Scarlett Johansson: Five Films for Newcomers
Hollywood has been graced with the talents of Scarlett Johansson ever since she was a child star. It’s hard to believe we have had nearly thirty years of her on screen presence, ever since North (which is a film we’d like to forget, outside of this being her debut). Since then, she’s done everything from artistic indie productions to, well, Black Widow in the Marvel universe (and other blockbusters). Narrowing Johansson’s career down to just five films isn’t easy, but I think we have a really good handful of standouts here. In case you’ve missed out on her films (or if you simply want to see more from her), we’ve got you covered. Here are five films for newcomers to the works of Scarlett Johansson.
5. Her
Even by voice alone, Johansson can be captivating. In Her, she plays Samantha: an ever-evolving operating system’s AI, who develops new thoughts and ambitions every day. Even though Samantha represents the extents of technology, which can surpass the capabilities of humans themselves, Johansson is so warm (and yet the slightest bit robotic, as to keep the illusion alive), matching Spike Jonze’s intentions to have Her be a tangible experience of the near future, and not a cold and cynical prophecy.
4. Ghost World
One of Johansson’s best early roles was as teenager Rebecca in Ghost World. Playing the yang to Enid’s (Thora Birch’s) yin, Johansson embodies all of the youthful awkwardness of youngsters that are up to no good with their discoveries. Her contrast to Enid is also important, and Johansson — despite being besties with Birch’s character — still presents herself a little bit as the outsider looking in, allowing viewers to see themselves in these peculiar scenarios.
3. Marriage Story
It’s strange to be reminded that Johansson was previously never nominated for an Academy Award until 2020 (the Oscars caught up by nominating her twice; once for Jojo Rabbit). The other film she was honoured for was Marriage Story: a dramedy about divorcing parents. It’s obvious that Johansson has had dramatic chops for over two decades, but seeing her at this level is an absolute treat. She also dips her toes in the comedy side of the genre by being charming and playful, but it’s her hurt, vulnerable side that showcases Johansson at some of her finest moments.
2. Under the Skin
One film that has made its rounds in critical circles is Under the Skin, and it flaunts what is arguably Johansson’s greatest performance to date. As an alien in human skin that lures human prey to their deaths, Johansson is almost too good at her job. She never blinks or moves a muscle when witnesses aren’t around. When they are, her human being facade is convincing even to us (and that British accent is so spot on). Even though Under the Skin has received a ton of love, something tells me there are still some people who haven’t seen this bravura performance.
1. Lost in Translation
The best place to start with Scarlett Johansson’s filmography is unquestionably Lost in Translation. Even though she is at her peak in Under the Skin, her role as Charlotte in Sofia Coppola’s opus is so impressionable; it’s as if we can see ourselves in her as she wanders around Japan, as she embraces loneliness, and as she attempts to immerse herself in the unknown. She is equal parts charming — to keep us glued to the screen — and distant — to allow us to join her in her sight seeing. If you haven’t seen Lost in Translation yet, then it is an absolute must.
Andreas Babiolakis has a Masters degree in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management from Ryerson University, as well as a Bachelors degree in Cinema Studies from York University. His favourite times of year are the Criterion Collection flash sales and the annual Toronto International Film Festival.