Johansson impervious to Firth's charms

NEW YORK, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- He may be a heartthrob in most of the civilized world, but Colin Firth says that mattered little to his latest leading lady.

The "Bridget Jones's Diary" and "Love Actually" star can be seen later this week playing famed 17th century painter Johannes Vermeer in the new film "Girl With a Pearl Earring," based on Tracy Chevalier's novel. Although the tale is heartbreakingly beautiful and serious, Firth says playful 19-year-old Scarlett Johansson, the actress who portrays his love interest Griet, helped lighten the mood on the set by teasing him mercilessly between takes.

"A lot of it was directed at my wig and she called me Fabio for some reason," Firth told United Press International in a recent interview. "And what I thought was my sizzling look was met with a smirk and 'I can't believe it's not butter.'"