EXCLUSIVE: Scarlett Johansson Talks Her Onset Experience on ‘Asteroid City’
Asteroid City is now in theaters and we got the chance to hear from one of the stars of the new film, Scarlett Johansson. During the chat, Scarlett Johansson talked working with director, Wes Anderson, her onset experience, and so much more. Check out what she had to say below.
On what’s unique about working with director, Wes Anderson: What’s unique about it is we’re all kind of circling the same thing. It’s that sense of comradery that you have. I think one of the things that really touches me about the movie is how supportive all the performances are of one another. It’s very noticeable because we’re all inside it but, every performance stands out, but they make this beautiful sort of orchestra. The pieces all together.”
On her onset experience: “When I got there, my work was sort of truncated into a short period of time. I could not have done it without having my scene partner, Jason [Schartzman], there. He was immediately completely available, present, and rehearsed. It was like falling into this comfortable pocket. I think that feeling is just very unusual. A lot of time you’re on set and it’s a lot of waiting and downtime and you lose momentum. It makes you question what you’re doing with your life and everything. This doesn’t have that at all. It’s so vivacious. It feels so exciting. And even just to be a new actress coming on the set to watch other actors performing. It’s just a very unique experience for a film.”
On whether any actresses inspired her character: “To the old Hollywood star, I was the Midge Campbell character. Wes and I kind of shared some ideas about what type of a person this could be, or what kind of career she could’ve had. And did she come through the actor’s studio? I liked Betty Davis because I thought her career was a good shape, and she felt like Betty Davis feels. When you watch her, she seems comfortable in the space she takes up. I felt like that could be a good beginning. She has a little bit of that Mid-Atlantic thing. And understanding where that came from. But the Midge Campbell one, I think we kind of settled on that as a reference.”
On discussing the theme of grief on set: “It’s funny because I think when we have the conversation about what connects us and it’s the enormity of this grief. My character says, ‘I don’t want that feeling so I’m just gonna not have it’. Which is so great and convenient. I mean, especially if you’re an actor. It’s perfect. You just do not have that feeling and erase it. And that’s the world that she’s living in. You don’t have to feel obligated to have a moment everyone is supposed to be having or whatever.”
*This interview has been edited for length and clarity
Photo credit: Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features