Scarlett Johansson, a name synonymous with versatility and star power in Hollywood, is embarking on a new and exciting chapter in her illustrious career: stepping behind the camera for her directorial debut, “Eleanor the Great.” In a recent interview, Johansson reflected on the pivotal experiences that shaped her artistic journey, highlighting, in particular, the profound and “transformative” influence of working with the legendary Robert Redford at the tender age of 12. Her insights offer a rare glimpse into the making of a director, from her early days as a child actor to navigating the complex landscape of modern filmmaking.

Johansson’s career is a testament to her enduring talent, from her poignant performance in “Marriage Story” to her action-packed role in “Black Widow” and her recent appearance in “Jurassic World Rebirth.” Her return to the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a familiar stage she first graced as a young actress on Colbert’s second show, served as a nostalgic backdrop for her candid reflections. As the conversation turned to the recent passing of Robert Redford, a towering figure in cinema, Johansson shared intimate memories of their time together on the set of “The Horse Whisperer,” a film Redford both directed and starred in.

Working with Redford, whom she affectionately nicknamed “Buoy”—a revelation she confessed for the first time—was an experience that fundamentally reshaped her understanding of acting and filmmaking. She described him as a “warm, kind, patient, generous, wonderful man” who dedicated immense time to her every day. Redford’s unique approach involved sitting with her through every scene, meticulously detailing her character’s journey up to that point. This personalized guidance was “transformative” for Johansson, instilling in her a deep comprehension of acting as a “craft” that improves with dedication and understanding. It was this immersive, almost therapeutic mentorship that first piqued her interest in the director’s role.

Johansson recounted observing Redford seamlessly transition between intimate conversations with her and coordinating massive scenes with his first AD and Director of Photography. This dual capacity sparked an early thought: “that job seems pretty interesting, I’d like to do that job someday.” While she later spent “many years being like, who would ever want that job? You’re basically just answering questions,” the seed of directorial ambition had been planted.

Now, as she navigates her own directorial debut with “Eleanor the Great,” Johansson brings a wealth of experience from her extensive acting career. When asked what she, as an actor, seeks from a director, her answer was immediate: “curiosity.” For her, directing is a collaborative effort, a dance between the actor’s interpretation and the director’s vision. A director’s curiosity, she explained, manifests in their openness to explore new ideas, to ask “what if we tried this,” and to embrace a “playfulness” that allows for unexpected discoveries within a scene.

The transition from actor to director, however, has not been without its surprises. Johansson admits to making “a million decisions an hour,” many of which “you can’t go back on.” These decisions, inextricably linked to “money and time,” often require on-the-spot problem-solving. One unexpected challenge she encountered was the “lonely” nature of the job. As the first person on set and the last to leave, the director often finds themselves “on an island a little bit sometimes.” Yet, she found comfort in the fact that the entire crew “is there waiting for answers that you have to give them,” highlighting the collective responsibility that underpins a film production.

Despite working with an array of renowned directors such as Christopher Nolan, Sofia Coppola, Noah Baumbach, and Wes Anderson, Johansson revealed she didn’t specifically seek their advice for her directorial venture. Instead, she drew upon collective wisdom, particularly from actor-directors. She cited a memorable piece of advice from Jon Favreau, with whom she worked on “Iron Man 2.” Faced with a cast of diverse acting styles—including Mickey Rourke, Sam Rockwell, Robert Downey Jr., and Gwyneth Paltrow—Favreau likened his role to that of a “therapist,” adapting his “vocabulary” to meet each actor’s individual needs. This insight into individualized communication resonated deeply with Johansson, informing her own approach to guiding performances.

As “Eleanor the Great” prepares for its theatrical release, Scarlett Johansson stands at a unique vantage point, a celebrated actress now charting a new course as a director. Her journey, rooted in the “transformative” guidance of Robert Redford and honed through years of observing cinematic masters, is a testament to continuous learning and the courage to embrace new artistic challenges. The “loneliness” of the director’s chair is offset by the collaborative spirit she champions, and her unwavering curiosity promises to bring a fresh perspective to the art of filmmaking. From “Buoy” to maestro, Johansson’s evolution is a compelling narrative of passion, mentorship, and the boundless pursuit of creative expression.