Scarlett Johansson’s praise for Robert Redford in her teenage role: “Before every scene he would retell the story for me”

With over three decades of experience in front of the camera, Scarlett Johansson, hailed as the highest-grossing actress of all time thanks to her latest release, “Jurassic World: Rebirth,” has collaborated with countless renowned actors. However, few contemporary actors can boast as much as she has of having worked with Robert Redford, one of the most iconic actors in American cinema. In 1998, the star of “The Sting” and “The Way We Were” directed and starred in the film “The Horse Whisperer,” with which Johansson broke into the industry.

Scarlett Johansson on her collaboration with Robert Redford

“I couldn’t believe it. I was shocked, and there was also a sense of relief there because it had been such a long audition process that I couldn’t believe it,” Johansson, who had begun her film career four years earlier with the film “North,” told the specialized press during the film’s promotion. “It helped that the character was so dramatic and intense. It was something I could relate to, her being my age. She’s very frustrated because her parents aren’t really listening to her, and it was easy for me to jump into the role. It was harder creating it. Me and Bob had to work, putting different ideas together, and make the character, make Grace,” she explained.

In the film, she played Grace MacLean, a teenager who loses a leg after a tragic horse riding accident and takes out her frustration on her mother and beloved horse. Her way of channeling the complex emotions of such a dramatic character caught the attention of critics. The two-time Oscar nominee credited Redford’s direction for her first success, which offered her the keys to carrying off such a mature role.

“Before every scene, he would retell the story for me to help me find my place in the story,” said the actress, who also recalled the director’s advice to “not act” in order to better contain Grace’s emotions. Redford received his third nomination for Best Picture and fifth for Best Director at the Golden Globes for this film.

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