While the Marvel star Scarlett Johansson is popularly known for starring as Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, in the MCU, the actress has also made a name for herself outside of the superhero universe. She has gained a spot among some of the most profound actresses in the industry with her work in movies like Jojo Rabbit, Marriage Story, Her, and Under the Skin.
Scarlett Johansson

The latter, which features Johansson as a man-hunting alien, is considered to feature some of the best work of her career. However, there were also other elements that added to it becoming the hardest job of her entire career as well.

Scarlett Johansson Opened Up About Her Hardest Job

Loosely based on a novel by Michel Faber, Jonathan Glazer’s 2012 sci-fi film, Under the Skin, follows an extra-territorial being as a woman, Laura, who preys on men. Starring Scarlett Johansson, the movie received immense praise from critics.
Scarlett Johansson in Under the Skin
However, it turned out to be a box office failure, making only a little over $7 million on a $13 million budget. Her performance portraying an alien in the movie is considered to be one of the best of her career, as an emotionless character who is void of feeling anything.

Talking about the movie during an interview with Success, Johansson described it as, “The hardest job I’ve ever had in my entire career.” Explaining what made her feel that way about the movie, she said that she had to “confront” everything that could have led her to feel “self-conscious or embarrassed.”
Scarlett Johansson with Jonathan Glazer
The actress worked on the movie for years with its director. While portraying a man hunting an outlandish creature would have had its challenges for the acclaimed actress, it only gets harder when it’s done in the harsh winters of Scotland.

Scarlett Johansson Filmed Under the Skin in Brutal Winter

Some of the parts of Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin were also filmed in Glasgow, Scotland. The movie features its leading star, Scarlett Johansson, as an alien in the form of a woman who lures men into another dimension. Most of the film features Johansson’s Laura in wet boots or a too-thin coat.
Behind the scenes of Under the Skin
Talking about the harsh weather, the actress said during a press conference (via BBC), “It was harsh, and it was brutal, and it was cold, it was wet, and it was terrifying, but we pulled through..” The movie premiered at the 70th Venice International Film Festival, where it received partially mixed reactions.

While some cheered, others booed at the movie. The Lost In Translation actress shared that she did not know how to react to it. “I think I was just… I wouldn’t say disturbed, but I was sort of shocked,” she told The Guardian. While she found it strange, the actress shared that Glazer was pleased and called it the “best reaction.”

Under the Skin is available on Max.

Source: Success