Scarlett Johansson’s 2013 Jonathan Glazer-directed sci-fi Under the Skin was an endeavor that failed to cause an uproar at the box office. When it came to the critical front, most were moved by the sublime experience. Some others, though, couldn’t resonate. As is usual with most artistic pursuits, not everyone is bound to feel engaged with what you create.
A similar fate was dealt to this Johansson starrer.
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At the time, the movie’s Venice Film Festival screening and the audience’s mixed reaction had compelled the leading star to nearly shed tears. The situation even led to the festival’s artistic director consoling the actress, reassuring her that the endeavor would garner newfound appreciation in time.
This prediction would soon reflect in reality. Among those who felt moved by the project, Johansson’s previous collaborator, Sofia Coppola, director of Lost in Translation, felt that Glazer’s effort deserved more.
Sofia Coppola Supported The Film That Nearly Moved Scarlett Johansson To Tears
Talking to The Guardian, the artistic director of the Venice Film Festival, Alberto Barbera, recalled the festival screening of Johansson’s Under the Skin (2013). Dubbing it one of the worst screenings he has ever witnessed, Barbera revealed that he had to rush to the actress’ side to console her after audiences’ disapproving reaction stunned the MCU alum. The Black Widow star was reportedly on the verge of tears after the booing of the endeavor.
Following was Barbera’s statement:
“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.”
The Italian film critic’s assertion came to fruition. Although the response at the festival had been unkind, Under the Skin would soon become a favorite among most film critics. Several publications considered it the most outstanding movie of 2014. Glazer’s pursuit eventually emerged in third place on the ultra-prestigious Cahiers du Cinéma‘s 2014 top ten ranking.
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Sofia Coppola, a collaborator of Scarlett Johansson‘s, offered particularly favorable comments about the underappreciated film. A few years back, the acclaimed director gave The New York Times a list of her top 21st-century movies. The Jonathan Glazer-helmed sci-fi boasted a spot as one of the entries. Of the film, the Priscilla alum had the following to state:
“[Scarlett Johansson] was so good in that—well cast, and it was so weird and innovative the way they shot it and incorporated real people. I thought that movie should have gotten more recognition.”
Many others echo Coppola’s thoughts about the movie. On Rotten Tomatoes, Under the Skin enjoys an 84% rating out of 260 critics’ reviews.
How Scarlett Johansson Felt During The Venice Film Festival Screening
In a 2014 interview with The Guardian, Scarlett Johansson revealed how getting simultaneously booed and cheered felt at the 2013 Venice Film Festival during the Glazer-helmed film’s premiere. The experience had made the Lucy star feel “strange” and “super-exposed.” The actress was stunned by the audience’s response, but the movie’s director couldn’t be more exhilarated. Following was Johansson’s statement:
“It was the first time I had seen the film with an audience and the first time I saw the film finished. And I was on this huge mezzanine, so I felt super-exposed. Then, at the end, when the lights came up … there was this sound of people cheering and booing at the same time, but with equal gusto. I didn’t know how to react to it. I think I was just… I wouldn’t say disturbed, but I was … shocked.”
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Continuing, the actress described how Jonathan Glazer displayed the exact opposite expression:
“I looked over at Jonathan, and he was filled with glee. Absolutely thrilled. We left the theatre, and I was like, ‘That was so strange,’ And Jonathan was like, ‘That was the best reaction! That was the most amazing sound I’ve ever heard in my life.'”
Concerning her films, the MCU alum concluded that she is open to receiving a visceral response rather than enjoying a tepid, lukewarm middle ground. Under the Skin accomplishes precisely that. Some people are perplexed by it, while others relish it. Some detest it, and some find it elusive.
Nonetheless, critics’ verdicts suggest there are certain elements to appreciate no matter how the endeavor makes one feel.
Under the Skin (2013) is available for viewing on Max.
