It would be easy to place Scarlett into the category of actresses that just get hired because of the way they look. Megan Fox, Jessica Alba, Jolie…the list goes on, yet over the last decade Johansson has proved to us she is much more than just a pretty-faced, sultry-voiced blonde on screen. With the release of Her coming out on DVD on today, we thought it was time to take a look at some of this lovely lady's best work.
To kick off this list is Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation. A film that certainly got all the critics talking anyway, this rather independent film tells the story of a washed out movie star (Billy Murray) and a neglected young woman (Johansson) who, by fate, meet in Tokyo. Both actors chemistry on screen or indeed in some scenes, lack of is simply breathtaking. It is obvious that Johansson was intended to be sexually alluring in this role but comes across with class and sophistication rather than entirely a needy female. Lost in Translation, is a bizarre film indeed but Johansson brings utter beauty to our screens. Even whilst watching this, the audience will go through an array of emotions, never mind the fantastic acting we witness on screen. A simple story, albeit a very effective one that will have you thinking for days. The fact she was only 19 when she took the role of Charlotte just goes to show exactly what she’s made of.
Like many people, it seems Woody Allen is a big fan of Johansson. She has been cast in many of his films. From the intense Match Point, the light-hearted Scoop and the triangular love story that is Vicky Christina Barcelona. The latter has to be one of the woman’s best performances to date. Playing Christina who is on holiday with her friend Vicky, things get a little heated when the man she is seeing has his ex-wife turn up on his door step. Classic Allen drama if you ask me, but the way in which Johansson’s character adapts throughout the screenplay is simply extraordinary. And of course, she is perfect for the role. Acting alongside Johansson we have Rebecca Hall, Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem who all equally bring great performances to the screen.
Many actors, and there seems to be an increasing amount, think they can suddenly direct. Joseph Gordon Levitt jumps on this band wagon with his latest sex infused comedy Don Jon. Except he does a pretty good job of the acting, writing and the directing part – no honestly! Telling the story of porn addict Jon, who tries to give it up when he meets the luscious Barbara (Johansson). Here, Johansson still looking lovely, is not cast for her natural beauty. Barbara is she a gum-chewing, unsophisticated, manipulative woman who thinks by giving men sex they will do things for her. Not her most glamorous role, but she does do a fantastic job of turning the audience against her and becoming the epitome of what every man would hate in a woman. A comedy with a great message, Don Jon is certainly one to catch if you haven’t already.
A film that audiences and critics have been raving about earlier this year (and with good reason) is Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin. Although a tad typecast for her seductive nature, Johansson plays a temptress desperately trying to find a way to fit in to this society. The reason why she is finding it so hard is the fact that Laura in an alien of some sorts. This sci-fi drama shows Johansson’s apt acting abilities and also shows us she isn’t scared to throw herself into any kind of role. This is a very powerful film that takes sci-fi to a whole different level, just watch out for the insanely thick Scottish accents!
Last but certainly not least is Nolan’s phenomenal tale, The Prestige. The film tells the story of two magicians trying every trick in the book to desperately outdo each other to reach the ultimate illusion. Not only does this film have Bale and Jackman fronting it, David Bowie and Andy Serkis make an appearance. To add to this already very talented cast, Johansson plays stage assistant Olivia who, lets say dabbles, in both magicians. Playing both sides of this tense competition, her character brings charm and style to this twisted period piece. Some may say her attempt at a British accent is a completely fail, but it really isn’t that bad.
What Do YOU Think?
Are you a fan of Under The Skin?
What about something we haven't mentioned?
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Her is out on DVD now!