Scarlett Johansson Gets Candid on Why ‘Eleanor The Great’ Made Her Cry

Scarlett Johansson is known for her powerful on-screen presence, from superhero blockbusters to heartfelt indie dramas.

But now, she’s stepping into a new role behind the camera, and the journey has already touched her deeply.

In a recent interview during the Cannes Film Festival, Scarlett opened up about why the script for Eleanor The Great, her upcoming directorial debut, moved her to tears.

Let’s take a closer look at why this film is so personal for Scarlett, what drew her to the story, and how it taps into the emotional, nostalgic heart of ’90s independent cinema.

Taking the Leap Into Directing

At 40, Scarlett Johansson is no stranger to the film industry. She’s been acting since she was a child, evolving into one of Hollywood’s most respected performers.

But, Eleanor The Great, marks her first time sitting in the director’s chair, a move that’s both exciting and emotional.

The film centers on an elderly Floridian woman, played by the legendary June Squibb, who forms a touching and unexpected friendship with a 19-year-old New York City student, played by Erin Kellyman.

It’s a story about connection, generational gaps, healing, and most importantly, forgiveness.

And it was that emotional core that instantly struck a chord with Scarlett.

“When I read it, I cried.”

Speaking with Deadline, Scarlett shared just how rare it is for a script to genuinely move her.

“When I read it, I cried, and that almost never happens,” she admitted. “Sometimes you’ll read a script that’s really moving. When I read Jojo Rabbit, I cried. Sometimes a script will move you like that, which is extraordinary.”

That’s high praise, especially coming from an actress who has worked with some of the most emotionally rich material out there.

The fact that Eleanor The Great hit her in the same way as Jojo Rabbit, a film that dealt with love and innocence in the midst of war, says a lot about the power of this story.

A Story That Feels Like Home

So what exactly drew Scarlett to this project? It wasn’t just the tears. It was the sense of familiarity and nostalgia the script evoked, a return to the kind of storytelling she grew up loving.

“I could see there was a great possibility in it,” she said. “I thought, ‘Oh, actually, I think I could tell this story.’ It reminded me so much of independent film from the mid to late ’90s.”

For Johansson, this film connects directly to her roots, both as a young actress and a fan of cinema. She reminisced about watching and working in independent films during that time, which shaped her creative sensibilities.

A Nod to ‘90s Indie Classics

There’s a certain warmth and intimacy to ’90s indie films that many movie lovers still cherish. For Scarlett, Eleanor The Great felt like a spiritual successor to those kinds of movies.

She explained, “I was a kid of the ’90s. I was working in independent film at that time, and I watched a lot of movies in that period of time that were throughout the ’90s into the early aughts, like Crossing Delancey and movies like that I loved as a kid.”

She also mentioned Richard LaGravenese’s Living Out Loud as a key influence, along with certain Woody Allen films from that era.

These are quiet, character-driven stories that focus on human emotions, quirks, and the complexities of everyday life, all elements she wants to bring into her own film.

Why Forgiveness Matters

At its heart, Eleanor The Great is a film about forgiveness, and that’s what made it stand out to Scarlett.

In a world where people often rush to judgment or hold on to pain, the idea of healing and understanding resonated deeply with her.

The emotional journey of the two lead characters, one at the end of her life and the other just beginning, creates a poignant space for reflection, change, and empathy.

It’s about discovering that it’s never too late to start over, never too late to say you’re sorry, and never too late to forgive, both others and yourself.

What This Means for Scarlett’s Career

For someone who has built a career on powerful performances, stepping into directing might seem like a natural progression.

But it’s also a bold move. Directing requires a different kind of vulnerability and vision, and Scarlett appears ready for the challenge.

Her passion for the story, her emotional connection to the material, and her deep appreciation for film history all suggest that Eleanor The Great will be a heartfelt, sincere, and beautifully told story.

It also opens up a new chapter in her career, one where she has complete creative control and the opportunity to shape stories that truly matter to her.

A Film to Watch For

Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut isn’t just another film on the release calendar.

It’s a project driven by emotion, memory, and a love for storytelling that stretches back decades.

From the tear-inducing script to the inspiration drawn from indie classics, Eleanor The Great promises to be a film filled with heart, nuance, and timeless lessons.

If you’re someone who misses the charm of ’90s independent films, or if you’re simply curious to see a new side of Scarlett Johansson, keep an eye out for Eleanor The Great.

It just might be one of those rare movies that leaves a lasting mark, the kind that stays with you long after the credits roll.

TL;DR

• Eleanor The Great marks Scarlett Johansson’s first time directing a feature film.
• The script made her cry, a rare emotional response she only gets from deeply moving stories.
• The film centers on an unexpected friendship between a 90-year-old woman and a 19-year-old student.
• Scarlett was drawn to the script’s nostalgic feel, reminding her of ’90s indie films she grew up loving.
• At its core, the film explores the powerful theme of forgiveness, something Scarlett says truly moved her.
• She sees great creative potential in the story and feels confident that she is the right person to tell it.
• Influences include beloved indie classics like Crossing Delancey, Living Out Loud, and certain Woody Allen films.
• This film could open a new creative chapter in her career as a thoughtful, emotionally-driven filmmaker.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.