Dakota Johnson, the talented actress known for her role in “Fifty Shades of Grey,” recently opened up about the critical reception of her latest movie, “Madame Web.” In an interview with Bustle, Johnson expressed her lack of surprise regarding the negative feedback the film received. She stated, “Unfortunately, I’m not surprised that this has gone down the way it has.” However, she also acknowledged that the experience of working on the movie was unique and unlike anything she had done before. Johnson admitted that she probably wouldn’t venture into a similar project again, as she felt she didn’t quite fit into that particular world.
Furthermore, Johnson revealed that the final product of “Madame Web” wasn’t what she had initially signed up for. She explained, “But sometimes in this industry, you sign on to something, and it’s one thing and then as you’re making it, it becomes a completely different thing, and you’re like, ‘Wait, what?'” Despite the disappointment of the film’s reception, Johnson viewed the experience as a valuable learning opportunity. She acknowledged that being part of a project that was heavily criticized was not pleasant but understood why it happened.
In “Madame Web,” Johnson portrayed Cassandra Webb/Madame Web, a clairvoyant paramedic connected to the iconic superhero Spider-Man. Unfortunately, the movie had a disappointing box office performance, earning only $26.2 million over the six-day holiday weekend from its premiere on Valentine’s Day to Presidents Day. This marked the lowest opening for any film in the Sony Spider-Man universe and one of the worst starts for any movie based on a Marvel Comics character. Additionally, the film received overwhelmingly negative reviews and currently holds a dismal 13% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, along with a lackluster 55% audience score.
Johnson also shared her thoughts on the current state of the film industry. She expressed concern about the increasing influence of committees and algorithms in decision-making processes. According to her, movies should be made by filmmakers and their artistic teams, rather than being driven solely by numbers and formulas. Johnson firmly believed that audiences are intelligent and can discern the authenticity of a film. She stated, “Even if films start to be made with AI, humans aren’t going to f—ing want to see those.”
Known for her deadpan humor, Johnson jokingly predicted the headlines that would arise from her interview with Bustle. She humorously quipped, “Like, ‘Dakota Johnson Breaks Her Silence On Madame Web’s F—ing Box Office Failure.’ It’s like, ‘No, I’m not breaking any silence. I’m just talking.'” This witty response showcased her ability to handle the press with a touch of sarcasm.
During the press tour for “Madame Web,” some viewers perceived Johnson as disinterested and dismissive of the movie. Social media users even referred to her interviews as “unhinged.” However, these reactions only seemed to pique people’s curiosity about the film. One person tweeted, “Every unhinged interview that Dakota Johnson gives makes me want to see Madame Web even more.” Johnson’s dry sense of humor and candid approach to answering questions contributed to the perception of her being “unhinged.”
In one particular interview with MTV, host Josh Horowitz mentioned a scene in the movie where Johnson’s character dies for three minutes. However, Johnson appeared confused and admitted she hadn’t seen the film. This interaction further fueled the perception that she was detached from the project. Johnson later confessed to Bustle that she found it challenging to participate in the silliness of a press tour. Her straightforward nature and reluctance to conform to traditional interview expectations were evident throughout her interactions.
Johnson also addressed the headlines surrounding her alleged need for 14 hours of sleep. She revealed that the attention it received led to a disagreement with someone she knew. Johnson clarified that while she may have exaggerated in the interview, sleep was indeed a priority for her. She emphasized that her irregular sleep schedule was due to the nature of her job, which often involved early mornings and long hours on set. Johnson humorously dismissed the criticism, stating, “So just like, everybody, f— off.”
The actress admitted to enjoying exaggerating or even lying during press interviews. She found it to be the most fun aspect of dealing with the media. Johnson believed that in ridiculous situations, one must respond with a touch of absurdity. Her candidness and willingness to break away from the expected norms of press tours added an element of authenticity to her interviews.
Overall, Dakota Johnson’s candid interview with Bustle shed light on her perspective regarding the critical reception of “Madame Web.” She acknowledged the disappointment but also recognized the value of the experience. Johnson’s dry humor and straightforward nature made her interviews memorable, even if they were perceived as unconventional. Despite the challenges faced by the film industry, she remained optimistic about the intelligence of audiences and the importance of preserving artistic