Becoming a beloved staple in the rom-com genre, Scarlett Johansson’s film from 2009, titled He’s Just Not That Into You, has become a go-to choice for many fans. Yet, when first reviewing the screenplay, Johansson, though impressed by the writing, foresaw potential controversies arising from certain scenes.
The film “He’s Just Not That Into You” is perfect for a girls’ night in or a relaxed evening at home. While the movie is mostly light-hearted, a few scenes, particularly one where Scarlett Johansson’s character tries to seduce a married man, have sparked some discussion among viewers. This particular moment has been the center of controversy surrounding the 2004 New York Times best-selling novel adaptation.
Debates Surrounding He’s Just Not That Into You
Adapted from the popular 2004 novel penned by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo, the film of the same name directed by Ken Kwapis received a warm reception from the audience. Alongside other rom-com classics like Legally Blonde and How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, this 2009 film starring Scarlett Johansson provided a delightful viewing experience for many.
Weaving together the romantic tales of Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Connelly, Jennifer Aniston, and Ben Affleck, the movie didn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of relationships. However, amidst the intertwining love stories, some steamy scenes raised eyebrows for being a tad too provocative. In particular, a certain intimate moment involving Scarlett Johansson sparked discussions and stirred up controversy following the film’s release.
In the movie, the character Anna, played by a popular actress from the MCU, finds herself in a complex romantic situation with a married man named Ben, portrayed by Bradley Cooper. The tension rises when an uncomfortable scene unfolds, with Anna being pushed into a closet while Ben’s wife, played by Jennifer Connelly, catches them in the act. The awkwardness escalates as Connelly then tries to seduce her husband while Anna is forced to witness the intimate moment.
Scarlett Johansson stood up for her character in the 2009 film, addressing the audience’s discomfort with the extramarital affair and Anna’s choice to remain hidden in the cupboard. In response to criticism of Anna’s reaction, Johansson argued that her character’s actions were simply a very human response to a shocking situation. She explained, “Some people have questioned why she didn’t immediately leave the cupboard, but I believe her reaction is realistic. She was scared and didn’t know what to do.” Johansson also shed light on the relatability of the situation, asking viewers to consider how they would react in a similar scenario. She acknowledged the controversial nature of the scene from the beginning, stating, “I knew that scene would spark discussion.”
Scarlett Johansson stood up for her character, Anna, in the face of criticism. She defended the controversial scenes, calling them “interesting” and well-written, and emphasized that Anna is not a home wrecker. Johansson empathized with Anna, a yoga instructor who finds herself in a tough romantic situation, saying that she doesn’t make her choices with bad intentions. Despite the backlash, the film was a huge success, grossing $179 million worldwide on a $40 million budget, and has become a beloved rom-com for many fans.
