The Darjeeling Limited
Portman makes an appearance in the 2007 adventure comedy The Darjeeling Limited. Directed by Wes Anderson, the film tells the story of three brothers who travel across India after the death of their father, to reunite with their mother.
Freezone
Portman plays Rebecca in the 2006 comedy drama Freezone. The film tells the story of three strangers, their individual troubles, and the comfort they share amongst each other as their lives intersect.
It’s been really, really amazing to get to work here and see new places, and meet all the people in the crew. It’s been a very, very different experience than anything I’ve ever done.
V for Vendetta
Portman plays Evey in the 2006 sci-fi action film V for Vendetta. Set the future of a fascist Britain, this film tells the story of a masked freedom fighter by the name of V, played by Hugo Weaving. Though the oppressive British government thinks of V as a terrorist, the revolution V has planned is devoted to the people. The actress shaves her head for her role while director James McTeigue uses three cameras to capture the haircut in one take.
James the director gave me the graphic novel when he offered me the role so I read it immediately. It was such a great resource to have. It’s almost like a storyboard for the movie.
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Portman plays Padmé Amidala for the third and final time in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. In the third installment of the Star Wars prequel series, director George Lucas concludes the inevitable story of how Anakin Skywalker transforms into Darth Vader. On working with George Lucas:
George has done an amazing job. He has great core values, and despite his money and success, he’s still in his jeans and sneakers everyday on set talking to everyone and is very down to earth.
Golden Globe
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Closer
Portman joins actor Jude Law once again in the 2004 drama Closer, along with Hollywood veterans Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. The film tells the story about two London couples and their participation in a dangerous game of love, lies and infidelity.
I just always choose things based on if it’s different from something I’ve done before. If it’s something challenging. If it’s something I think I might not be able to do.
Garden State
Portman plays Sam in the 2004 comedy drama Garden State, a story about television actor Andrew Largeman, played by Zach Braff, and his return home to New Jersey from LA after the death of his mother.
I was really excited to do a movie that was about people, after doing something that was so big like Star Wars.
Cold Mountain
Portman plays Sara in the 2003 war drama Cold Mountain. She joins an all-star cast of actors that features Nicole Kidman, Renée Zellweger, and Jude Law. The film is set during the Civil War, and tells a story about an injured confederate soldier, played by Law, trying to get back home to his family in Cold Mountain, North Carolina. Director Anthony Minghella’s thoughts of Portman:
She reminds me a little of Jodie Foster, because I can see her, as time goes on, wanting to spread her wings beyond acting. Her big brain wants to be fed.
Where the Heart Is
Portman plays Novalee Nation in the 2000 drama Where the Heart Is. The actress co-stars the film with actress Ashley Judd, and tells a story about a pregnant young woman who is abandoned at a Wal-Mart by her boyfriend. The movie is based on the best-selling novel written by author Billie Letts. On her role:
They gave me different hairstyles, more mature makeup. When people physically buy that you’re older than you are, it helps a lot in your confidence and acting more mature.
Anywhere but Here
Portman plays Ann August in the 1999 drama Anywhere but Here, with fellow actress Susan Sarandon. The story is about Adele August, played by Sarandon, and the pursuit of her eccentric dreams. They leave their small Wisconsin town life and head towards Beverly Hills, but Ann does not share the same dream as her mother. On her character Ann:
She is the daughter of a very outgoing, kind of eccentric mother who isn’t very responsible and who doesn’t always act for her daughter’s best interests… She becomes a very serious, kind of mature person because of that.
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Portman plays Padmé Amidala in the first prequel to the Star Wars franchise. The film revolves around the life of young Anakin Skywalker, who in his later years would become Darth Vader. The actress also signs for the next two Star Wars installments:
It was much harder than I expected. We worked long days. We were in the desert a long time. And I had to wear not the greatest costumes. People have done harder things for money. But it wasn’t the breeze I thought it would be.
Mars Attacks!
Portman plays Taffy Dale in the 1996 sci-fi comedy Mars Attacks! In the film, Martians have attacked the world and everyone must fight for their survival. The actress teams up with an all-star cast of Hollywood actors including Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Annette Bening, Pierce Brosnan, and more.
Heat
Portman stars as Lauren Gustafson in the 1995 crime-drama Heat, alongside veteran movie actors, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Val Kilmer. The actress plays the distraught stepdaughter of police lieutenant Vincent Hanna, played by Pacino. The film revolves around Hanna’s hunt for De Niro’s character, criminal Neil McCauley.
Léon: The Professional
Portman stars as Mathilda in the 1994 drama Léon: The Professional. The actress makes her Hollywood debut at the age of 11, alongside actors Jean Reno and Gary Oldman. Mathilda is a young New York girl whose entire family is killed by a corrupt cop. She finds shelter in her neighbor Léon’sapartment and uncovers his secret profession of being a hitman. On reading her script for the first time:
I read it and I was crying by the end. I was a very emotional kid.
Discovered by modeling agent
0 CommentsAt the age of 11, the actress is noticed at a Long Island pizza parlor. A representative from Revlon Cosmetics encouraged Portman to pursue a career in modeling. She declined because she wanted to focus solely on acting. On meeting the Revlon rep.:
I was like, I don’t want to model. I want to act.
Natalie Portman born in Jerusalem
Natalie Portman, originally Natalie Hershlag, is born in Jerusalem to American Shelley Stevens and Israeli doctor Avner Hershlag. She and her family moved to the United States in 1984. She spends most of her childhood in New York, where she enrolled in theatrical camps and ballet classes.
As a child, I idealized ballet because, as a little girl, you just think of it as this pretty, light, delicate and feminine thing.