Dakota Johnson Was ‘Secretly Annoyed’ by Anne Hathaway’s Red-Carpet Takeover
The stars stepped out for the New York City premiere of the film Verity, starring Dakota Johnson and Anne Hathaway.
On the red carpet, Johnson dazzled in a custom Calvin Klein Collection iridescent white/ivory sequin-embroidered top and a matching high-slit column skirt with crystal fringe. And a pregnant Hathaway really brought the glam and stole the show in a custom black Atelier Prabal Gurung gown with a sweetheart neckline featuring shredded chiffon, intricate floral embroidery, crystal beadwork, and sequins. It also had a fitted bodice highlighting her baby bump and a voluminous pleated tulle skirt with a dramatic train.
After the actress’ initial interactions, they posed for group photos with the rest of the cast and Hathaway began telling everyone what to do. In that moment, an expert noticed signs that Johnson was “frustrated” and “annoyed” by Hathaway’s red carpet takeover. Here’s more on that.
Inbaal Honigman is a body language expert. She has appeared in the media for more than two decades, offering her expertise and perspectives on several pop culture figures for Big Brother’s Little Brother, Elle Magazine, and talkSPORT radio, to name a few.
Speaking on behalf of Casino.org US, Honigman told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “The most important body language move in this entire viral red carpet scene is Dakota’s brief but evident tongue-in-cheek move, while Anne organizes the photo.
“Initially, it is easy to notice that each of the many actors attending is listening to the photographers and arranging their own bodies. Each one responsible for their own pose, we see them looking down as they each shuffle to stand in the right spot, and we can see them looking to the sides and organizing their stance to fit in with those standing next to them. All but Anne.”
Honigman continued, “A pregnant Hathaway appears to have taken on the role of director of the shoot, and she uses large, long-arm moves, taking up space, therefore indicating that she is the one in charge. The contrast between everyone’s small, shuffling moves and Anne’s wide, sweeping gestures is stark. Everyone is trying to shrink and fit around everyone else, but Anne is acting as the Mother Superior of the red carpet. Right next to her, Dakota Johnson is accepting, nearly motionless, but secretly annoyed and critical.
“As soon as Anne begins her chorus line project of telling everyone what to do, Dakota looks down, raises her hand to her own shoulder, where she sweeps her hair or touches her strap, and then Dakota does this — she sticks her tongue inside her cheek, while her lips tense.”
The expert added, “The tongue-in-cheek move is a specific facial gesture which indicates holding back a thought. Johnson’s got plenty to say, but she’s not going to say it. This move is also associated with concealed disdain and frustration. The tight lips hold back words, and the active tongue is a mark of distaste.
“The two moves seen alongside it — the lowering of eyes and sweeping of hair, are a blocking and a soothing gesture, respectively. Dakota tries to block out this little nightmare and calm herself while she’s at it. Dakota doesn’t want any drama, which is why she makes Anne laugh, diffusing the situation. As the scene stretches on, Johnson has resigned herself; her chin is lowered in submission.”
Hathaway later apologized for giving orders on the red carpet during an appearance on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. She said she was “horrified” by the viral moment and that she was really just trying to be “helpful,” but cringed when she saw the video. We’re guessing her publicist was cringing too and so the actress had to do a little damage control.
Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges that conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.
