In a recent episode of Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang” podcast, Dakota Johnson, best known for her role as Anastasia Steele in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” franchise, candidly discussed her approach to intimate scenes in movies. Johnson’s remarks quickly became a topic of conversation, particularly when she humorously stated, “I don’t have to. I’m, like, always psyched up for sex,” and jokingly questioned, “Let’s go to pound town?”
While her playful comments brought a smile to listeners, they also highlight a serious aspect of acting that Johnson has had to navigate throughout her career—preparing for emotionally and physically intimate scenes. Reflecting on her journey, Johnson revealed that her recent experiences have included working with an intimacy coordinator for the first time.
The presence of intimacy coordinators in film and television has become increasingly vital. These professionals help actors navigate scenes that involve nudity and suggestive content, ensuring that all parties feel safe and comfortable. Johnson described her experience, noting how beneficial it is to have someone dedicated to explaining the choreography of such scenes. “It was so cool because I’m so used to, you know, just being like, ‘It’s a sex scene. It’s not sexy. It doesn’t feel good,’” she shared.
In order to ready herself for these types of scenes, Johnson explained the importance of character work, thinking deeply about who her character is and the context of the moments. “First, it depends on who the character is and who the character’s supposed to be to the audience,” Johnson elaborated.
Her thought process spans various facets of her character’s identity—be it a glamorous figure, a housewife, or an anxious individual. Johnson expressed that how she feels in her body also influences the execution of such intimate scenes. “I want to feel good in my body if I’m showing my body,” she emphasized, a sentiment that resonates with many actors.
Coming from a family of actors, with Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson as her parents, Dakota has often received guidance on navigating the complexities of the industry. She credited her mother for instilling a sense of body positivity and self-love. “My mom raised me to be really proud of my body and love my body,” she noted, which has greatly aided her confidence while performing onscreen. This encouragement, coupled with open conversations about body image and intimacy from a young age, shaped her perspective.
Johnson’s reflections align closely with the growing discussions around body image and intimacy within the film industry. There’s an increasing acknowledgment that portraying intimacy authentically and sensitively is just as important as the content itself. And for actors like Johnson, who often tackle such scenes, understanding their characters holistically allows for more poignant storytelling.
On a professional note, Johnson is excited about her upcoming film, “Materialists,” set to release on June 13. The film is inspired by director-writer Celine Song’s experiences as a New York City matchmaker, and Johnson plays Lucy, a talented liaison trying to help others find love, while grappling with challenges in her own romantic life.
Her character is caught between two significant figures—a flawed yet familiar ex, John played by Chris Evans, and the seemingly perfect, wealthy Harry, portrayed by Pedro Pascal. The complexity of Lucy’s journey reflects a broader narrative theme that resonates with many: the conflict between external perceptions and internal truths.
When discussing her character, Johnson explained, “She’s at a very interesting time in her life where she’s sort of teetering between two worlds.” The narrative explores themes of bravery and vulnerability, particularly the challenge of allowing oneself to be loved.
Ultimately, Johnson’s journey as an actress showcases the intricate balance between embracing one’s identity while portraying multifaceted characters on screen. Her upcoming project illustrates this struggle, as she conveys, “It’s a story of bravery, really, and fear. Allowing yourself to be loved is scary, and really loving another person is scary.”
As we await the release of “Materialists,” Dakota Johnson’s ongoing discussions about intimacy, body confidence, and character depth are reminders of the evolution within the entertainment industry. The hope is that such open dialogues continue to foster a culture of empathy and understanding in the portrayal of human experiences—especially those that hit close to home, like intimacy.
In conclusion, Dakota Johnson’s insights remind us not only of the fun, humorous side of preparing for intimate scenes, but also the serious emotional underpinnings that come with them. As she continues to navigate her career with honesty and vulnerability, fans can look forward to seeing how she brings her unique perspective to life in her upcoming roles.
Source link
