Scarlett Johansson has shared how her experience working with the late Robert Redford played a pivotal role in her desire to become a director. The Marvel actress, releasing her first film as a director, Eleanor the Great, credited Redford’s work on the 1998 drama The Horse Whisperer as a key inspiration early in her life. Johansson recounted discovering a fascination for directing after observing Redford both star in and direct the film.
Early Lessons from a Hollywood Legend
On a recent episode of The Late Show, Johansson recalled seeing Redford on set, noting how he balanced intimate moments with her and managing large-scale scenes involving crew members like first assistant director Joe Reidy and director of photography Bob Richardson. She said,
“I remember seeing him on the set,”
and added,
“He would have those intimate conversations with me, and then he would be coordinating a huge scene with our amazing people first A.D. Joe Reidy and Bob Richardson, our DP. And it was like, ‘That job seems pretty interesting. I’d like to do that job someday.’”
Johansson was only 11 when she was cast by Redford to play Grace, a young girl deeply affected by a traumatic horse riding accident alongside her horse, Pilgrim. The film’s plot centers on Grace’s mother contacting a horse whisperer, Tom (played by Redford), who aids in their healing journey.
The Patient Guidance of Robert Redford on Set
Johansson described Redford’s presence during filming as deeply nurturing and patient. She remarked,
“such a warm, kind, patient, generous wonderful man,”
and further explained,
“He would take so much time with me every day. He was the director, so I got to work with him as an actor which was extraordinary, and he was so warm.”
Their characters shared a unique bond, with Redford’s character offering a therapeutic role to Grace, a dynamic Johansson said mirrored Redford’s real-life demeanor. She reflected,
“We had a very special relationship in the film — the characters do — where he really actually therapizes my character. And he, in real life, had that type of persona. Just so calm and kind and patient. Every scene we’d do, he’d talk me through what my character had been through up until that point, and it was like he had all the time to do that.”
A Transformative Experience That Shaped Johansson’s Career
Working with Redford proved to be a transformative experience for Johansson, one that helped her understand the discipline behind filmmaking. She said,
“I had a complete understanding of, ‘Oh, this is actually a craft and something you get better at and understand more the more you put into it.’ That was all because of Bob, Mr. Redford.”
Her admiration for the late actor and director extended beyond their collaboration, recognizing him as a significant figure in Hollywood.
Robert Redford passed away at his home in Sundance, Utah, on September 16th at the age of 89, surrounded by loved ones, according to his publicist Cindi Berger. The cause of death has not been revealed.
Scarlett Johansson’s Tribute to Robert Redford’s Legacy
Following Redford’s death, Johansson honored his impact on her and many others in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. She expressed gratitude for his mentorship by stating,
“Bob taught me what acting could be, and it was from his generosity and patience that I was inspired to pursue the possibilities of the craft.”
She also highlighted Redford’s founding of the Sundance Institute, describing it as
“a place where filmmakers learn from one another, inspire one another, and discover one another’s talent.”
Johansson further shared,
“Bob, thank you for your belief in me and for your grace and guidance. You inspired so many artists, me included, to go deeper, to stay present, to push creative boundaries, and to explore further, and for that, we are forever grateful.”
Enduring Impact of Redford’s Direction on Future Filmmakers
Robert Redford’s influence continues through the legacy he left in Hollywood and at Sundance, nourishing upcoming filmmakers and actors like Johansson who carry his lessons forward. Johansson’s journey from co-actor with Redford to emerging director perfectly illustrates how an established artist’s guidance can ignite new dreams in others. As Johansson’s directorial debut premieres, her reflections underscore the lasting effect of Redford’s patient mentorship and creative vision within the film industry.
