Scarlett Johansson’s portrayal of daring and bold scenes in various films has been a topic of discussion and admiration among audiences and critics alike. Known for her versatility and willingness to take on challenging roles, Johansson has fearlessly embraced nudity and intimate scenes when they serve the narrative and contribute to the authenticity of her characters.
Initially, Jonathan Glazer’s mind-bending film, Under the Skin, garnered attention under the moniker of “Scarlett Johansson’s nude movie.” The film featured Johansson as an otherworldly being, seductively maneuvering through our world, enticing men to her home for a mysterious feeding ritual.
Scarlett Johansson Didn’t Want To Look Too Sexy
However, as the film reached larger audiences, the focus shifted from nudity to the profound themes that Glazer expertly explored in his exceptional sci-fi creation. Surprisingly, the inclusion of nudity nearly didn’t come to fruition if it didn’t align with the specific criteria set by Johansson. This revelation adds an intriguing layer to the behind-the-scenes intricacies of the film’s production.
During her candid interview with W Magazine, Scarlett Johansson delved into her rationale behind embracing nudity in Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin. Right from the film’s outset, Johansson’s character is depicted completely unclothed as she disrobes a “kidnapped” woman.
This unconventional attire would serve as Johansson’s wardrobe throughout the majority of the film, while the character’s deliberately outdated black hairstyle was a deliberate choice made by the talented actress. Johansson expressed her firm intention to portray nudity in a non-glamorous manner, deliberately eschewing the bombshell image.
“She was a totally different species, so her nudity was kind of practical. I also had black hair. That was my idea — I didn’t think I should be a blonde sort of bombshell. Naked, but not too sexy.”
Why Under The Skin Failed To Find An Audience
Despite receiving rave reviews and the buzz surrounding Scarlett Johansson’s bold performance, Under the Skin struggled to attract a substantial audience. With a reported budget of $13 million, the film only managed to gross $5.4 million. To put it into perspective, even a midnight showing of Avengers: Age of Ultron, where Johansson is part of an ensemble cast, surpassed that figure.
In hindsight, one might wonder if Johansson’s deliberate choice to downplay her alien character’s beauty impacted the film’s box office performance, even though she believed it was the right creative decision for the role. Speculation arises as to how much more successful Under the Skin could have been with a traditionally glamorous depiction of the alien, perhaps warranting Photoshop assistance for imagination.
Under the Skin is available for streaming on HBO Max. It is also available for rent and purchase on Google Play and Amazon Instant Video.
Source: Cinemablend
