In her first venture as a director, Scarlett Johansson chose to explore a challenging character far different from her previous acting roles: an elderly woman with a background as a Holocaust survivor. This decision highlights Johansson’s dedication to telling deeply personal and complicated stories through her new film, Eleanor the Great.
Discovering a Rare and Meaningful Script
During an interview at the Variety Toronto Film Festival Studio, Johansson expressed how much she connected with the story.
“I had such empathy for that character. I mean, I would’ve played her,”
she said. She emphasized the rarity of receiving a screenplay like this by adding,
“It’s such a rare thing to get a script sent to you that’s a little jewel like this one was. It really so so rarely happens.”
This revealed Johansson’s passion for projects driven by rich character studies rather than mainstream blockbuster formulas.
June Squibb’s Acclaimed Role and Collaboration
The film stars 95-year-old June Squibb in the titular role, marking a significant accomplishment late in Squibb’s career, who is often seen in supporting roles such as in her Oscar-nominated performance in Nebraska. Speaking about Johansson’s directing style, Squibb praised her decisiveness and supportive presence on set, saying,
“She decides immediately on things, and that’s a big help to the actor. And her ability to let you sort of do your work. That’s really such a joy to work with, that the feeling that you’re not pushed, that someone that knows where you’re going and what you’re doing.”
This collaboration underlines Johansson’s skill in guiding actors and creating a respectful environment for performance.
The Backstory of Eleanor the Great and Johansson’s Creative Focus
The screenplay, written by Tory Kamen, came to Johansson following a highly publicized contract dispute with Disney over her role in Black Widow. When asked if Eleanor the Great represented a form of reclaiming control away from the studio system, Johansson responded thoughtfully.
“That was really a business affairs issue, and it was resolved,”
she explained.
“Hopefully, it’s better for everyone because of it. So, that’s, that’s a good thing. … This was just about the love of movies that are character-driven portraits of complicated people.”
This highlights Johansson’s return to artistic storytelling, focusing on nuanced human experiences rather than industry conflicts.
The Film’s Premiere and Its Cultural Importance
Eleanor the Great will have its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, following its debut at the Cannes Film Festival in May. This positioning at major festivals emphasizes the film’s significance as both an artistic achievement and a platform for underrepresented narratives. Johansson’s work as a director and actress in this film is likely to inspire discussions about age, history, and resilience, showcasing her evolution beyond her blockbuster identity.
