by Dakota Johnson’s Underrated Film Performances
While Dakota Johnson is perhaps best known for her starring role as Anastasia Steele in the Fifty Shades film franchise, she has appeared in several other notable films throughout her career that have received less attention. Johnson has proven herself to be a versatile actress capable of taking on diverse roles in independent and mainstream films alike. Though some of these performances may have flown under the radar, they demonstrate Johnson’s strong acting abilities and willingness to challenge herself with complex characters. Here is a closer look at three of Dakota Johnson’s lesser discussed but still impressive film performances.
Black Mass (2015)
One of Johnson’s earliest major film roles came in 2015’s Black Mass, a crime drama directed by Scott Cooper. The film tells the true story of infamous Boston gangster James “Whitey” Bulger, played masterfully by Johnny Depp, and his rise to power in the criminal underworld. Johnson takes on the supporting but pivotal role of Lindsey Cyr, Bulger’s long-time girlfriend.
Lindsey is a complex character who is both entranced by and terrified of Bulger. She witnesses his escalating violence and criminal activities firsthand but remains loyal to him for many years out of fear and twisted affection. Capturing the nuanced psychology of such a conflicted woman required a deft performance from Johnson. Through subtle facial expressions and body language, she conveyed Lindsey’s wavering between vulnerability and toughness.
Scenes between Johnson and Depp are electric as their characters’ toxic codependency and power dynamics play out. Johnson holds her own in intense scenes opposite Depp’s commanding presence as Bulger. She brings pathos and desperation to Lindsey without making her seem like merely a victim. It’s a layered portrayal that gives crucial insight into Bulger’s personal life and how he maintained control over those close to him.
Black Mass marked one of Johnson’s first major supporting roles in a star-studded film. She rose to the challenge of the complex material and darker subject matter, proving she was capable of more than just romantic leads. Her performance as Lindsey Cyr garnered praise and introduced audiences to Johnson’s talent for bringing nuance to even the most troubled of characters. While Depp’s transformative lead performance dominated headlines, Johnson’s contribution to the film should not be overlooked.
A Bigger Splash (2015)
Also in 2015, Johnson took on another substantial supporting role in A Bigger Splash, an psychological drama directed by Luca Guadagnino. This remake of the cult classic 1969 film stars Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes as former lovers who reunite for a vacation on a private Italian island with unexpected consequences. Johnson plays their daughter Penelope, who joins them along with her new boyfriend, played by Matthias Schoenaerts.
On the surface, Penelope seems poised and carefree – an aspiring musician basking in the island sun. But Johnson imbues her character with restless energy and hints of instability just below the surface. She has a volatile dynamic with her mother that comes to a head over the course of the tense vacation. Johnson is superb at conveying Penelope’s fluctuating emotions without words, through her expressive eyes and body language in reaction shots.
Her character becomes increasingly unsettled and unpredictable as secrets are revealed and tensions mount between the other characters. Johnson masters the difficult task of making Penelope simultaneously sympathetic and unsettling to the audience. She holds her own in heavy scenes against powerhouse actors Swinton and Fiennes. Johnson brings a mesmerizing complexity to what could have been a more one-dimensional role.
A Bigger Splash is a psychologically dense film requiring nuanced performances to keep up with its twisting plot and character motivations. Johnson rises admirably to the challenge, anchoring her character’s unraveling psychology in a grounded, compelling performance. She proved she was no mere pretty face but a serious actress willing to dive into disturbing material and hold her own amongst acclaimed cinematic talents. While the film overall received a mixed reception, Johnson’s work was widely praised.
The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
In 2019, Johnson took on one of her most heartwarming roles yet in The Peanut Butter Falcon, an indie drama about an unlikely friendship. She plays Eleanor, a home health aide who crosses paths with Zak (Zack Gottsagen), a young man with Down syndrome who has run away from a nursing home. His dream is to attend a professional wrestling school being run by his idol, The Salt Water Redneck (Shia LaBeouf).
Eleanor is initially just trying to do her job by returning Zak safely. But she forms a genuine bond and compassion for him that evolves over the course of their journey together. Johnson brings warmth, empathy, and layers of caring to Eleanor without making her seem saccharine. She understands Zak in a way others don’t and advocates for him when needed.
Her chemistry with Gottsagen, who also has Down syndrome, is touching and authentic. Johnson finds the humanity in Eleanor without drawing attention to herself or overshadowing Gottsagen’s breakthrough lead performance. She brings humor, heart, and grit to the role in equal measure. Eleanor serves as a role model of accepting others for who they are and seeing their inherent worth regardless of perceived limitations.
The Peanut Butter Falcon was a heartwarming indie hit that demonstrated the power of friendship and following your dreams. Johnson elevated the feel-good material with a grounded, soulful performance. She proved herself equally talented in lower-budget films and perfectly complemented her co-stars’ performances. Johnson brought empathy, compassion, and humor to the uplifting story in a way that never felt cloying or inauthentic.
Conclusion
While Dakota Johnson will likely be best remembered for her role as Anastasia Steele that launched her to stardom, her film work extends far beyond the Fifty Shades franchise. In films like Black Mass, A Bigger Splash, and The Peanut Butter Falcon, she has shown herself to be a dedicated actress willing to take on complex, unpredictable characters in diverse genres. Johnson brings nuance, vulnerability, and fierce emotional intelligence to each role.
Whether anchoring star-studded dramas or indie films, Johnson holds her own through grounded and compelling performances. She proves time and again her talent and versatility. While some of these roles may not have achieved the mainstream attention of her other works, they are testaments to Johnson’s skill, range, and commitment as an actress. Dakota Johnson deserves recognition for consistently challenging herself with rich, layered characters beyond her initial breakout roles. Her filmography demonstrates she is an actress capable of bringing empathy, grit and soul to any part.
