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5 of Natalie Portman’s best roles that aren’t Star Wars

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5 of Natalie Portman's best roles that aren't Star Wars

As a devoted cinephile who’s had the privilege of witnessing Natalie Portman’s extraordinary acting journey since her early days, I can wholeheartedly attest to the fact that she is a true cinematic chameleon. From the quirky and relatable Ann in “Anywhere But Here” to the hauntingly intense Nina Sayers in “Black Swan,” Natalie has consistently demonstrated an uncanny ability to slip into the skin of her characters, making them feel painfully real.

When I initially watched “The Phantom Menace”, my familiarity with Natalie Portman was limited to a single thing. I had just finished watching “Everyone Says I Love You” and identified her as the character who didn’t annoy me during my first encounter with Woody Allen’s work. In that film, she portrayed a confused young girl whose funny antics made me chuckle amidst the chaos. Since then, Natalie has demonstrated an extensive and impressive range in her acting career, from playing Mathilda, the protege of an assassin in “Leon: The Professional”, to depicting the widow Sara in “Cold Mountain”.

Here are five of Natalie Portman’s standout roles in no particular order.

1. Evey Hammond, V for Vendetta

One crucial aspect of Evey, the main female character in the dystopian novel “V for Vendetta“, is her possession of sharp talons, symbolically representing her strength and resilience. In the story inspired by “The Count of Monte Cristo“, Evey is seen adorning herself extravagantly and taking bold steps, often finding herself in precarious situations such as being accosted by predators in a dark alley. Upon recognizing her attackers as enforcers of the oppressive regime, she instantly regrets using pepper spray. However, she is swiftly rescued by a masked individual who introduces himself as V before the situation worsens.

Natalie’s journey from being a pawn in others’ fanaticism to becoming a self-governing anarchist is a brilliant work of narrative art. Contrasting her empathy towards the terrorist who is shaping Britain’s populace, some of her most compelling scenes are painted with a tone that borders on detachment and carries a wistful, poignant feel. Indeed, her transformation from fear to freedom, achieved through a carefully orchestrated confinement, is nothing short of remarkable.

2. Nina Sayers, Black Swan

In my view, Natalie Portman’s portrayal in Darren Aronofsky’s movie “Black Swan” was so compelling that I felt it deserved an Oscar the moment the end credits appeared, and I’m pleased the Academy shared this sentiment. At first glance, the film appears to follow a gifted ballerina who is pushed to the brink by her work. However, upon deeper reflection, it explores the profound and harrowing consequences that ensue when Nina embraces looser boundaries in her life. It could also be argued that the movie delves into the idea that letting go of one’s childhood is necessary for a woman to truly thrive.

In New York City, there’s an exceptionally gifted ballerina named Nina. Throughout the film, she strives for perfection in every move, but grapples with understanding her own ambitions along the way. Her past battles with self-harm become more prevalent as she delves deeper into her character as Odette/Odile from ‘Swan Lake’. Socially, Nina finds herself at odds with her peers; initially defending a retiring dancer and later attacking her rival during the movie’s climax. Natalie Portman beautifully portrays both vulnerability and strength in this role.

3. Ann August, Anywhere But Here

In the 1999 film Anywhere But Here, Portman’s performance as Ann stands out for her remarkable ability to suppress what we might now call “leading character intensity.” Despite her mother’s dreams of stardom and luxury, Ann is an unwaveringly steady figure. She dedicates herself to studying, manages finances, and tirelessly tries to heal family wounds. When her mother remains silent about their father, Ann persistently seeks him out, bravely confronting his choice to abandon the family before breaking down in tears and seeking solace from friends. She asserts her desire for an independent life, eventually finding appreciation for her mother’s erratic ways that have, in their own way, made her dreams possible. However, this doesn’t stop Ann from expressing her emotions realistically throughout the film.

In September, following “The Phantom Menace,” it’s astonishing to think that the actress who so dramatically devoured the film’s sets during her one scene pursuing her mother’s Hollywood aspirations is the very same one who regained her universe from the Trade Federation. However, Ann is just an ordinary individual, and this relatability makes her performance all the more impactful.

4. Jane Foster, Thor

I’m skipping over the ranking of the Thor films because comparing The Mighty Thor to the scientist who struck a god with her car, well, that’s a debate for another day! However, I was certainly excited when Natalie Portman appeared at San Diego Comic-Con dressed charmingly and brandishing Mjolnir. Moreover, I couldn’t help but chuckle at her character’s unconventional approach to teaching astrophysics by vandalizing her own book.

Portman is a graduate from an Ivy League university, and it’s clear that she possesses both intellectual acumen and quick-wittedness. Similar to Jane Foster, there’s a thirst for knowledge within her, while also demonstrating unwavering loyalty. The intricate dynamic between Foster and her intern Darcy is as captivating to me as her attachment to the Asgardian hunk. Moreover, it’s delightful to observe an amusing, unconventional side of her humor.

5. Jacqueline Kennedy, Jackie

The movie, titled “Jackie,” which is a biography about John F. Kennedy’s First Lady, seems to me like it shares similarities with “The Queen.” In the latter film, Dame Helen Mirren, who won an Academy Award for her performance, played Queen Elizabeth II during the tumultuous period following Princess Diana’s death. She portrayed the queen’s private and public responses to a shared national tragedy. Similarly, “Jackie” depicts the aftermath of Jackie’s husband’s assassination, focusing on the whirlwind of emotions that ensued in the days that followed.

One particularly poignant scene in the movie occurs when Natalie narrates her journey from the assassination location to the hospital. As she continues, her distress deepens as she recounts attempting to stop her husband’s fatal head wound and the agonizing sight of his dying expression in her lap. A brief pause follows as she confirms his death. For approximately forty seconds, we observe her crying while cleaning blood from her face – a heart-wrenching mix of sorrow and self-preservation as she struggles to regain some semblance of calm when it’s utterly impossible.

Natalie Portman is a gem, and there are numerous other films in her repertoire. We eagerly await seeing her future projects.

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2024-08-04 18:22

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