Scarlett Johansson reveals how Robert Redford inspired her ‘behind the lens’

Scarlett Johansson is opening up about her real-life inspiration as a director as she follows in the footsteps of Robert Redford.

The 40-year-old actress, best known for her role as Black Widow, revealed that Redford inspired her to try her hand at directing after they worked together on the 1998 drama The Horse Whisperer.

In an exclusive interview with Extra, Johansson expressed her admiration for the 89-year-old filmmaker. 

She told the outlet, “I remember watching Bob choreograph a really complicated scene in the riding arena. He was blocking it out and deciding where the camera was going to be placed … watching him do that and then having this intimate conversation with me as an actor.”

She added, “I felt like it was a very interesting job, and there was a lot to do. I like that. I like being busy on set.”

For the unversed, the Iron Man 2 star made her directorial debut with Eleanor the Great, starring June Squibb. 

Describing the job as a rewarding experience, Johansson shared her unfiltered thoughts on the process as a whole.