In a candid interview with L’Officiel, Dakota Johnson has voiced her frustration with the entertainment industry’s inclination towards “safe” standards, boldly calling out decision-makers for their reluctance to embrace risks and creativity.
The actress, known for her roles in “Fifty Shades of Grey” and “Suspiria,” didn’t hold back when reflecting on the hurdles faced during the promotion of her independent film, “Daddio,” despite it being acquired by Sony Classics after its showcase at Telluride.
“We made a movie called Daddio that was sold at Telluride to Sony Classics, which was amazing, but it took a lot of fighting to get that made,” shared Johnson, shedding light on the challenges of bringing unique and unconventional projects to fruition in an industry that often favors the familiar.
Expressing her bewilderment at the industry’s resistance to innovation, Johnson questioned the prevailing fear among decision-makers. “People are just so afraid, and I’m like, why? What’s going to happen if you do something brave? It just feels like nobody knows what to do and everyone’s afraid. That’s what it feels like. Everyone who makes decisions is afraid. They want to do the safe thing, and the safe thing is really boring.”
The actress further lamented the industry’s discouraging landscape, highlighting her disappointment in streaming platforms that often lack trust in the creative visions of artists. Johnson criticized the prevalent inclination towards safe and formulaic choices, describing it as disheartening.
“It’s really heartbreaking. It’s just fucking so hard. It’s so hard to get anything made. All of the stuff I’m interested in making is really different, and it’s unique and it’s very forward in whatever it is,” Johnson emphasized, shedding light on the uphill battle faced by those who strive to bring unconventional projects to life.
Despite these challenges, Johnson remains committed to her creative pursuits. In discussing her upcoming superhero film, “Madame Web,” she expressed her unexpected entry into the superhero genre. Johnson appreciates portraying a powerful young woman with a unique mind, showcasing her commitment to advocating for creativity and pushing boundaries in storytelling, even within more mainstream genres.
