Scarlett Johansson Both Repels & Relies on “Sex-Symbol” Status

It’s clear that Scarlett Johansson is on a mission with these images for the cover/editorial of the December Issue of Interview Magazine, by Solve Sunsbo.  While I read alot of “Smoldering” and “Hot”, describing her affect in these pictures, I’m going to go out on a limb and take my assessment in another direction.  While this layout definitely fits all the criteria of a “sex-symbol” worthy spread, I see it as a bit transparent and needy. There is something so inauthentic about the entire set-up, I’m borderline offended by it.  I think I would have more respect if it came off sad/lonely, at-least that would have a measure of depth.  Instead we are left with this lack-luster vapid attempt to woo viewers, by simultaneously abusing the very sex-appeal she rails against.  Openly repelling the very thing you count on for success is a dangerous game.  For me, I’ve long awaited her unique artistic-ability, or some amazing personal quality to appear and account for her general “snobbish” attitude.  But thus far, my opinion is that ScarJo is All Bark & No Bite in the Avant-Garde, Brooding/Dark/Mysterious/Sexy/Intellectual category.  She tries to live up to her “DNA”, but it comes-off as disingenuous.  If you have to work this hard to appear superior/above-it, you may not be.  And many a young ingenue (think Rooney Mara) are coming along making you less relevant every day.  It’s a hard fact, if you’re not clear on who you are and what you’re able to give as an actor/artist, it becomes harder for your audience to trust you as a performer.  But one thing is for sure, you can’t slide willy-nilly between serious actor, and hot sexy girl – it just doesn’t work.