Scarlett Johansson experienced a rollercoaster of emotions when her film, Under the Skin, received a less than favorable response at the 2013 Venice International Film Festival. Film critic Alberto Barbera revealed that it was one of the worst screenings he had witnessed, with the audience even booing the film. Johansson was reportedly on the verge of tears during this disappointing moment. However, Barbera reassured her that with time, the film would be appreciated. And indeed, as predicted, Under the Skin eventually gained a cult following. Loosely based on Michel Faber’s science fiction novel, the movie follows Johansson’s character, a shape-shifting alien preying on men in Scotland. Despite the initial mixed reception at the festival, the film has since found its niche and garnered recognition. Johansson later reflected on the audience’s reaction, admitting that it left her feeling unsettled.
“It was a new experience for me to watch the movie with a crowd and see the final cut for the first time. I was up on a large mezzanine, feeling quite exposed,” Johansson shared with The Guardian in March 2014. “As the film came to an end, the lights turned on, and there was a mix of cheers and boos from the audience, both equally loud. I was taken aback by the reaction, not quite sure how to respond. It was a bit unsettling, to say the least.”
She remembered glancing at the director of the movie, Jonathan Glazer, who was thrilled by the audience’s positive reaction. The actress recounted that Glazer, aged 58, described it as “the most incredible sound” he had ever experienced. However, Johansson did not share the same feelings.
“I much prefer to take a strong stance rather than remain neutral. I would rather risk failure in someone’s eyes than be lukewarm about something…that’s the worst,” she shared. “I remember watching Eyes Wide Shut multiple times in the theater. The first time, I absolutely despised it. It triggered such a strong negative reaction in me. But I couldn’t shake it off, I had to see it again. And then, surprisingly, I ended up loving it. I think part of the reason I initially hated it was because of the emotional intensity it stirred in me. There was passion behind that hatred. I can never completely dismiss a film that evokes such strong emotions, even if they are negative.”
