Movies

Dakota Johnson and director Celine Song rethink the rom-com with ‘Materialists’

BBG News

The movie titled “Materialists” offers great value: it essentially delivers two stories for the price of one. It’s primarily a captivating romantic comedy where a young woman faces a dilemma between a wealthy man promising a luxurious lifestyle and another, less affluent man who seems to genuinely grasp her emotional depths.

The film delves deeply into lengthy, introspective discussions on the significance and impact of love and relationships on individuals’ lives, self-perception, and identity. It also reflects upon its own essence, serving almost as a philosophical treatise about itself. Yet, it does so gracefully, with a touch of stylish, sophisticated romanticism.

Under the direction of playwright-turned-filmmaker Celine Song, “Materialists” is the sequel to her 2023 debut feature film, “Past Lives,” which garnered nominations for best picture and original screenplay at the Oscars. This new work engages with timeless romantic comedies from Nora Ephron, James L. Brooks, and Billy Wilder, while simultaneously addressing contemporary issues such as ambition and success.

According to Song, it’s not just about being in love and looking good for a romantic comedy. We’re also using this platform to discuss something meaningful because that’s what makes great romantic comedies – they spark conversations about important topics.

Movies

As a movie enthusiast, I’m really excited about this upcoming season! It’s packed with blockbuster hits that are sure to captivate me like a major Hollywood production, alongside independent films that offer a fresh perspective and intellectual stimulation. Plus, there are plenty of entertaining, yet brainless movies, which I believe are essential for a balanced summer movie diet.

36-year-old Song is enjoying a cup of tea with Dakota Johnson at a sunlit table in the hotel restaurant of West Hollywood. In the movie, Johnson portrays Lucy, a professional matchmaker based in New York City, who assists her wealthy clients in finding partners that meet their stringent criteria for looks, body type, occupation, education, income, social status, lifestyle, and other factors that could affect a potential partner’s worth in the dating market.

As a film enthusiast, finding myself amidst an intriguing plot twist, I find myself drawn to two captivating characters: Harry, a towering, dashing, and affluent private equity manager, and John, my former flame who’s now a struggling actor, making ends meet as a caterer. Initially, I contemplate using Harry as bait for my numerous high-profile female clients, but he harbors different intentions – pursuing me over a string of lavish dinners. Simultaneously, I rekindle my connection with John, stirring a battle within myself between the cold, calculating persona my profession has honed and the longing, dreamy romantic that yearns to break free.

As a fan, I’ve noticed that despite the fame brought by her role in the “Fifty Shades” series, Johnson has steered clear of typical romantic comedies, with the exception of 2016’s “How to Be Single”. However, this doesn’t mean she hasn’t been offered such roles. Instead, she’s chosen not to take them.

“They’re not good,” Johnson, 35, says, chuckling lightly at her own bluntness. “Sorry.”

As a film enthusiast, I often find myself yearning for movies that resonate deeply with my emotions. Sadly, much of what I encounter these days seems devoid of the very soul and heart that make cinematic experiences truly memorable. However, when it comes to romantic comedies, I yearn for a connection, and I believe Celine embodies that soulful, heartfelt essence that I crave. Yet, finding such a connection in some of the offerings I’ve received has been challenging.

What made “Materialists” feel different for her?

The intricacies of all the characters, he says. ‘The paradox – everyone being unsure about how to use their hearts, and what the best decision is. I found that incredibly honest and very relatable.

Johnson, partnered with musician Chris Martin, goes on to say, “For quite some time now, we’ve been quick to pass judgment on relationships and their dynamics. We often question when people should tie the knot, or if divorce is wrong. But if you really think about it, what’s so terrible about divorce? Why do we insist that people get married at a specific age, or limit them to one marriage? It doesn’t make sense.

The idea for this project initially sparked approximately a decade ago, during Song’s six-month tenure at a matchmaking service. This role was heavily client-oriented, and the honesty and vulnerability displayed by clients left an indelible impression on her. Furthermore, the job required navigating people’s feelings of desirability, lovability, rejection, and self-worth.

According to Song, who is married to the screenwriter of “Challengers” and “Queer”, honesty is key when matchmaking. She recalls thinking back then, “I just instinctively knew I’d create a story around this.

Since the initial trailer release for the movie, online viewers have been discussing an uncommon drink arrangement associated with Lucy. To be more precise, a drink is set before her even before she can place an order, by someone who already seems aware that she used to favor a mix of Coke and beer, with room in the glass to combine them later.

Song clarified, “What mattered to me was this beverage being so unusual that it’s hard to predict. It reminded me of how someone who truly knows you – a friend from college, someone who knew you when you were genuinely yourself – would know your drink preference. So I simply searched ‘unusual drinks.’

Despite its popularity in Germany, Johnson finds the taste of the beverage rather off-putting. He describes it as overly fizzy and not to his liking, expressing that he would not choose to drink it.

In the course of their collaborative work, it seems Song and Johnson have developed a strong unspoken connection. This was facilitated by their frequent interactions during the heightened interest in “Past Lives,” which afforded Song the opportunity to meet various high-profile stars, not necessarily for specific projects. They often found themselves expressing ideas to each other without needing lengthy explanations, as they could effectively communicate through subtle looks or gestures instead.

“She’d come in and be like, ‘Um …’ and I’d be like, ‘Yes,’” says Johnson.

Specifically, Johnson demonstrates an unflappable wisdom, hinting at a lifetime in the vicinity of the limelight (being the child of actors Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson). Since her debut in “The Social Network” in 2010, she has consistently been working. In their interactions, Johnson and Song exude a comfortable, laid-back vibe. However, when the topic turns to “Madame Web,” the 2024 Marvel film adaptation featuring Johnson that was a commercial failure and faced considerable media criticism, Johnson’s eyes become more focused and her stance stiffens.

“Go on,” Johnson says with a feigned seriousness.

Instead of “Will Johnson now stick to indie films at the scale of ‘Materialists’ or the projects produced by her company TeaTime Pictures, such as 2023’s ‘Daddio’ or the upcoming ‘Splitsville,’ which recently premiered at the Cannes Film Festival?”

Johnson has decided to focus on independent films in the vein of ‘Materialists’ or those produced by her company TeaTime Pictures, like ‘Daddio’ set for release in 2023 and the upcoming movie ‘Splitsville,’ which had its premiere at Cannes Film Festival.

“It wasn’t my fault,” Johnson says, laughing slightly while maintaining her focus.

The creative process now often involves decision-making by a group or individuals who may lack a creative spark. This can make it challenging to produce art or something entertaining, and it seems that ‘Madame Web’ might have undergone such a transformation from its original concept. Unfortunately, I was simply part of the journey as things changed along the way. Such outcomes are not uncommon in big-budget productions, as they occasionally fall short.

She mentions that there’s no bandage covering it and expresses that she doesn’t have a part of her that thinks “I’ll never do that again” about anything. She’s worked on small films that didn’t succeed, but she doesn’t let that bother her. Why should anyone care?

Previously involved in various productions, such as one slated to be helmed by 93-year-old comedy icon Elaine May (hoped to start filming this fall), alters the dynamic for Johnson, when it comes to a movie like “Materialists,” where she is solely an actor.

Johnson expresses, “Occasionally, I find myself saying, ‘I believe I can solve this,’ or ‘I know the right steps.’ I enjoy being helpful. However, there are moments when I choose not to speak. On our film set, I particularly enjoyed simply acting, as it was such a joy for me to focus solely on that role because I was so deeply involved and felt secure in the capable hands of everyone else.

In this movie, there’s a tale told within a story structure reminiscent of fables, featuring two ancient cave-dwelling characters who could potentially be the earliest known married pair. (And these characters make a brief reappearance for observant viewers in another part of the film too.)

As a film enthusiast, I find that every scene in this movie encapsulates the entire story. Just like how our current experiences will one day become ancient history, we may only have tangible evidence of stone tools and trade, but the intangible aspects – sentiment, feelings, and love – are what truly pass from one generation to another. These elements are often unrecorded, yet they’re the essence that connects us all.

Moving ahead to portray modern concerns and aspirations, “Materialists” strives to encapsulate the essence of a particular cultural era. It balances the pros and cons, constantly aware of a seemingly relentless time limit, while frequently navigating around harmful aggressors.

“Materialists” aims to show what’s happening now – our worries, hopes, and challenges. It considers the good and bad, always mindful of a fast-moving world, and avoids those who cause harm.

Stepping into the realm of modern dating today, one cannot ignore the profound impact of social media. As a movie-goer reflecting on this digital landscape, I find myself remarking: “The dating world has transformed significantly – it’s all about aspiration.” The lives we see through our screens become our ideals, making us believe that is how we should live. It appears enticing, but it lacks authenticity because it’s constructed, filtered, and in many cases, far from reality.

As we grow older, the pursuit of a partner often becomes centered around material possessions rather than soul connections. It’s not uncommon to find oneself valuing physical attributes like height, income, and physique over genuine emotional compatibility. These preferences, developed amidst the filtered world of social media, are worryingly detached from what truly matters in forming a meaningful bond between two souls.

Embracing difficult dialogues and personal introspection during challenging times, I proudly identify as a “Materialist.” This captivating narrative delves deep into the complexities of contemporary love, scrutinizing its decisions, drivers, and outcomes.

During the movie, Lucy and Harry attend an off-Broadway performance of John’s play “Tom & Eliza,” which is written by Song. Later, during drinks, John makes a disrespectful comment about Lucy’s job as a matchmaker, to which she responds sarcastically with a remark that it’s just “women’s stuff.” This line was actually Song’s intentional criticism of the dismissive attitudes towards writing about love.

In a subsequent email, Song expresses a frequent feeling that the subject of love, both in casual discussion and academic study, is often perceived as trivial or insignificant, labeled as “light entertainment” or even derogatorily referred to as “girl stuff.” It’s unfortunate, she believes, not just because it marginalizes women by excluding them from being considered ‘serious,’ but also because it denies the importance of love and romance in the lives of all individuals.

According to Song, Lucy’s remark was intended as a pointed critique of the dismissal. In his view, love is a profound enigma that deeply impacts everyone’s lives, making it a crucial topic in film. Love is the universal drama we all encounter, and thus it merits the highest regard.

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2025-06-04 13:33

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