Scarlett Johansson Reflects on Her Career

Scarlett Johansson has shared that after her role in the 2003 film Lost in Translation, the types of characters offered to her were often limited to “girlfriends” or “other women,” viewed mainly as sexual objects. In her words, “We couldn’t get out of the cycle,” as she discussed in an interview with Vanity Fair.

Feeling pigeonholed, she described a realization that this was forming her identity as an actress, adding, “That wasn’t much I could do.” Her agents, she mentioned, also struggled to assist her in breaking this pattern.

Johansson spoke about the journey of understanding her sexuality and desires. Expressing oneself can be exhilarating, she noted, as you start to wear what you want. However, there’s a moment of reckoning when she felt uncomfortable being objectified, saying the term “exploitation” is significant and resonates with her experiences.

She also reflected on the difficulties she faced as a young actress in her teens and early twenties, something many women recognize as they grow older. It’s a common feeling, perhaps frustratingly familiar, as she explained how journalists sometimes commented on her body, which she found quite disrespectful.

Johansson also brought up actress Millie Bobby Brown, referencing a recent video where Brown addressed inappropriate comments about her looks. Johansson observed, “I think they still do that. I don’t think people can do that.” It’s a noticeable ongoing issue in the industry.