Actress Dakota Johnson Finds Fairytale in Karlovy Vary

Dakota Johnson described her experience at the 59th Karlovy Vary festival as a fairytale, charmed by the architecture and local culture while introducing two films. She also shared thoughts on her career, relationships, and the impact of social media.

Embracing Complex Characters

Though known for roles involving romantic love, Johnson is eager to explore darker characters. She stated, “I would love to play a psychopath” and is open to action movies. She emphasized that roles must resonate with her, aligning with her creative vision.

  “Even though I also made films such as Dark Daughter or Suspiria and they don't fit into it. But it is true that the two pictures I brought to Karlovy Vary are about love. I am very interested in love now. He can save people, awaken them in them. Of course there are the roles they eat about. I would love to play a psychopath. She made an action movie. I'm open to everything. It just has to meet properly, the universe must be inclined.”
  —Dakota Johnson, Actress

Producing and Collaboration

As a producer with her company Teatime, Johnson values collaborative environments, avoiding toxic atmospheres on set. Johnson mentioned, “If it doesn’t work, the project won’t move anywhere. I no longer intend to vain time on the set with a toxic atmosphere or in projects that are not fun, fulfilling, or simply healthy.” She actively seeks to create healthy, cooperative sets where the best ideas win.

Dating and Relationships in the Digital Age

Johnson reflected on the complexities of modern dating, influenced by social media’s pressures. She questioned whether striving for a dream life online is worth sacrificing genuine connection: “Social networks have caused us the need to lead a life that looks good on the Internet. But we are human beings, so it wouldn’t be better to live with the knowledge that someone really loves you?”

  “I talked to her a lot about her work. She said she felt that people often talk to her more honestly than with her family, friends or even their own therapist. So much they wanted to find their ideal. It was interesting how many Celin's clients dealt with the material aspects of the relationship. More than any emotional or mental fulfillment.”
  —Dakota Johnson, Actress

According to Pew Research Center, about one-third of U.S. adults have used dating apps, highlighting their significant role in modern relationships.

A Friendship Remembered (Sort Of)

Discussing her co-star Pedro Pascal, Johnson humorously recounted their first meeting, recalling Pascal’s assertion that they’ve met numerous times, though she only vaguely remembers a possible encounter at an airport years ago. Despite the foggy details, she affirmed their close friendship.

Future Projects

Johnson also spoke about her directorial aspirations, planning a modest but heartfelt feature film with Vanessa Burghardt, an autistic actress who played her daughter in Cha Cha Real Smooth. Johnson feels protective of Burghardt and wants to ensure the film is made with care and authenticity.

Exploring the Female Perspective

As a producer and director, Johnson seeks visually and emotionally provocative stories, particularly those offering a nuanced female perspective. She champions complex, unconventional heroines. Johnson praised Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut as inspiring.

Literary Pursuits

Running a book club through Teatime, Johnson is currently reading Miranda July’s All Fours, despite her dog’s attempt to chew the cover. When asked about writing her own book, she expressed awe for writers, admitting she only keeps a diary filled with “total madness.”

A Career Retrospective

Reflecting on her 25-year career, Johnson fondly recalled her early experiences and gratitude for her journey. She marveled at the beauty of Karlovy Vary, describing it as “like Disneyland!” and appreciated the festival’s atmosphere of shared love for cinema.

Embracing the Festival Spirit

During her brief stay, Johnson tasted absinthe and enjoyed the city’s architecture, noting its fairytale-like quality. She cherishes film festivals as “a small bubble of love in a world full of chaos and pain,” emphasizing the hope that art brings to people.