Scarlett Johanssonis one the more versatile actresses working today, and one of the few who’s trusted to anchor an action film. It’s a bit bizarre that other studios have caught on before Marvel, but what makes Johansson standout among her peers is that even though she can carry action movies, she also pushes towards projects that continue to challenge her. Rather than stay in a comfort zone, she’s never truly left her independent roots, and it makes her one of the more compelling actors in Hollywood.
With her new filmGhost in the Shellopening this Friday, let’s look back at her top five performances.
5) Ghost World
While this movie largely belongs toThora BirchandSteve Buscemi, Johansson still turns in a strong supporting performance as Enid’s friend Rebecca. While Enid gets the more colorful arc, her story is defined by the divergence Rebecca makes into “normality”, but Johansson never plays the character as stale or bland. Instead, she’s the harsh reality of friends growing apart as they change, and while Rebecca does do some loathsome things, Johansson keeps the character feeling real rather than conveniently malevolent.
4) Under the Skin
While I have issues with the film overall, there’s no denying that this is a brave, unusual performance from Johansson. Part-improvised, part-ethereal,Under the Skinis a sci-fi film without the comfortable trappings of the genre, but Johansson seems completely at ease playing a man-eating extra-terrestrial. It’s a fascinating comment on gender and power, and Johansson never overplays her hand. She expertly plays both the vulnerable side and the threatening side of her mysterious character, and watching the subtle transformation in her attitude is absolutely captivating.
3) The Avengers
Black Widow may have been introduced inIron Man 2, but she didn’t come alive untilThe Avengers.Joss Whedononce again showed his strength at writing captivating characters, and his Black Widow was not only a physical powerhouse, but also one who excelled at being spy. Johansson put on a charm offensive, and the film showed that Black Widow’s superpower isn’t just being able to beat up bad guys but to extract information. Her tête-à-tête with Loki is one of the highlights of the film, and the way she plays him is absolutely delightful.
Johansson’s performance inHeris so much more than voice work. There’s no animated character to help share the load. It’s all voice, and she has to be completely present while the film reminds us that she’s not really there. It’s a unique, masterful, surprising turn from Johansson made all the more surprising when you consider the fact that she wasn’t originally cast in the role.Samantha Mortonoriginally had the part and was on set doing the voice work, but directorSpike Jonzedecided that she wasn’t quite right and had Johansson do the voice work in post.
1) Lost in Translation
Johansson’s breakthrough performance is still arguably her best. While the film really does belong toBill Murray, Johansson plays Charlotte not as a guide for Bob or as a solution to his problems but as a fully formed person with her own set of issues and dilemmas. The performance highlights Johansson’s gift of playing vulnerable yet mature, someone who can be hurt but can also stand toe to toe with anyone. Despite having movie-star good looks, she excels at playing real people and her turn inSofia Coppola’s 2003 picture was equal parts thoughtful and heartbreaking.
