Filming intimate scenes in movies can be awkward, surreal, and downright bizarre. Scarlett Johansson recently opened up about one particularly uncomfortable moment on the set of the 2013 movie Her, which caused her co-star Joaquin Phoenix to walk out of the recording studio. This candid revelation shines a light on the behind-the-scenes challenges actors face, even when the scene is far from the traditional physical intimacy we see on screen.
Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson starred together in Her. Credit: Stefania D’Alessandro/WireImage/Getty Images
The Movie: A Sci-Fi Romance That Pushed Boundaries
Directed by Spike Jonze, Her is a critically acclaimed sci-fi romance that explores the deep connection between a man and an AI assistant. Set in a near-future Los Angeles, the film follows Theodore (played by Joaquin Phoenix), a lonely and recently divorced man who finds solace and love in his virtual assistant, Samantha, voiced by Scarlett Johansson.
What makes the movie unique is its emotional depth, tackling themes like isolation, technology, and the human need for connection. Scarlett’s role was entirely vocal, as her character Samantha never physically appears on-screen. However, her voice plays a pivotal part in bringing the relationship between Theodore and Samantha to life.
The Scene: A Steamy Moment That Went Awry
One of the film’s most talked-about moments involves a phone sex scene between Theodore and Samantha. The scene is intimate, raw, and emotional—elements that are challenging to capture even in traditional love scenes. For Scarlett, however, the challenge was amplified by the unique circumstances of her role.
Speaking on the Armchair Expert podcast hosted by Dax Shepard and Monica Padman, Scarlett explained the peculiar setup for recording her portion of the scene. Joaquin had already performed his side of the scene during filming, but because Scarlett’s part was voice-only, she had to record her lines separately in a studio.
Scarlett’s Experience: “It Was So Gross”
Scarlett described the recording process as “bizarre” and admitted that the situation made everyone involved uncomfortable. She recalled how Joaquin had to sit in the recording studio with her while she recorded the sounds of her character’s orgasm.
“Joaquin comes in, we try to get through one take, and he was, like, losing it,” Scarlett shared. “He had already done [the scene], he had done it in person, and now he was with me, in this weird theater, I’m in this box, and the lights are low. Spike is there. It was so bizarre.”
Scarlett Johansson opened up about the awkward experience. Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images
The surreal nature of the scene eventually overwhelmed Joaquin, leading him to leave the studio mid-session. Scarlett revealed that he needed a break, and she completely understood why. Looking back on the experience, she admitted that it still gives her “panic.”
“You don’t want to hear your voice, ever,” Scarlett confessed. “You definitely don’t want to hear what you sound like having an orgasm. And you definitely don’t want to hear what you sound like having a fake orgasm. Ew. It’s so gross.”
Why Intimate Scenes Are So Challenging for Actors
While viewers often see steamy scenes as passionate and polished, the reality behind the camera is far from glamorous. From modesty patches to being surrounded by a large crew, filming intimate moments is often an exercise in awkwardness and vulnerability. For Scarlett, recording such a personal and emotional moment using only her voice added an entirely new layer of discomfort.
Actors rely heavily on their ability to immerse themselves in a character’s mindset, but scenes like this can blur the lines between professional and personal boundaries. The experience for Scarlett and Joaquin highlights how even seasoned actors can feel deeply uncomfortable in such situations.
Joaquin’s Reaction: A Moment of Vulnerability
Joaquin Phoenix, known for his intense and deeply immersive acting style, was understandably thrown off by the scene. Having already performed his side of the phone sex exchange during the main shoot, revisiting it in a dark, enclosed recording studio with Scarlett must have felt like a surreal and emotionally draining task.
His decision to walk out wasn’t an act of frustration but rather a need to step away from an environment that had become too overwhelming. Scarlett’s empathy for his reaction underscores the unique pressures actors face when tasked with delivering raw, intimate performances under unconventional circumstances.
The Film’s Success Despite the Challenges
Despite the awkwardness behind the scenes, Her went on to achieve critical acclaim. The film boasts a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes and received multiple accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Audiences praised the movie for its emotional depth, innovative concept, and the powerful performances of its cast.
The phone sex scene, awkward as it was to film, became a pivotal moment in the story, illustrating the intense and unconventional bond between Theodore and Samantha. It’s a testament to both Scarlett and Joaquin’s talent that they were able to deliver such a convincing and heartfelt performance despite the challenges.
What This Scene Reveals About Hollywood’s Demands
Scarlett’s candid recollection of the incident sheds light on the often-overlooked demands of an actor’s job. Intimate scenes—whether physical or vocal—require an extraordinary level of vulnerability, trust, and professionalism. For actors like Scarlett and Joaquin, navigating these challenges is part of the craft, but that doesn’t make them any less daunting.
Moreover, the story highlights the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment on set. Directors like Spike Jonze play a crucial role in guiding actors through emotionally charged scenes, ensuring they feel comfortable while delivering their best performances.
Conclusion: A Relatable Moment of Awkward Humanity
Scarlett Johansson’s account of the “bizarre orgasm scene” in Her is a reminder that even Hollywood’s biggest stars are human. Behind every polished performance lies a mix of hard work, vulnerability, and, sometimes, sheer awkwardness.
For viewers, the story adds a layer of appreciation for the dedication actors bring to their roles, even when the process is far from glamorous. And for Scarlett and Joaquin, it’s undoubtedly a memory they’ll laugh (or cringe) about for years to come.
