Natalie Portman made her acting debut at the age of 13 in “Leon: The Professional” (1994), in which she played a teen working with a hitman (Jean Reno) to avenge her family’s death. Throughout her 25-year cinematic career, the Oscar-winning actress has been prolific, but how many of her films have become classics? Here are the 10 most amazing movies of Natalie Portman, ranked.
Her first Oscar nomination came only ten years after her debut, for Best Supporting Actress in “Closer” (2004). The part of Alice, a stripper dating a writer (Jude Law) who is in love with another woman (Julia Roberts), earned her a Golden Globe nomination, but the Academy chose Cate Blanchett (“The Aviator”) instead.
Portman didn’t go without an Oscar for long. Six years later, she won Best Actress for her performance as an obsessed dancer in the psychological thriller “Black Swan” (2010). In 2016, she was nominated again for her uncanny depiction of First Lady Jackie Kennedy in the biographical film “Jackie,” but she lost to Emma Stone (“La La Land”). However, she is still one of the most talented actresses Hollywood has to offer. We have compiled a list of the 10 most amazing movies of Natalie Portman which you should watch.
Check out our list of the 10 most amazing movies of Natalie Portman:
1. V for Vendetta (2005)
IMDB – 8.1
The adoption of the mask gag by Occupy demonstrators was surprising, as was its foresight in foreseeing a future fascist takeover (which seemed a faraway prospect in the wholesome mid-oos). Presumably, the political aspect of the project appealed to Portman’s liberal-activist side, but she is miscast as a British TV corporate minion who is rescued by – and subsequently becomes involved with – the righteous terror-spreader, V.
A slickly produced film with huge concepts that might have translated better on paper than on screen, but Portman delivered some of her best work opposite Hugo Weaving’s masked vigilante.
2. Black Swan (2010)
IMDB – 8.0
In Darren Aronofsky’s psychological thriller, Portman won an Oscar for her career-best performance as a dedicated dancer dealing with her sanity after earning the main role in a production of Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” for the New York City Ballet company.
Portman, who plays opposite Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey, and Winona Ryder, goes from timid to cruel as she slips into insanity against the competitive background of creative aspiration.
3. Cold Mountains (2003)
IMDB – 7.2
In this dramatic version of Charles Frazier’s historical novel, Portman plays a minor but unforgettable part. “Cold Mountain,” set in the final days of the Civil War, is a classic story of a wounded Confederate deserter (Jude Law) making his way back to his one true love (Nicole Kidman). Along the journey, he encounters a bereaved widow (Portman) and her kid, whom he must defend from enemy Union soldiers.
Anthony Minghella directs this production with a large scope and size that does not dominate the players. The film received seven Academy Award nominations, including one for Renee Zellweger’s colorful supporting role.
4. Closer (2004)
IMDB – 7.2
Mike Nichols’ razor-sharp love drama follows the relationships of two couples whose paths meet only to disrupt their lives in unexpected ways. In contrast to Jude Law, Julia Roberts, and Clive Owen, Portman nearly steals the show as a young, impetuous American who shields her emotions with jealousy only to have them destroyed by her icy rivals. It is undoubtedly one of the most amazing movies by Natalie Portman.
5. Thor (2011)
IMDB – 7.0
Portman joined the Marvel cinematic universe with this first entry in the “Thor” franchise. She portrays Jane Foster, a scientist who falls in love with a fallen Norse deity (Chris Hemsworth), who is determined to preserve Earth from his wicked brother (Tom Hiddleston).
Kenneth Branagh directs the film with his trademark Shakespearean theatrics, delivering an epic and operatic introduction to the hammer-wielding hero. Portman was back for the critically panned sequel “Thor: The Dark World” (2013).
6. The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
IMDB – 6.7
Portman and Scarlett Johansson were the 00s dream casting in this adaptation of Philippa Gregory’s historical novel, which aimed to portray Mary Boleyn as the slinkier of the two Tudor-era-entrancing sisters.
Portman is queenly enough as the clever Anne, but her charm doesn’t come out in corset photos; she never appears to blend in the historical surroundings properly. It is one of the most amazing movies by Natalie Portman.
7. Jackie (2016)
IMDB – 6.7
Portman was nominated for her third Oscar for her heartbreaking performance in Pablo Lauran’s film about First Lady Jackie Kennedy’s grief and suffering in the aftermath of her husband’s killing.
The actress rose to become one of the most renowned individuals in American history, humanizing her and allowing the world to witness the unspeakable tragedy that characterized the family’s legacy.
8. Everyone Says I Love You (1996)
IMDB – 6.7
Jazz has always played an important role in Woody Allen’s films, so it’s hardly surprising that he ultimately developed a full-fledged movie musical. In “Everyone Says I Love You,” a big ensemble performs famous songs to portray the delights of loving (all except for Drew Barrymore, whose voice was the only one dubbed).
Portman and Gaby Hoffman play adolescent sisters who both have feelings for the same guy. Though it received no Oscar nominations (a rarity for the filmmaker), it did receive a Golden Globe nod for Best Comedy/Musical Film.
9. Anywhere But Here (1999)
IMDB – 6.2
Wayne Wang directed the film. Alvin Sargent wrote the screenplay, which was based on Mona Simpson’s novel. This adaptation of Mona Simpson’s emotional best-seller follows a lady (Susan Sarandon) who believes she’s fading away in Wisconsin. She takes her daughter (Portman) across the country, kicking and screaming, to Beverly Hills in the hopes of making it big. Her child, on the other hand, is not delighted with the plan.
Portman received her first Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress for the film, which she lost to eventual Oscar winner Angelina Jolie (“Girl, Interrupted”). However, if you are a fan of Natalie Portman you should watch this movie.
10. Knight of Cups (2015)
IMDB – 5.7
Terrence Malick films are never wholly without worth, but this one comes close: a tiresomely self-indulgent and male-gazey ode to LA life, adorned with Malick’s late-phase tics (whispery voice-overs, tremulous closeups, spinning cameras) that only serve to highlight the obtuseness of it all.
You’d think from the poster and promotional materials that Portman has a big role in this film, but she’s only one of a gallery of women with whom a writer, Christian Bale, tries to find purpose in his life. Portman performs a lot of melancholy frisking, from an art museum to a hotel room to the beach, but it’s not much.
Natalie Portman is a Hollywood gem. She has played some of history’s most important roles, for which she has won awards. This list was compiled in honor of Portman. Some of the most amazing movies of Natalie Portman are mentioned above. We hope you liked this article. Let us know about your favorite Natalie Portman movie in the comment section below.
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Source: TheBuzzpedia