Natalie Portman responded Wednesday to a lengthy attack from Rose McGowan, acknowledging the criticism had some merit but also pushing back in some ways.
“I agree with Ms. McGowan that it is inaccurate to call me ‘brave’ for wearing a garment with women’s names on it,” Portman said in a statement provided to TheWrap. “Brave is a term I more strongly associate with actions like those of the women who have been testifying against Harvey Weinstein the last few weeks, under incredible pressure.”
McGowan went after Portman in a scathing Facebook post on Tuesday, just two days after Portman appeared at the Oscars with the names of overlooked female directors embroidered into her Dior cape.
“The kind of protest that gets rave reviews from the mainstream media for its bravery. Brave? No, not by a long shot. More like an actress acting the part of someone who cares. As so many of them do,” wrote McGowan, who has spent much of her time in the last few years speaking out against disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein as he faces criminal charges for sexual assault and other felony counts.
In her response, Portman also reacted to McGowan’s statements about her production company and the fact that Portman is the only female director credited on any of its eight films.
“It is true I’ve only made a few films with women. In my long career, I’ve only gotten the chance to work with female directors a few times – I’ve made shorts, commercials, music videos and features with Marya Cohen, Mira Nair, Rebecca Zlotowski, Anna Rose Holmer, Sofia Coppola, Shirin Neshat and myself,” she said. “Unfortunately, the unmade films I have tried to make are a ghost history.”
She concluded, “So I want to say, I have tried, and I will keep trying. While I have not yet been successful, I am hopeful that we are stepping into a new day.”
Evolution of Natalie Portman, From 'Léon: The Professional' to 'Vox Lux' (Photos)
Since making it onto the silver screen in “Léon: The Professional,” Natalie Portman has continued to impress and succeed under the spotlight. Let’s reflect on the actress’s iconic career trajectory.
"Léon: The Professional" (1994)
The Israel-born model turned actress first broke onto the film scene at 13 as the Mathilda in “Léon: The Professional.” Delivering a strong performance as a vengeful apprentice for Jean Reno’s skilled Léon, Portman snagged her first major acting credit – and an impressive one at that.
Gaumont Buena Vista International
"Beautiful Girls" (1996)
Two years later, Portman showcased her ability to work with Hollywood bigwigs like Matt Dillon, Rosie O’Donnell and Uma Thurman. As the smart-talking, teenage Marty, Portman charmed people both on and off screen. This was one of the last roles Portman took on before venturing to the Broadway stage in “The Diary of Anne Frank.”
Miramax Films
"Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" (1999)
After her Broadway breakthrough and nearly five years after her impressionable film debut, Portman made her first foray into a galaxy far away. In “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace,” she played Queen Padme Amidala, a role she would revisit twice more down the road. After the first “Star Wars” prequel, the actress took yet another break from acting to pursue a psychology degree at Harvard University. She graduated in June 2003.
Lucasfilm
"Garden State" (2004)
After her graduation and reprising her role as Queen Amidala for the second installment of the “Star Wars” prequels in 2002, Portman starred alongside Zach Braff for “Garden State” as Samantha, a pathological liar. At the 2015 Toronto Film Festival, Portman said she felt insecure about the film for portraying a manic pixie dream girl.
Fox Searchlight Pictures
"Closer" (2004)
Later that same year, the actress played the seductive, yet elusive, Alice in Mike Nichol’s 2004 film “Closer.” In 2005, Portman secured a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress for the role.
Columbia Pictures
"V for Vendetta" (2005)
After her final take as Queen Amidala in “Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith,” Portman played a worthy accomplice to yet another killer in “V for Vendetta.” As Evey Hammond, Portman displayed impressive, award-winning vulnerability, as she also rocked a shaved head.
Warner Bros.
"The Other Boleyn Girl" (2008)
After Queen Amidala, Portman played another product of royalty in Justin Chadwick's “The Other Boleyn Girl.” In the historical drama about the royal love-triangle of sisters Anne and Mary Boleyn and King Henry VIII, Portman showcased the grace and vulnerability she’s been revered for in past works.
Columbia Pictures
"Black Swan" (2010)
As if Portman’s career wasn’t noteworthy enough, the actress rustled some feathers and brought home an Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA award for her work in Darren Aronofsky’s “Black Swan.” It was on set of this chilling film that Portman met her husband, dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied.
Fox Searchlight Pictures
"Thor" (2011)
Portman took her first steps into the Marvel-verse playing astrophysicist Jane Foster, the hammer-wielding god’s love interest in "Thor." Though we've enjoyed seeing Portman taking the driver's seat in films, she still found ways to shine in this co-star role.
Marvel Studios
"A Tale of Love and Darkness" (2016)
More than 20 years after her acting debut, Portman made her directorial debut with "A Tale of Love and Darkness." The movie, in which the actress also starred, harkens back to Portman's Israeli roots and her passion for the state. She plays the mother of Israeli writer Amos Oz, whose works Portman said she admires.
Focus World
"Jackie" (2016)
In 2016, Portman received an Oscar nomination for her performance as former first lady Jackie Kennedy. The film follows the aftermath of President John Kennedy's brutal assassination and focuses on Jackie's efforts to console a grieving family and define legacy for both her husband and herself.
Fox Searchlight Pictures
"Annihilation" (2018)
Despite backlash for taking up a role originally written as a person of color, Portman played the determined lead in the film adaptation of Jeff VanderMeer's novel, "Annihilation." As Lena, Portman guides an all-female team of researchers, played by Tessa Thompson, Gina Rodriguez and more, to the mysterious Area X.
Paramount Pictures
"Vox Lux" (2018)
The Hollywood star ends 2018 on a high note as Celeste, a New York pop superstar. Working her way towards an awaited comeback, the singer faces personal scandals and internal conflict in all her foul-mouthed, faux-hawked glory.
Courtesy of TIFF
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Young assassin, prima ballerina, First Lady and pop superstar — in Natalie Portman we trust
Since making it onto the silver screen in “Léon: The Professional,” Natalie Portman has continued to impress and succeed under the spotlight. Let’s reflect on the actress’s iconic career trajectory.
Gaumont Buena Vista International
