Dakota Johnson Reflects on the Failure of ‘Madame Web’ and Critic Backlash
In a recent interview with Bustle, Dakota Johnson, the talented actress known for her roles in movies like “Fifty Shades of Grey,” opened up about her experience working on the Sony-Marvel film, “Madame Web.” The film, which revolves around a paramedic with psychic powers, was met with disappointment at the box office and faced harsh criticism from both fans and critics. Johnson revealed that the script had undergone significant changes from what she initially read, leading her to question her suitability for the comic book movie world.
“It was definitely an experience for me to make that movie,” Johnson shared. “I had never done anything like it before. I probably will never do anything like it again because I don’t make sense in that world. And I know that now.” Despite some critics praising her line readings in the film, Johnson acknowledged that she might not be the right fit for the genre.
The actress expressed her frustration with the way decisions are made in the film industry, particularly in big-budget movies. She highlighted the growing trend of committees and algorithms influencing creative choices, emphasizing that art suffers when it is driven solely by numbers. Johnson firmly believes that audiences are intelligent and can discern between genuine artistic expression and manufactured content. She even quipped, “Even if films start to be made with AI, humans aren’t going to fucking want to see those.”
Johnson’s candid remarks shed light on the challenges faced by artists in an industry increasingly driven by profit margins and market research. She acknowledged that being part of a film that received such negative reception was disheartening but understood the reasons behind it. Despite the disappointment, she considered the experience a valuable learning opportunity.
In a lighthearted moment during the interview, Johnson playfully anticipated the sensational headlines that would emerge from her candid conversation. She jokingly imagined titles like “Dakota Johnson Breaks Her Silence on Madame Web’s Fucking Box Office Failure.” Her self-awareness and humor demonstrated her ability to navigate the ups and downs of the industry with grace.
Interestingly, Johnson’s co-star in “Madame Web,” Sydney Sweeney, also addressed the film’s reception during her hosting gig on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. In her monologue, Sweeney humorously remarked, “You have seen me in ‘Anyone but You’ and ‘Euphoria.’ You definitely did not see me in ‘Madame Web.'” Her comment further highlighted the disappointment surrounding the film.
While “Madame Web” may not have achieved the success it aimed for, it is clear that both Johnson and Sweeney maintain a sense of humor and perspective about the situation. Their willingness to discuss the film’s shortcomings openly demonstrates their commitment to their craft and their ability to learn from challenging experiences.
As Johnson continues her acting career, it will be interesting to see how she navigates future projects and whether she will explore different genres or stick to those that align more closely with her artistic sensibilities. Regardless, her honesty and self-reflection serve as a reminder that even in an industry driven by numbers and algorithms, true artistry and authenticity will always resonate with audiences.