Turning into an old classic in the rom-com world, Scarlett Johansson’s 2009 film, He’s Just Not That Into You, acquired a place among solid go-to movies. However, while initially reading the script, although Johansson appreciated the work of art, she knew the exact scenes that might evoke controversies.
He’s Just Not That Into You is a light-hearted movie best suited for slumber parties or cozy night-ins. However, a few intimate scenes from the movie, based on the 2004 New York Times best-seller novel, started questions among viewers. Especially the scene where Scarlett Johansson’s character seduces a married man initiates the biggest controversies related to the movie.
Controversies ᴀssociated With He’s Just Not That Into You
Based on the 2004 New York Times best-selling novel by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo, director Ken Kwapis’ movie by the same name evoked great pleasure among its audience. Taking its place on the shelf next to тιтles such as Legally Blonde and How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, the 2009 Scarlett Johansson starring movie became a reliable option of entertainment for viewers.
The movie navigates five interlinked love stories between Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Connelly, Jennifer Aniston, and Ben Affleck. However, the interlinked romances happened to have certain intimate scenes that were considered far too much for their audience. Bringing out real-life problems related to relationships, the movie had one particular s*x scene with Scarlett Johansson that had everyone talking, following its release.
The MCU actress’ character Anna appeared tangled in an intimate relationship with a married man Ben (Bradley Cooper). This relationship evokes the controversial scene where half-naked Johansson gets forced into a cupboard by Cooper, as his wife (Jennifer Connelly) unexpectedly walks in. The scene gets further uncomfortable when Connelly proceeds to seduce her husband while Johansson is forced to be privy to the intimate moment.
Scarlett Johansson Defended Her Character In Her 2009 Film
Apart from the extremely uncomfortable extramarital relationship that Scarlett Johansson’s Anna had with Bradley Cooper‘s Ben, viewers were also perplexed by the fact that Johansson’s character remained in the cupboard. Witnessing controversies related to the intimate extramarital scenes, the actress ultimately had to come forward to defend the very humane nature of her character.
Johansson discusses her movie “Some people have said: ‘Why doesn’t she come out of the cupboard immediately?’ But I think she has a very human reaction. She is freaked out, shocked and she does not know what to do” Scarlett Johansson shared.
Further defending the super common and strange situation, Johansson even tried explaining the situation in regard to reality. “It’s hard to put yourself in that situation. In your mind, you think you would storm out. But would you?” the actress stated. Johansson then discussed how she was well aware of the controversies since the beginning. “When I saw that scene in the script, I knew it was going to be a talking point, for sure” the actress mentioned.
Johansson defends her character, Anna
Scarlett Johansson not only defended the controversial scenes, “It’s a really interesting, well-written scene and I think it’s great”, but also her character Anna from the film. Empathizing with Anna, a yoga instructor who falls for the wrong guy, the actress says, “She is not a home wrecker”. Understanding why Anna makes the choices she does, Johansson mentions, “She doesn’t go in with the intention of doing that…She hasn’t really thought: ‘I would never want someone to do this to me.’”
Despite the controversial scenes the movie grossed $179M worldwide with its reported $40M budget and became one of fans’ favorite rom-com of all time.