Scarlett Johansson recently opened up about a hilariously awkward moment while filming a scene for the 2013 movie Her. The incident was so uncomfortable that her co-star, Joaquin Phoenix, had to leave the studio mid-session. Though the movie is a celebrated sci-fi romance, this particular moment behind the scenes highlights just how awkward and surreal filming can be—even for Hollywood A-listers.
The Reality of Filming Intimate Scenes
Let’s be real: while love scenes may appear passionate and effortless on-screen, the actual process of filming them is anything but romantic. Actors are surrounded by a sea of cameras, bright lights, and crew members watching their every move. Add to that the need to coordinate modesty patches and follow precise direction, and the magic quickly fades.
For Scarlett Johansson and Joaquin Phoenix, however, their awkward moment took place off-set, during a recording session that was supposed to be much simpler than an on-screen love scene. Little did they know, the situation would take an unexpected turn.
A Look Back at Her: The Movie That Set the Stage
In Her, directed by Spike Jonze, Joaquin Phoenix plays Theodore, a lonely man navigating life in a near-future Los Angeles. In the film, Theodore develops a romantic relationship with Samantha, his AI assistant, voiced by Scarlett Johansson.
The movie delves into the complexities of human connection, technology, and love, but it also features a particularly steamy phone sex scene between Theodore and Samantha. Since Scarlett’s character only appears as a voice, the recording of her lines happened separately from the live-action scenes. However, to ensure authenticity, Joaquin joined Scarlett in the recording studio for this pivotal moment.
When Awkwardness Took Over the Studio
During an episode of the Armchair Expert podcast, Scarlett Johansson recounted the “bizarre” experience of recording the infamous phone sex scene. The situation took an uncomfortable turn almost immediately.
“Joaquin comes in, and we try to get through one take,” Scarlett shared. “He was, like, losing it. He had already done [the scene] in person, but now he was sitting there with me in this weird theater setting.” She described the atmosphere as dimly lit, with director Spike Jonze present, which only added to the surreal nature of the moment.
For Joaquin, the discomfort was overwhelming. Scarlett explained that he became visibly frustrated and even angry. “He needed a break,” she recalled. “Joaquin just got up and left the studio. He couldn’t handle it.”
Why the Scene Was So Challenging
While actors often tackle challenging scenes, this one was unique. Scarlett’s role required her to convincingly portray an intimate moment through voice alone—something that can feel unnatural, even for seasoned professionals. “You don’t want to hear your voice, ever,” Scarlett confessed. “You definitely don’t want to hear what you sound like having a fake orgasm. It’s so gross.”
Her candid remarks highlight a vulnerability that even the most experienced actors feel. Recording such an intimate moment in isolation, while being scrutinized by others in the room, understandably created tension.
Joaquin Phoenix’s Perspective: A Need for Space
Joaquin Phoenix’s decision to leave the studio wasn’t about unprofessionalism but rather about the intense discomfort of the moment. He had already filmed his portion of the scene in front of the cameras, making the recording session an unexpected emotional hurdle.
For an actor known for immersing himself fully in his roles, the setup might have felt too staged or forced. His reaction underscores how even the most dedicated performers can struggle with certain scenes.
Why Her Remains a Cinematic Triumph
Despite the cringe-worthy behind-the-scenes moment, Her went on to achieve critical acclaim. The film earned a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes and resonated with audiences for its exploration of love and humanity in the digital age. Scarlett’s voice performance was widely praised, with many viewers noting how she brought warmth, charm, and depth to Samantha—a feat that required extraordinary talent.
Joaquin Phoenix also delivered an emotionally raw and compelling performance as Theodore, showcasing the vulnerability and loneliness that made his character’s connection with Samantha so believable.
The Larger Takeaway: Intimacy on Screen Isn’t Easy
This awkward incident between Scarlett Johansson and Joaquin Phoenix sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges of creating authentic intimacy on screen—or in this case, through a microphone. It’s not just about pretending to be in love or delivering romantic lines; it’s about navigating the layers of performance while staying professional and true to the character.
Scenes like this remind us that acting is as much about vulnerability as it is about skill. The ability to channel such raw emotions, even in absurd situations, is part of what makes actors like Scarlett and Joaquin so exceptional.
A Humorous Memory in Retrospect
While the moment was undoubtedly uncomfortable at the time, Scarlett and Joaquin can now look back and laugh about it. Scarlett’s honesty during the podcast brought a relatable and humanizing perspective to the world of Hollywood, reminding fans that even big stars have their cringe-worthy moments.
Scarlett reflected on the ordeal with humor, admitting that the memory still gives her “panic.” But as awkward as it was, she also recognized it as part of the job—a strange, funny, and occasionally messy reality of life as an actor.
Conclusion: Behind the Scenes of Artful Storytelling
The strange, uncomfortable moment Scarlett Johansson described offers a rare glimpse into the reality of filmmaking. While Her captivated audiences with its nuanced exploration of love and technology, the behind-the-scenes process involved its own set of challenges.
This incident serves as a reminder that the art of storytelling—whether through voice or visual performance—is complex and, at times, awkward. It’s these raw, unpolished moments, however, that often lead to the creation of truly memorable films like Her. For Scarlett and Joaquin, it was just another day at work—albeit a bizarre one they won’t soon forget.
