Scarlett Johansson took on the role of an alien who preys on men in Jonathan Glazer’s 2013 film, Under the Skin. After starring in seductive and superhero roles, Johansson wanted to take a break and act in indie films. While she read several scripts during this time, she sought out Glazer’s script for its high-end concept. Johansson barely had any dialogues in the experimental sci-fi film.
Johansson had the most enjoyable experience working on the film. She also had a great time during the promotions where she was asked more about her role than her hot look or superpowers. The film received an extreme reception from the audiences, which made the Marvel actress cry at one point.
Scarlett Johansson Had Healthy Discussions With the Press About Her Under The Skin Role
Jonathan Glazer planned the film adaptation of Michel Faber’s novel, Under the Skin, in 2000 but he didn’t have the required technology to realize his vision. When he was finally ready to make the film, Scarlett Johansson was looking for an indie film to break away from her commercial roles. Johansson heard about Glazer’s initial premise for the film and was hooked immediately.
The duo had several discussions over the film before it finally started production. The script underwent several changes during this time. Johansson played an alien with only a couple of lines in the movie and her character preyed on men in Scotland. During an interview with The Guardian, the Scoop actress revealed that she took on a challenge in playing the alien role.
She didn’t exactly know how to play a character that had no relationship to any emotions. She revealed that she went with her intuition and it was the most enjoyable experience on a film set. She showered praises upon The Zone of Interest director and his brilliance while adding that she too had some positive outcomes from the film.
For one, no reporter wanted to talk to her about silly things like hot guys or superpowers. She got more respect as an actor and a human during this film’s promotion. She revealed to The Guardian that she had a conversation with one news outlet about the relativity of time. The Asteroid City actress shared:
Because it brings up so many questions. One of the journalists that I was talking to today, we ended up talking about the relativity of time. Whereas, normally, it’s like ‘So, what do you find sexy in a guy?’ Or, ‘If you had a superpower, what would it be?’
Johansson’s interest in the film can also be attributed to these questions raised by the film’s premise. When she met the director, Glazer was still figuring out his film and he had complete freedom to weave his plot around the alien character without any judgments. However, everyone did not seem to understand the cult film like Glazer and Johansson.
The Reactions To Under the Skin Made Scarlett Johansson Cry
Under the Skin premiered at the Telluride Film Festival. Johansson attended the screening of the film at the Venice Film Festival. She recalled that it received an even split of cheering and boos from the audience. While some considered it to be a masterpiece, others believed that it was a laughable attempt at an alien movie.
She revealed that it was the first time she watched a film with a live audience and she didn’t know how to react to the audience’s response. During an interview with The Guardian, the artistic director of the film festival Alberto Barbera shared that Johansson was moved to tears by the booing of the audience. She shared:
It was one of the worst screenings I’ve attended. It was the only time the audience booed a film. Scarlett was almost in tears. I tried to say to her: ‘Don’t worry, in time the film will be recognized.’ And that’s exactly what happened. It’s now a cult movie.
However, the Black Widow actress eventually learned from Glazer that a mixed reaction was far better than everyone having a middle-ground opinion. The film’s critical acclaim did not help it succeed in theaters, as the film bombed badly.
Under the Skin is now available for streaming on Max.
