Scarlett Johansson has been a star in a wide variety of films over the past thirty years. She had a prosperous early career, starring in films such as Robert Redford’s The Horse Whisperer (1998) and Terry Zwigoff’s Ghost World (2001). However, she also had the unpleasant experience of hearing fans boo one of her career’s best films.
Yes, we are discussing Under the Skin. Despite the negative feedback, the talented actress did not let it bring her down. Instead, she sought sound advice that helped her keep things in perspective. Her career has seen critical and commercial peaks and troughs over the last 20 years, some of which are not necessarily aligned.
In a 2014 interview with The Guardian, Johansson stated that she would rather experience both the highs and lows of success and failure than “tepid” mediocrity. The audience “booed” the 2013 flick, which made it one of the “worst” screenings she had ever been to.
The Best Advice Was Given to Scarlett Johansson While Fans ‘Booed’ Under the Skin
Under the Skin is arguably one of Scarlett Johansson’s best movies ever, despite being one of her most contentious ones to date. It was even, coming in at number 61 on the BBC’s list of the 100 Greatest Movies of the 21st Century. Many critics named 2013’s flick one of the best science fiction films of the year because of its ability to strike a balance between original storytelling and intensely unsettling moments.
With two Oscar nominations and an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Under the Skin has received rave reviews from critics; however, the film’s path to glory wasn’t easy. For instance, the crowd booed the movie during one of its screenings at the Venice Film Festival because they were so startled by it.
Furthermore, the Venice Film Festival’s Alberto Barbera recalled that Johansson was disturbed by this response from the crowd in an interview with The Guardian:
“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 recognised.’”
While receiving negative feedback is never easy, especially from one’s own fans, Johansson’s ability to rise above the noise and remain committed to her work is truly inspiring. Her sci-fi drama thriller received high appreciation despite being a highly contentious film and not being to everyone’s taste.
Scarlett Johansson: Under The Skin Was a Very ‘Different Story’
It is understandable why Scarlett Johansson had such strong feelings for the movie. She explained in another interview with The Guardian that she was “part of the creative process” for the movie and that she corresponded with director Jonathan Glazer for several years on how to make this movie happen.
“I heard Jonathan was making a film and originally it was a very different story. But I met him, and it was very clear that he was struggling to figure out what he was doing with it, and what had attracted him to it. It wasn’t his passion project but there was something in the idea of having a character that was an alien that could give him the freedom to be completely observant without any judgment. I think we were both interested in that.”
Johansson has previously spoken with Harper’s Bazaar UK regarding the reaction the film received at the Venice Film Festival.
“When we had the screening in Venice, people were cheering and people were booing, people were speechless, people were vocal, and it was mad. But they were engaged and that’s really the point.”
Under the Skin opens with Johansson emotionally vacant, and it ends with her experiencing an emotional awakening. The audience was engrossed in the gripping narrative, and the Lucy actress mesmerized them with her riveting portrayal of the complex human world. Almost stripping down for the role, Johansson stunned everyone with her amazing acting.
So, the next time you face criticism or doubt, consider Johansson’s story. Stay true to your work, stay focused, and never let the noise of others dampen your spirit. Because, in the end, it’s your hard work and determination that will stand out more than the boos & jeers of the crowd.
Under the Skin is streaming on Max.
