It’s so hard to compare roles — [but playing Bella] was difficult for other reasons,’ actress says.

By Larry Carroll

BEVERLY HILLS, California — Ever since she broke through playing Jodie Foster’s tough, imperiled daughter in the 2002 hit film “Panic Room,” moviegoers and critics alike have been quick to praise Kristen Stewart’s acting skills. Now, the 19-year-old actress is back in theaters next Friday (February 26) with “The Yellow Handkerchief,” a romantic drama she was cast in after Foster recommended her to the film’s producer, six-time Oscar winner Arthur Cohn. But when it comes to which role was tougher to play — her “Handkerchief” rebel Martine or “Twilight” icon Bella Swan — KStew and Cohn disagree.

“I followed Jodie’s advice because she’s a great actress and director,” Cohn said of casting Stewart in “Handkerchief,” a love story featuring old and new romances blossoming side by side. “Kristen had an enormous sensitivity for an extremely difficult part. With all respect to ‘Twilight,’ I think this part was infinitely harder to pull off.”

Making matters more interesting, Kristen was only 15 when she landed the role. It wasn’t until “Handkerchief” hit Sundance in 2008 that she was even cast in the “Twilight Saga” films. But with all due respect to her producer, Stewart disagreed with his thoughts on which role was more difficult to pull off.

“No, I would say definitely not,” Stewart insisted, claiming that Bella is the more complicated portrayal from an actor’s point of view. “It’s so hard to compare roles — this was difficult for other reasons.

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