In "The High Note" two names of the Hollywood aristocracy and music come together. On the one hand Dakota Johnson, who plays Maggie, the determined and dreamy assistant who works for the song diva Grace, played by Tracee Ellis Ross in the film. Dakota Johnson is the daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, and granddaughter of Tippi Hedren. For her part, Tracee Ellis is the daughter of Diana Ross. In addition, Dakota is romantically linked to Chris Martin, leader of the band Coldplay, and with whom she debuted a few months ago as a director directing for this band the video for "Cry, Cry, Cry". At her Los Angeles home, with a pretty piano on her back, we interviewed the young actress via Zoom.
Is Maggie a real woman or do you see her as a fictional character?
—It was extremely important for me to represent a young woman with big dreams and determined to fulfill them. She is deeply ambitious, but she chooses the most difficult path to carry them out. Maggie is a disciplined woman who does not allow anyone to trample her. I think it is an important message not only for teenagers, but for anyone because if you work hard and give yourself completely you will end up succeeding.
You sing and play the piano in the film, how did you prepare the character?
—I learned to play four songs on the piano and spent time with a friend producer, Annie Clark (St Vincent) and read many interviews with women dedicated to producing music to understand their struggle within the industry.
Are you closely linked to the world of music, who guides you?
—My father used to play all the time and my two older brothers are musicians, so I grew up in a house full of music.
You and Tracee both have famous parents. Did you talk about growing up in that environment?
—We talk a lot about it. There are many things you can say without words when it comes to relating to someone who grew up with a famous father or, as in her case, with an international icon. We recognized each other. It is very complicated to explain it without having lived it. I not only have a famous father, I have three and my grandmother. It has been a struggle growing up in a family like mine looking for my place. But I recognize that I have had an immense privilege and a fortunate life.
Are you now more aware of how you should treat your assistant...?
—I think that each person should be treated with kindness and respect, especially the people who help you. I was raised to be respectful. I understand that there are people who do not respect their team, and that is sad. My relationship with my assistant is wonderful, I adore her.
Do you have an ambition to be a director?"
—I have many ambitions, but what I want is to work as an actress and continue directing music videos.
What was it like to direct Chris Martin?"
—It was an incredibly special experience. I had the honor of directing that video accompanied by high-quality artists. It has been fascinating.
How have you been quarantined?
—No matter how solid your mental health is, we've all been affected by isolation. I tend to suffer anxiety and combat it with meditation and yoga. Fortunately I have been in Los Angeles, in a privileged place and, although I missed my family and my friends, I could talk to them on video. In these moments it is important to be kind to everyone because it is those little details that make the difference in each one.
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