentless exploitation of the planet by humanity.

Others speculated that the film drew on biblical stories, with Lawrence’s character as a figure representing creation or nature. However, even with these potential interpretations, the film’s chaotic and disturbing structure left many scratching their heads.

Understanding Complex Narratives

Dr. Paul Bloom, a psychology professor at Yale, emphasizes that human understanding of narratives is often complex, especially in films that challenge conventional storytelling. He notes that films like Mother! evoke varied interpretations based on individual experiences and cognitive frameworks.

Bloom explains that the emotional resonance of a film can sometimes overshadow its narrative clarity, leading even seasoned actors like Jennifer Lawrence to feel confused. Understanding this can help audiences appreciate the artistic choices made by directors and screenwriters.

Promoting Mother! alongside Aronofsky further complicated matters for Lawrence.

During the movie’s press tour, she opened up about how their relationship was strained by the constant discussions surrounding the film. In a conversation with Adam Sandler, Lawrence explained that while she normally distances herself from a project once the promotional phase is over, dating the director made that nearly impossible.

“We’d be on the [press] tour together,” she shared, “I’d come back to the hotel, and the last thing I want to talk about or think about is a movie. But he’d come back, and that’s all he wanted to talk about. It was his baby—he wrote it, conceived it, directed it.” The intensity of Aronofsky’s connection to the project and his need to discuss it took a toll on their romance, which ended just two months after the film's release.

Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

While Mother! wasn’t a universal hit, it certainly sparked conversations among cinephiles and casual viewers alike.

Its unsettling imagery, layered metaphors, and cryptic plot cemented its place as one of the more complex films of 2017.

Even with insider knowledge and a close relationship with the film’s creator, Lawrence herself was left in a state of confusion—a sentiment shared by many who watched the movie.

Her candid admission about struggling to understand Mother! offers a refreshing perspective on how even A-list actors can wrestle with the intricacies of certain projects.

Paramount

Though not every film can be a critical darling or a box-office smash, Mother! continues to fascinate those who appreciate its bizarre, thought-provoking nature. For Jennifer Lawrence, it was a film that tested both her professional and personal life, but it’s a testament to her openness that she can reflect on it with humor and honesty.

Amid the confusion surrounding films like Mother!, experts recommend that audiences engage in discussions and analyses post-viewing. Dr. Carol Dweck, a renowned motivation researcher, suggests adopting a 'growth mindset' when approaching complex films.

Instead of viewing confusion as a failure to understand, see it as an opportunity for deeper exploration. Dweck advocates for group discussions or reading analyses from film critics to enhance comprehension. This practice fosters critical thinking and can transform an initially perplexing experience into a rewarding intellectual journey.

Analysis & Recommendations

Overall, Jennifer Lawrence's experience highlights the intricate nature of storytelling in cinema. Experts like Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi suggest that engaging with challenging narratives can lead to a state of 'flow,' where viewers become fully immersed and find personal meaning.

By embracing complexity and seeking out discussions or analyses, audiences can not only gain clarity but also deepen their appreciation for the art of filmmaking. In doing so, they equip themselves with the tools to navigate and enjoy the multifaceted world of cinema.