Scarlett Johansson
She is known as Woody Allen’s muse, having already starred in three of his films. But Scarlett Johansson’s decision to appear in his latest project, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, was due to her interest in learning Spanish.
Why Spanish?
I already knew a little from high school but it was the most pathetic Spanish. So I wanted to come out of this (experience) being able to talk.
Q. Did you improve?
A. Penélope (Cruz) was always encouraging me and talked to me in Spanish so I would learn. I was left speechless without understanding a single word, but what she said sounded amazing.
Q. Was it any better for Woody Allen?
A. He’s worse off than I am because he’s incapable of understanding anyone with an accent. Not even a Brit.
Q. What did you see and do in Barcelona?
A. It was a dream come true, and working with Penélope and Javier (Bardem) even more so. But I have to say that Javier was a bad tour guide.
Q. Do you like reading?
A. I’m more of an adventurer, someone who is always looking for the unexpected.
Q. And what about writing?
A. I’d love to write and I try to but there are people with a lot more talent.
Q. What are you reading at the moment?
A. Screenplays. And I like to listen to music. Reading Tom Waits’ songs is like re-imagining Alice in Wonderland.
