At the age of 13, Scarlett Johansson, best known as a Marvel actress, found inspiration to pursue directing while observing Robert Redford on the set of The Horse Whisperer. Years later, Johansson made her official entry into directing with the film Eleanor the Great, a project deeply influenced by her early experiences and admiration for Redford’s approach to filmmaking.
The Formative Influence of Robert Redford on Johansson’s Ambition
While working with Robert Redford as a child, Johansson closely watched his work behind the camera, which ignited her interest in directing. She reflected on this formative period, stating,
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When I was a kid, I was working with Bob Redford, and just observing him on the set,
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and observed how Redford commanded the set and collaborated with key crew members like the director of photography Bob Richardson and assistant director Joe Reidy. Johansson explained,
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Just seeing his command of the set, blocking scenes, working with Bob Richardson, our director of photography, Joe Reidy, our assistant director, and just watching him in action, on his feet, doing that work.
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More than technical skills, Johansson noticed Redford’s ability to connect personally on set:
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Then he could switch over and have these very intimate conversations with me, where he would spend the time to recount all that had happened to my character up until that moment, and help me get to where I needed to go,
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she recalled, adding,
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I mean, the fact that he could bounce back and forth like that to me seemed like a really interesting job.
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This dual approach of technical mastery and sensitive leadership left a lasting impression on the young actress.
From Acting Success to Embracing Directing
Despite her early ambitions, Johansson postponed her directing goals as her acting career flourished. The demanding nature of the director’s role intimidated her at first; she admitted,
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At some point I thought, ‘Who would ever want a job like that?’
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laughing as she described the challenge of constantly solving problems and answering questions. She said,
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You’re fixing all the problems and answering all the questions, and it feels so tedious, you know. It just seemed impossible to me, like a whole different brain.
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Over time, however, Johansson’s experience gave her the confidence necessary to take on directing responsibilities. Reflecting on this growth, she said,
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I don’t think I could have done this job 15 years ago,
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explaining that her accumulated experience and self-assurance made the directorial role achievable. She emphasized the importance of this confidence, warning,
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It requires that confidence; otherwise, if the director’s not confident, everybody feels it on the set and it’s awful.
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The Story Behind Eleanor the Great
Eleanor the Great, Johansson’s directorial debut, is a comedic drama tackling themes of grief, friendship, family, and the Holocaust. The story follows Eleanor, a 94-year-old woman who attends a Holocaust survivors’ group and impulsively recounts fellow survivor stories as her own, leading to unexpected consequences.
Both Johansson and lead actress June Squibb felt a strong personal connection to the screenplay. Johansson shared with East Bay Times,
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June was attached to star in it, so I was really interested in what June Squibb was excited to star in,
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adding,
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And it was pretty apparent. Echoing what June is saying, I could tell when I read it that it was a real showcase for June’s talent, because the character is this sort of impossible person.
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Squibb corroborated this sentiment, praising the script’s depth and its tailored fit for film. She recounted,
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It was well written, and it was written for film, which is a certain thing,
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and reflected on her connection with the character,
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And it just told me so much right away about this woman, and who she was, what she felt, and how the playing of it, the being her for so many weeks, would be. I felt, Yes, this is something for me to do.
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Balancing Comedy and Serious Themes in Direction
Johansson carefully calibrated the tone of Eleanor the Great to blend humor with weighty subject matter. She described the challenge of mixing levity with the heaviness of the Holocaust context, saying,
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These really profound moments that could be quite surprising. You know, there’s a heaviness, of course, to the material, and so I think you have to balance it with levity,
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thereby allowing the film’s emotional range to resonate authentically with audiences.
Actor June Squibb praised Johansson’s leadership and insight as a director, highlighting how Johansson’s acting background contributed to a smooth set environment. Squibb remarked,
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She’s such a leader and she worked from the standpoint of the knowledge she had as an actor, which was great for me. It was just a wonderful experience. Everything was very easy.
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Reception and Anticipation for the Film’s Release
Eleanor the Great was scheduled for release on September 26, inviting audiences to experience Johansson’s first venture as a director. Early reviews from Movieguide® commended Johansson’s directorial efforts and Squibb’s portrayal of Eleanor, noting a storyline that ultimately leads to family reconciliation. The review stated,
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Renowned actress Scarlett Johansson does a good job directing. June Squibb delivers a wonderful performance as Eleanor. Eventually, Eleanor finds a way to share her friend’s story with the world.
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However, the film contains some mature elements, prompting caution regarding its suitability for younger viewers. Movieguide® advised,
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ELEANOR THE GREAT also has uplifting scenes of family reconciliation. However, there’s some lying and foul language, and a politically correct moment when a college-age character says she’s quote gay unquote,
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followed by,
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So, MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for older children.
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Significance of Johansson’s Shift Behind the Camera
Scarlett Johansson’s journey from actress to director marks a significant evolution in her career, shaped early on by her exposure to Robert Redford’s directing style. Her debut film, Eleanor the Great, tackles complex emotional themes with a nuanced tone, reflecting her growing confidence and experience in filmmaking. By embracing the multifaceted demands of directing, Johansson is poised to expand her creative impact in the industry.
As audiences anticipate the film’s release, Johansson’s transition signals the potential for future projects where her dual talents in acting and directing may intersect, perhaps inspired by the example set by Redford decades earlier. This debut not only marks a new chapter for Johansson but also highlights the importance of mentorship and observation in shaping artistic paths.
