Scarlett Johansson: I’m only 27 but I feel like I’ve lived many lifetimes

Scarlett Johansson talks about her new film We Bought A Zoo, what it’s like to be considered a sex symbol and her childhood dream to direct a movie.

I think so. When I was a kid I had reptiles – a lot of people do in New York City. My mum was allergic to fur so we couldn’t get a dog. On the set of the film, I felt like the zoo was kind of mine. I’d think: ‘Those are my tigers and zebras and camels.’ It was pretty surreal. Now I have a chihuahua called Maggie.

How much research did you do to play Kelly in We Bought A Zoo?

I went to an  animal training centre and I got to experience  the nitty-gritty – it’s quite a down-and-dirty,  sun-up-to-sun-down job, 24/7. I worked with  monkeys, snakes and anything with hooves.  The work involves anything from prepping food to mucking out stalls, caring for sick animals, medicating them, moving them from enclosure  to enclosure. The feedings never end. I don’t think I’m destined to be a zookeeper – it’s hard labour.

The film is based on the memoirs of  Benjamin Mee, who revived a run-down zoo in Dartmoor, but the action has moved to California. What was it like on set?

It was like being at summer camp – so much fun. I had a tropical oasis outside my trailer. To be able to stroll around and see people reading, driving their golf carts, playing frisbee, barbecuing, playing the guitar and harmonica was great.

What is Matt Damon like?

I’ve always wanted to work with Matt. He is an incredible dramatic actor. He’s got a Cary Grant-esque quality and he’s hysterically funny. We had a riot on set.

Your character isn’t glamorous. Was it a challenge to dress down for the role?

She’s shovelling muck all day. It would be crazy to turn up to work like that in false eyelashes. In my everyday life, I’m pretty low-key. I slide under the radar. I’m not a trendy person, really. For the red carpet it’s always nice to give a little nod to the golden age of Hollywood; I am more old Hollywood feminine but I don’t think I’m a very glamorous person.

How would you describe your style?

I’ve always had a New York sense of style. I’ve always personally liked a little more masculine clothes for myself – I love things that are well-made but I’m not trendy.

What’s it like being viewed as Hollywood’s leading sex symbol?

It’s sort of ridiculous  because I have always thought of myself as a character actor – I don’t want to be labelled. Also, I’ve never been a size zero. I look at any fashion model and there are so many more beautiful women out there on the street and in and out of the industry. But it’s better than a title like ‘worst skin of the year’. Sometimes I feel beautiful. Other times I feel bloated like everybody does.

You work with Oxfam – how important is charity work to you?

It puts a lot in perspective when you see how people live with what they consider to be luxuries, which in many places is running water. I love travelling with Oxfam; not only is it eye-opening to see what people are struggling with, you learn so much about the economy and the environment of the location you’re at. Culturally, you learn so much seeing farming and fishing communities and small villages.

You’ve sung and acted since childhood. Have you always enjoyed performing?

I wanted to be in musicals. Growing up, I watched a lot of Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, which was what my mum loved as a kid, so I watched a lot of those movies like Oklahoma! and Carousel.

Do you ever get used to fame?

I think people take for granted their anonymity until they don’t have it anymore. But it kind of comes with the territory and over time you learn to cope with it better. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to do what I love to do. I know so many incredibly talented actors who can’t even get a job doing a commercial or voice-over.

What is your best quality?

I think I’m willing to take risks, for better or worse, and I appreciate that quality in other people as well.

Is there anything you’d change?

Probably impatience. But I’ve probably grown a bit more tolerant and patient.

What are your dreams?

I’ve wanted to direct since I was 12. I’m only 27 but I feel like I’ve lived many lifetimes. I’ve had a lot of adventure but I know the future holds all kinds of new beginnings.

We Bought A Zoo is out tomorrow.