A woman’s strength that goes beyond the big screen.
For some time she was everyone’s “Léon’s little girl”, when in 1994, at just 12 years old, she made her debut alongside Jean Reno. Since then, Natalie Portman has always hunted for not banal roles. Thus far, she has a very respectable résumé (including her scholastic curriculum, as she graduated in psychology at Harvard), with also an Oscar for best actress in 2011, for Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan.
Born in Jerusalem in 1981 to an Israeli father and an American mother and then moved to the United States at 3 years old, Natalie is a concentration of strength and fragility and her intelligence shines through in every observation.
Are the roles of strong women that you often play the result of chance or a choice?
“I like to challenge myself with all the possible nuances that a woman can take on. I must be struck by the character’s history, her complex psychology. That’s why I tend to choose interesting female roles”.
Very often they are also beautiful. What relationship do you have with beauty?
“Let’s say it has changed over time. When I was young, I tried to emphasize characteristics I didn’t possess. Today, however, I accept myself, and what I previously considered a flaw, I transform into an advantage… because I consider it something that makes me unique”.
What characteristic you previously considered a flaw on which now you have changed your view?
“The height. I’m small, tiny. And it’s so beautiful! I’ve learned to celebrate this peculiarity of mine, so I often wear flats!”.
On the sets of your various films, have you learned any ‘beauty lesson’ useful in everyday life?
“So, I’ll tell you this anecdote. In my first film, Léon, the make-up artist used beetroot juice mixed with rose water as both blush and lipstick. I was just a little girl, so she didn’t want to put chemicals on my face. This experience inspired me with various ideas on how to create natural makeup… I really like taking care of my wellness”.
Speaking of well-being, what do you do to feel good?
“I meditate, because it helps me keep me focused, aware and motivated. I’ve been vegan for 10 years and before that I was a vegetarian, so in terms of nutrition, I try to eat healthy. Then I run, swim, and when I can I practice pilates, gyrotonic and yoga. I also love massages and cuddling my children… they’re moments of pure love! And then it makes me feel good to wear a good perfume. I love fragrances with orange blossom, tuberose and jasmine. I like to immerse myself in nature and discover it while walking, surrounded by trees, streams, away from the chaos of the city”.
In all this, is there also time for social life?
“Red carpets and film promotion events are undoubtedly part of my job, but I’m not socialite. But I’m professional and by contract I always do everything that is required for the success of the movie”.
Are you ambitious?
“Absolutely yes! And I’m also stubborn! But this can also be an advantage, because it leads me to fight for what I want”.
What relationship do you have with your mobile?
“I made a choice: to use it as little as possible”.
And can you do it?
“Yes! At first, as you can imagine, I struggled. Then, little by little, it became an essential habit because it has a huge impact on my daily life. It’s as if I had lightened an unnecessary load… I feel much more free”.
And TV? Do you watch it or…
“Yes, I really like cooking competitions. When I look at them, I feel relaxed and happy. Indeed, in those moments I even turn off my brain!”
We end on a nostalgic note. What if I say Léon?
“I answer that it’s been a long time… I was a beginner, but it went well, right?”.
Barbara Zorzoli
