Top Ten List from a Big Fan
Natalie Portman is on my Top 10 List of Actresses
Back when I was happily married, I had written a little poem about two of my favorite actresses: Natalie Portman and Jennifer Lawrence. I said in my poem that either one of them could play me if there was a movie about my life. The fact is that Natalie has an Oscar award and Jennifer does not. It's a numbers game really. Natalie has been in more films. Natalie had over 7 movies as contenders for the award, while Jennifer only had 3 contenders.
One out of seven and zero out of three, that's the way the numbers roll sometimes. Still, I'm a big fan of both of these actresses and today I want to write a top ten list of my favorite films starring Natalie Portman. This list is in order (1-10) of my favorite to least favorite. Any other movies that she starred in, I either saw and didn't think that much of, or didn't see. (Same with Jennifer, but I'll talk about other actors and actresses in another article.)
My Top 10 List of Favorite Films starring Natalie Portman:
1. CLOSER
Natalie did not win any award for her performance as (Alice/Jane) however she held her own on the screen with bigger names (Julia Roberts and Jude Law) and her performance was amazing in my opinion. Her tears (which were captured on the screen and in the photograph) seemed genuine, not just your typical boo hoo sob that we get from less talented actresses.
2. V for Vendetta
Natalie did a fine job in this film, but her performance would not get award consideration because this film is a collaboration of talent and to be enjoyed as a collaborative team effort. There were many fans of this film and it could reach a cult status level. Only time will tell.
3. Star Wars (as Queen Amidala)
Her performance was weak, however she did shine because she was young and it was one of her first roles and under the Lucas company she pulled it off enough for fans to continue liking the saga. As a long time Lucas and Star Wars fan, I was glad to see a fresh face and enjoyed her weak performance.
4. Black Swan
Fans and critics loved this movie and her performance won her an Oscar in this film about a ballet dancer. She earned and deserved her award, however I still have some critiques about the film and how much it was praised over the film Closer.
5. Anywhere, but Here
A great movie where Natalie co-starred with Susan Sarandon, both delivering incredible performances, yet the film is hardly mentioned and neither actress was nominated for anything to do with this film. I suppose it didn't impress the audience as much as Thelma and Louise, a tough film to follow. I think the film is extraordinary and both actresses deserved more credit for this film than they were given.
6. Garden State
To me this is an adorable movie, but the male co-star's performance was more impressive. Natalie's performance was good in the way we liked Alicia Silverstone as the airhead in "Clueless".
7. Thor (Saga)
Natalie as "Jane" the love interest of Thor was a great casting decision. Jane the scientist was made very believable and lovable with Natalie's seasoned acting experience. No Marvel or DC movies ever win at the Oscars. Who cares? They made a lot of money and we all enjoyed them.
8. Brothers
Released in 2009 , Brothers is an intense drama where Natalie shows us a character who has more depth than the typical girl next door. She's a sensitive woman dealing with difficult life troubles. I can't recall if this movie was nominated for anything, but just like "Anywhere, but Here' it should have been mentioned.
9. The Other Bolyn Girl
Natalie plays a Queen again, this time the second wife of King Henry. All the performances were top notch in this film. However, I don't like the film that much (even if it is as educational as Game of Thrones or Shakespeare's tragedies) because I didn't like the experience as a viewer. I don't find it entertaining to watch a King be stupid or a woman be sold as a slave.
10. Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
Alongside Oscar-winner Dustin Hoffman, Natalie plays the recipient of a wonderful toy shop. Her belief in the magic is why she inherited the shop. It's a lovely movie for all ages, an instant classic, and was barely mentioned among her better films or performances. Isn't that tragic?
About the Creator
Shanon Angermeyer Norman
Gold, Published Poet at allpoetry.com since 2010. USF Grad, Class 2001.
Currently focusing here in VIVA and Challenges having been ECLECTIC in various communities. Upcoming explorations: ART, BOOK CLUB, FILTHY, PHOTOGRAPHY, and HORROR.
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Comments (1)
Update, 2 years later. Of this 10, I only like 3 now: #5, #9, and #10. The others just don't interest me anymore.