Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic – Dakota Johnson, known for her role in “Madame Web,” is gearing up to receive the esteemed President’s Award at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, while also finalizing details for her debut as a feature film director.
In an interview, Johnson described her upcoming project as “very close to her heart.” She is collaborating with Vanessa Burghardt, her co-star from “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” who she praises as “an incredible autistic actress.” Johnson expressed newfound confidence in her directing abilities, stating her deep connection with Burghardt inspires her protective instincts about the film. “I just won’t let anybody else do it,” she added, emphasizing their unique shared vision.
At the festival, Johnson is not only recognizing her achievements but also showcasing two films. She stars in “Materialists,” a romantic drama directed by Celine Song alongside notable actors Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal. Additionally, she produced “Splitsville,” a film that gained acclaim at Cannes under her production company, TeaTime Pictures.
Discussing her role as a producer, Johnson highlighted the importance of fostering a collaborative environment on set. “I care a lot about how people interact and work together,” she stated. She noted that negative dynamics can hinder progress, insisting on surrounding herself with positive, creative collaborators. “I can’t waste time on toxic sets anymore,” she remarked, reinforcing her commitment to producing healthy work environments.
When asked about what constitutes a toxic environment, she drew a clear line. “I don’t want to deal with unkindness or condescension,” she explained. Johnson believes that while passionate disagreements are part of the artistic process, a collaborative spirit is essential for success. “The best idea should prevail,” she emphasized.
Reflecting on her extensive experience in the film industry, Johnson shared her evolving perception of success. With box office numbers fluctuating dramatically, she argues that the definition of success is shifting. “It’s exciting that people are returning to cinemas,” she noted, referencing the strong performance of indie films like “Materialists.”
To Johnson, success encompasses the emotional resonance of a film. “Honestly, finishing a project is a success in itself,” she stated. She believes that while films may not change the world, their impact on audiences can be meaningful.
Looking forward, Johnson expressed a desire to explore diverse roles, particularly in genres she hasn’t yet tackled, such as action or psychological thrillers. Recently, she completed filming “Verity,” an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s psychological novel, alongside stars like Josh Hartnett and Anne Hathaway. She acknowledged the challenges of adapting beloved books to the screen but praised the unique vision that directors like Maggie Gyllenhaal bring to such projects.
“I hope audiences feel inspired by the adaptations, even if they have differing opinions,” Johnson said, hinting at an unannounced project that she finds exciting and hopes to reveal soon. As her career continues to evolve, Johnson remains committed to producing meaningful content that resonates with viewers.