Scarlett Johansson has recently shared her experience stepping behind the camera for her directorial debut, describing her new film, Eleanor the Great, as “a little gem.” In an exclusive interview with InStyle, the actress delved into the inspiration behind the project, her creative journey, and the joy of learning new filmmaking skills.
A Passion for Indie Films
Eleanor the Great is a small-scale indie film that draws inspiration from iconic movies of the ’80s and ’90s, including Moonstruck, Living Out Loud, and Crossing Delancey. Johansson explained that these films influenced her vision for the movie, which she describes as a heartfelt, character-driven story.
“It’s like a little gem,” said the Black Widow actress. “I was inspired by those independent films from the mid-80s to the mid-2000s. Movies like Living Out Loud, Crossing Delancey, and Moonstruck were a big influence.”
Learning the Craft
The directorial experience was not only a creative journey but also a personal one for Johansson, who admitted that it was exciting to learn new aspects of filmmaking at 40. She shared how her husband, Colin Jost, was a sounding board throughout the process, noting how fulfilling it was to immerse herself in the technical side of movie-making.
“When I would get home from work, I’d say to Colin, ‘You know, it’s so exciting to be 40 and learn a new thing,’” Johansson explained. “Now I know how to make a movie like this. I know how to finish it. The process of sound mixing, coloring, and editing – I didn’t know that before. And now I know how to do it.”
**About Eleanor the Great
The film tells the story of a 90-year-old woman who moves from Florida to New York City after the death of her best friend. In the city, she forms an unlikely and heartwarming friendship with a 19-year-old student. Johansson directed the film based on a script by Tony Kamen and produced it through her production company, These Pictures.
Although there is no confirmed release date yet, fans are eagerly awaiting Scarlett’s directorial debut, and early buzz suggests it will be a standout addition to her already impressive career.
As Scarlett Johansson continues to expand her creative horizons, Eleanor the Great marks an exciting new chapter in her career, blending her passion for storytelling with a newfound love for the intricacies of filmmaking.
