Dakota Johnson Unveils Challenges of Acting and Producing
Dakota Johnson recently shared her complex feelings about her career as an actress and producer during the “In Conversation With” series at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia. She described her experiences in the entertainment industry as a “love-hate relationship,” highlighting the emotional struggles and challenges posed by “shady” financiers and the exhausting nature of her artistic endeavors.
Reflecting on her transition into producing through her company, TeaTime Pictures, Johnson expressed pride in the projects she has worked on, while also confronting the darker aspects of Hollywood. “Financiers are really shady sometimes. It is heartbreaking,” she stated. Despite these challenges, she emphasized the profound fulfillment she derives from both acting and producing, stating, “But then both [producing and acting] are so incredibly fulfilling, and I feel very grateful that I’m able to do both.”
Exploring New Creative Territories
Johnson’s journey into producing stemmed from a desire to take a more active role in her projects. “Watching my parents work and how they would engage with filmmakers and producers… I always wanted to be a larger part of the project,” she noted. As her career progressed, she felt the need to create films that reflected her artistic vision and personal experiences, stating, “I just wanted to make my own projects and explore parts of myself and my artistry that I think other people weren’t seeing.”
Under the umbrella of TeaTime Pictures, which she runs with her producing partner and best friend Ro Donnelly, Johnson has backed several independent films, including Cha Cha Real Smooth and Daddio. She emphasized a commitment to producing projects that focus on female-driven narratives, saying, “I want to make movies about women and people that are going through some sort of evolution internally or externally.” Johnson’s directorial debut, A Tree Is Blue, is also in the works, featuring fellow festival attendee and producer Jessica Alba.
Johnson also recounted her experiences on various significant projects, including The Peanut Butter Falcon, which she described as one of the greatest experiences of her career. The film, directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, allowed her to form close bonds with her co-stars, particularly Zack Gottsagen, who brought an unparalleled energy to the production. “I just feel like [working with him] was a total gift to my life,” she remarked.
Lessons from Hollywood’s Giants
Her collaborations with acclaimed director Luca Guadagnino on films like A Bigger Splash and Suspiria also stood out in her reflections. Johnson recalled the moment she received the casting call for A Bigger Splash while on a tour bus, feeling anxious about the opportunity. “I was young and crazy… I cannot do this. I’m not prepared,” she admitted. It was Tilda Swinton who reassured her, reminding Johnson, “You’re here because you’re meant to be here, and you can do this.”
Johnson described her preparation for Suspiria as intensive, involving significant dance training. “I did mostly all of it, and that took a lot of dedication,” she shared. She also praised Maggie Gyllenhaal, her director on The Lost Daughter, calling her a “force” whose emotional intelligence influenced Johnson’s performance. “Maggie’s way of directing was very quiet… I was like, ‘I’m not sure I understand what you’re saying, but I’ll try,’” she laughed.
As the festival continues through December 13, 2023, Johnson expressed her admiration for the emerging Saudi film scene. “I’m extremely inspired by my experience so far,” she said, highlighting the remarkable women she has met, including Jomana R. Alrashid, chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation. Johnson noted a newfound optimism about cinema, especially in contrast to the current state of the film industry in the United States. “It feels really grim, and even in the less than 24 hours that I’ve been here, I have a renewed faith in cinema,” she concluded.
Johnson’s candid reflections shed light on the often unseen challenges that come with success in the entertainment industry, while also revealing her determination to create impactful stories through her work.
