In Venice, Italy, director Noah Baumbach approached Scarlett Johansson with a project idea for a movie about a divorce without knowing that she was going through one herself. Johansson, along with Adam Driver, stars in “Marriage Story,” a Netflix film about a couple navigating a separation and divorce while managing their 8-year-old son. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and is in the running for the Golden Lion award.
While Johansson brought her personal experiences from her divorce with French businessman Romain Dauriac in 2017 to her role, she emphasized that the film resonates with a wide audience due to its brutally honest yet tender portrayal of relationships. Baumbach crafted the script with Driver and Johansson in mind, recognizing that delving into divorce allowed them to explore the complexities of marriage.
Laura Dern, portraying Scarlett Johansson’s character’s legal representative in the film, described the movie as a perfect depiction of the complexities of divorce. In a scene where the main characters engage in a intense and emotionally charged argument, viewers at the Venice Film Festival were left talking. Adam Driver shared that although he did not dwell on the scene afterward, it was a challenging experience that took a toll on him for a couple of days. Director Noah Baumbach mentioned that it was a grueling scene to film, often requiring breaks for the actors to gather themselves either by retreating to their rooms or taking a stroll around the block.
Baumbach expressed his admiration for how the two actors nailed the scene every time, likening it to a thrilling sports match between top athletes. He called it one of the most fulfilling moments he’s ever had as a director.
