Dakota Johnson opened up about her complex relationship with acting and producing during a recent appearance at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia. The actress and producer described her experiences in the entertainment industry as a mix of fulfillment and frustration, revealing a “love-hate relationship” with her career.
Speaking as part of the “In Conversation With” series on December 8, 2023, Johnson candidly addressed the darker aspects of Hollywood, particularly the challenges of working with “shady” financiers. She noted that these elements can be disheartening for both actors and producers alike. “Financiers are really shady sometimes. It is heartbreaking. As a producer, it can be very heartbreaking. As an actress, it can be heartbreaking,” Johnson stated. Despite these difficulties, she expressed gratitude for her dual roles in the industry, emphasizing the rewarding aspects of both acting and producing.
Johnson’s Journey into Producing
Johnson’s transition into producing through her company, TeaTime Pictures, reflects her desire to take a more active role in the filmmaking process. “I always wanted to be a larger part of the project,” she explained, drawing inspiration from her parents’ careers in the industry. As she developed her own artistic vision, Johnson sought to create projects that resonate with her experiences and those of other women.
Under TeaTime Pictures, Johnson has produced films such as Am I OK? (2022), Daddio (2023), and the Sundance award-winning Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022). She indicated that the company mainly focuses on “female-driven, human experience projects,” aiming to highlight evolving narratives about women and their journeys. One of her upcoming ventures includes her feature directorial debut, A Tree Is Blue, which stars fellow actress and producer Jessica Alba.
Reflections on Notable Collaborations
Johnson also reflected on some of her most significant experiences in film, particularly her work on The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019). She described the project, filmed in Savannah, Georgia, as one of the “greatest experiences” of her career. Johnson formed a close bond with her co-star, Zack Gottsagen, and attributed the film’s authentic energy to the love shared among the cast. “I just feel like [working with him] was a total gift to my life,” she said.
Her collaborations with acclaimed director Luca Guadagnino on A Bigger Splash (2015) and Suspiria (2018) also left a lasting impact on her. Johnson described Guadagnino as someone who made her feel “deeply seen.” She recounted her initial apprehensions about joining A Bigger Splash, revealing that a call asking her to join the project came while she was on a tour bus with a rock band. Despite her initial doubts, she found reassurance in the supportive words of co-star Tilda Swinton.
In discussing her experience on Suspiria, Johnson acknowledged the rigorous preparation required for the film, particularly mastering choreography. “I did pretty much all of my own dancing… that took a lot of dedication,” she noted.
Johnson also praised director Maggie Gyllenhaal for her work on The Lost Daughter (2021), describing her as a “force” and highlighting Gyllenhaal’s ability to inspire her to explore various facets of her artistry.
As the discussion wrapped up, Johnson shared her impressions of the burgeoning Saudi film scene and the festival’s commitment to promoting female filmmakers from the region. “I’m extremely inspired by my experience so far… I’ve met some of the most incredible women,” she said, particularly commending Jomana R. Alrashid, chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation. Johnson concluded by expressing a renewed faith in cinema, contrasting her experiences in the United States with the vibrant atmosphere she encountered at the festival.
The Red Sea International Film Festival, which runs through December 13, 2023, continues to highlight diverse voices in the film industry, offering a platform for both established and emerging talents.