Pushing Directions

Background:

In her new movie Closer, Natalie Portman takes on a different role, that of a young American stripper. The romantic drama is one of passion and complicated love. A far cry from the young girl abandoned at Wal-Mart or fighting Clone Wars in outer space. Natalie also takes top billing along with superstars Julia Roberts and Jude Law. Big steps and possibly, in the right direction.

"They tell me, 'OK, this is where we're going to push up your cleavage,' and I'm like, 'What cleavage?'"

A stripper without cleavage? Now, that's acting.

Although Natalie has been in movies for about ten years now, one feels she is still being discovered. With good roles and good movies, and wise decisions under her belt, perhaps she will continue to rise in fame.

Let's hope Closer and other upcoming films push her in the right direction.

Intelligent Convictions

Childhood and Family:

Natalie Hershlag (Natalie Portman) was born in Jerusalem, Israel on June 9, 1981 to parents Avnir and Shelley . Her mother was an artist, and her father a doctor. As a toddler Natalie immigrated to the United States with her parents.

Natalie prefers her privacy, maintains a healthy lifestyle and places education as a high priority of her life. She confesses she doesn't smoke, do drugs or drink (although she has tried alcohol). She runs regularly and has been a vegetarian since childhood. She has turned down roles and stuck to her guns in the pursuit of a good education. She majored in Psychology in the prestigious Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts.

"I'm going to college. I don't care if it ruins my career. I'd rather be smart than a movie star." Natalie Portman, USA Today

Natalie Takes The Lead

Career:

Natalie Portman's film career began with the role of Mathilda in the 1994 drama The Professional. In 1995 she was given a small role in the crime drama Heat, starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. A "short" film titled Developing (1995) soon followed with roles in Beautiful Girls (1996) and Everyone Says I Love You (1996) not far behind. In the sci-fi spoof, Mars Attacks! (1996), Natalie found herself cast as Taffy Dale.

In 1999 Natalie emerged as Queen Padmé Naberrie Amidala in the long awaited Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. This movie brought her before audiences and gained Natalie recognition.

Roles, and movies got better... In 1999 Natalie starred with Susan Sarandon in Anywhere But Here. 2000 brought Novalee Nation before filmgoers in the well-liked comedic drama Where the Heart Is, also starring Ashley Judd, Stockard Channing and Joan Cusack. Her role as a pregnant teenager abandoned in a Wal-Mart touched fans and moviegoers alike.

In 2002, Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones opened with Natalie again in the role of Padmé Amidala. Sci-Fi fans rushed to the theatres and again, the young star's fan meter rose.

In the well-received Cold Mountain (2003), Natalie played the smaller role of Sara, a young woman with an infant whom Inman meets (and saves) on his travels.

In 2004 Natalie stayed busy with a small role in the film Garden State, the leading role in the movie True and another leading role in the film Closer.

Viewers can enjoy Natalie in the upcoming Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005), Paris, je t'aime (2005) and The Smoker (2005).

Awards:

• YoungStar Awards: Best Young Actress/Performance in a Motion Picture Comedy, WHERE THE HEART IS (2000)
• Teen's Choice Award for Choice Actress in an action/adventure film (Star Wars: Episode II) (2002)