Dakota Johnson’s Exciting New Venture: Splitsville at Cannes
Dakota Johnson is stepping into new territory as she makes her debut at the Cannes Film Festival. Known for her impressive performances in films like The Lost Daughter and Suspiria, Johnson has primarily focused on the Venice Film Festival in the past. "I feel like I was branded as Italian cinema-only and I’m so excited," she expresses, showing her eagerness to embrace the French festival atmosphere, where glamorous gowns and flip-flops coexist.
The Intriguing Premise of Splitsville
Scheduled for screening in the Cannes Premiere section, Splitsville marks a significant milestone, as it is the first project from Johnson’s production company, TeaTime Pictures, to be featured at Cannes. Directed by Michael Angelo Covino and co-written with his collaborator Kyle Marvin, Splitsville explores the intricate dynamics of relationships. The storyline revolves around two couples navigating the complexities of love: Ashley (played by Adria Arjona) requests a divorce from Carey (Kyle Marvin). In his search for support, Carey turns to his happily coupled friends, Julie (Johnson) and Paul (Covino), only to discover they’re in an open marriage, leading to unexpected complications.
Dakota Johnson on the set for ‘Splitsville’
(Credit: NEON)
Directorial Debut and Upcoming Projects
In addition to her acting role in Splitsville, Johnson has recently directed her first short film, Loser Baby, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last fall. She also stars in Celine Song’s upcoming film Materialists, featuring Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans. Johnson describes Materialists as reminiscent of classic rom-coms, evoking feelings reminiscent of Jim Brooks and Nora Ephron films. Furthermore, she has just wrapped filming for Verity, an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, where she plays a ghostwriter who must complete the unfinished novels of an author who has had a tragic accident.
A Deep Dive into Relationship Dynamics
During an interview, Johnson elaborated on the premise of Splitsville, stating, “It’s a very soulful, unique comedy about two couples and the challenging dynamics of their relationships individually.” The film delves deep into the complexities of love, exploring how relationships can intertwine in unexpected ways. This examination of love takes a modern twist, addressing themes of non-monogamy and the evolving nature of relationships.
When asked whether the film depicts a love triangle, Johnson refocused the conversation, explaining that it’s less about triangles and more about “love experiments.” She elaborated that while the relationships are deeply loving, they also navigate challenging and sometimes messy terrains.
Embracing Evolving Relationships
Johnson expresses her belief that there is no singular right way to love. "I don’t think there’s any right way," she affirms. This theme becomes central to Splitsville, where the exploration of love encompasses various scenarios; be it multiple relationships, deep connections with one person, or even both simultaneously. While she acknowledges that the evolution of relationships can be a beautiful journey, she also highlights the inherent challenges that come with such dynamics.
From left: Michael Angelo Covino, Simon Webster and Dakota Johnson in ‘Splitsville’
(Credit: NEON)
The Creative Process Behind Splitsville
The collaboration process with director Michael Angelo Covino and co-writer Kyle Marvin was rich and dynamic, according to Johnson. Their partnership was described as a "specific dance," where they would often engage in constructive disagreements to enhance creativity. Johnson expresses this as a healthy way to engage in the artistic process, believing that such exchanges often lead to the most compelling final products.
Shooting in Montreal: A Brief but Intense Experience
The film was shot in Montreal over the course of just 25 days. Johnson describes the short process as a whirlwind experience, filled with creative moments that ultimately shaped the film’s narrative. The unique approach taken during the shooting allowed for a vibrant exchange of ideas among the cast and crew.
Covino, Kyle Marvin, Adria Arjona and Johnson in ‘Splitsville’
(Credit: NEON)
Poetic Inspirations in Upcoming Work
Speaking of her future projects, Johnson recounts her fruitful experience working with Celine Song on Materialists, which she describes as “magical.” Johnson praises Song’s poetic writing style and her ability to be present in each scene, enriching the film’s emotional resonance. The ambiance of filming in New York during Spring added to the overall enchanting experience.
Connecting with Co-stars: The Importance of Chemistry
Collaboration doesn’t stop with directors; it extends to co-stars as well. Johnson appreciates the camaraderie she shares with her co-stars Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal, both of whom brought humor and a sense of friendship to the set. Johnson’s previous bond with Pascal made their on-screen partnership even more enjoyable, allowing for a relaxed atmosphere during filming.
In Conclusion
As Dakota Johnson navigates her exciting new ventures in both acting and production, Splitsville is set to be a remarkable exploration into the complexities of modern love. By tackling themes of non-traditional relationships and engaging with relatable characters, Johnson and her team create a narrative that resonates with many contemporary audiences. With her unique perspective on love and collaboration, Johnson is clearly poised to make her mark on the world of film, starting with an unforgettable debut at Cannes.