Natalie Portman: ‘I grew up around a lot of snobbism… and I really reject that’
As I previewed yesterday, Natalie Portman covers the new issue of Marie Claire (to promote Thor 2: The Dancing Loki), and I still think this is one of the worst Portman editorials I’ve ever seen. You can think whatever you want of her personality, but Natalie is a beautiful woman and you really have to TRY to make her look this washed out and dead-eyed and like a Twilight extra. Marie Claire released part of their cover story – you can read it here – and there are some interesting quotes:
On L.A. and moving to Paris: “I just really really love it here. It’s one of the most exciting places to be in the world right now. It’s really central in terms of the arts. It feels like things are happening in L.A., you know? New York is more where art is bought than where art is made… I’m really lucky. When Ben [husband Ben Millipied] asked me if I wanted to go to Paris, I freaked. Everyone dreams of living in Paris.”
Speaking French: Describing her grasp of French as “OK,” Portman, who is fluent in Hebrew, says she can get through a conversation. “I mean, not about, like, philosophy,” she explains. “But about this and that, I can manage.”
On Thor co-star Chris Hemsworth: “Chris is, like, one of the greatest people in Hollywood. He’s the kind of actor who’s so charismatic, he must be tired when he goes home.”
On confrontation: “I don’t like confrontation, but I’m probably less afraid of it now. I wouldn’t say I’m confrontational. But I say my opinion. I realize how much nonconfrontation was about trying to have everyone like me.”
On making highbrow and lowbrow films: “I grew up around a lot of snobbism about what was important and what was serious, and I really reject that.”
On fans: “People are really cool, by and large. I try and stay away from drunk people – that’s when they start getting rude and aggressive, like, ‘Why did you suck in that movie?’”
What her parents did right: “They made me feel that they would drop anything at any time to help me. I never felt like there was anything more important than me. Which I know can probably create an a–hole, too. It gives you a deep sense of security and safety to feel that your parents will love you no matter what.”
On interviews: “I’d never do them if I didn’t have to”
On the mess that is Jane Got a Gun: “It was very challenging,” Portman says diplomatically. “Everyone came together, but it was hard emotionally.”
Her vices: “I bite my cuticles,” she offers, apologetically. “Oh, and I can go into a Food Network hole.”
Typecast in “Jewish” roles: “Like, every Jewish role comes to me,” she says, laughing. Even now, when everyone from Mila Kunis to Scarlett Johansson is of the faith? “I look more Jewish than Scarlett,” Portman deadpans.
I think there are two notable quotes here. First: “I grew up around a lot of snobbism about what was important and what was serious, and I really reject that.” Er. Seriously? This is not a comedian defending his love of fart jokes. This is Natalie Portman, the Queen of Holier-Than-Thou, defending her career choices, I think. What it shows is that Natalie has different standards for the art she creates and the “art” other people create. Just my opinion. The second quote: “I never felt like there was anything more important than me. Which I know can probably create an a–hole, too.” Precisely. At least she’s showing a sliver of self-awareness.
Interestingly enough – and yet more grist for the conspiracy mill – Darren Aronfsky gave some quotes for Natalie’s interview too. Aronfsky said: “She’s a very private person. But because she’s been in the spotlight since she was so young and she’s so beautiful, there’s this real attention on her. Usually people who are haunted by the paparazzi say they don’t want it, but they do. Natalie has no interest in that. She’s not playing that game.” Fascinating.
Photos courtesy of Tesh/Marie Claire.
