Dakota Johnson candidly addressed her complex feelings towards acting and producing during a recent talk at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia. Reflecting on the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry, she described a “love-hate relationship” with her career, particularly highlighting the “shady” aspects of financing projects and the internal struggles she faces as a performer.
Participating in the festival’s “In Conversation With” series, Johnson opened up about her career trajectory and the evolution of her role as a producer through her company, TeaTime Pictures. She noted that her transition into production has exposed her to the darker elements of Hollywood, stating, “Financiers are really shady sometimes. It is heartbreaking. As a producer, it can be very heartbreaking. As an actress, it can be heartbreaking.” Despite these challenges, Johnson expressed gratitude for her dual roles in the industry.
Embracing the Complexity of Film Production
Johnson emphasized that producing presents unique challenges compared to acting. “There’s something about acting where I feel I’m in a bubble, and with producing you see behind the curtain, and it’s really ugly,” she explained. Yet, she appreciates both aspects of filmmaking, recognizing their fulfilling nature.
Her motivation to produce stems from a desire to contribute more significantly to her projects, inspired by her parents’ careers in filmmaking. “I always wanted to be a larger part of the project,” she said, explaining her shift towards creating work that reflects her artistic vision. Johnson’s production company has been behind several notable films, including Am I OK? (2022), Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022), and the upcoming Daddio (2023). She highlighted her focus on “mostly female-driven, human experience projects,” aiming to tell stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
One of her most anticipated projects includes her feature directorial debut, A Tree Is Blue, which stars fellow festival attendee Jessica Alba.
Reflections on Key Collaborations
Throughout her career, Johnson has encountered various collaborators who have impacted her artistic journey. She described working with Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes on A Bigger Splash (2015) as a pivotal experience. Johnson recounted the moment she learned of her casting while on a tour bus, feeling overwhelmed by the opportunity. “I was just young and crazy. And then, I went and I met [Guadagnino], and I felt like, ‘OK, I can do this,’” she said.
Johnson also reflected on her experience in Suspiria (2018), where she undertook significant preparation for dance sequences. “It took so much prep time to learn the choreography, and I did pretty much all of my own dancing,” she noted, acknowledging the dedication required for the role.
In her collaboration with Maggie Gyllenhaal on The Lost Daughter (2021), Johnson described the director as a “force” whose emotional intelligence greatly influenced her performance. “Maggie’s way of directing was very quiet, she would just come and kind of whisper things [to me],” she remarked, highlighting the unique style of Gyllenhaal’s direction.
As Johnson examined her career, she expressed deep appreciation for her work on The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019), calling it one of the “greatest experiences” of her life. She praised her co-star Zack Gottsagen, stating, “He just is such a performer and such a talented actor. I just feel like it was a total gift to my life.”
The Red Sea International Film Festival aims to elevate emerging filmmakers, especially women from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Johnson expressed admiration for the festival’s mission, saying, “I’m extremely inspired by my experience so far.” She noted the stark contrast between her experiences in the United States and the refreshing energy she found at the festival, stating, “I have a renewed faith in cinema.”
As the festival continues until December 13, the conversations surrounding female representation and innovative storytelling are set to resonate throughout the industry.
