I interviewed director Peter Sattler on Wed., Oct. 8, 2014 to talk about his first feature film, “Camp X-Ray” and what it was like working with actress Kristen Stewart.

Camp X-Ray is the locale of the movie. It’s based on the real-life temporary detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. Stewart plays a small town girl named Amy Cole who enlisted in the army to find a purpose to her life. She is stationed as a military guard at Camp X-Ray. Her job is to patrol the cellblocks that house post-9/11 prisoners. (It’s interesting that the U.S. army refers to these prisoners as detainees.)

While on guard Cole is drawn into conversations with detainee Ali Amir (Peyman Moaadi) and a relationship develops. It’s a complex situation for both guard and prisoner. These supposed enemies surprisingly find a commonality despite being from opposite sides.

Sattler was very candid about his feelings for Stewart and the movie during our exclusive interview.

Dorri Olds: How did you know Kristen Stewart was right for this role?
Peter Sattler: When I started thinking about her I immediately realized the reason she is perfect for the film is she has a perfect mix of toughness and vulnerability. That’s at the heart of this character.
Is Kristen similar to Cole?
In some ways, yes. We talked about this a lot. We would find things from our own past we could relate to. Kristen seeks out roles that can explore a part of her. She definitely has a toughness to her and she’s kind of a tomboy but she also has a very sensitive side that is an intrinsic part of her.
Does she joke around on set?
If you can get her unguarded and at the right moment she can be super talkative and jokey. She’s actually a very funny person and she’ll talk a mile a minute if she’s got something to say. She has a lot of different sides to her. I’ve been in the same room with Kristen when the paparazzi are chasing her. She throws her guard up and doesn’t say anything. But, when she feels safe she’s a lot of fun. She has more talkative roles in the works and I’m really looking forward to her upcoming comedy.
Can you talk about the instant chemistry between Peyman Moaadi and Kristen Stewart?
It happened in a heartbeat. We cast Kristen first. Her casting director suggested Peyman. We did a video chat with the two of them and they fell right into their characters.

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