Early Career Experiences

Natalie Portman, an acclaimed actress and Oscar winner, recently opened up about her experiences in the film industry during a conversation with Jenna Ortega for Interview magazine. She described a “long Lolita phase” she went through as a young performer, highlighting how the entertainment industry often sexualized her at an early age. At just 12 years old, Portman starred in her breakout role in “Leon: The Professional,” a period that marked the beginning of her public life and the challenges that came with it.

Addressing Sexualization and Public Perception

During their discussion, Portman expressed her concerns about how she was perceived publicly compared to her true self. She remarked, “I think there’s a public understanding of me that’s different from who I am.” She emphasized that many young actresses, like herself, face this issue of sexualization, saying, “As a kid, I was really sexualized, which I think happens to a lot of young girls who are onscreen. I felt very scared by it.” Portman expressed the desire for her understanding of sexuality to remain a personal experience rather than something thrust upon her.

Career Phases and Industry Tropes

Throughout her career, Portman noted that she often found herself fitting into various stereotypes assigned to female actors. “I think at each phase in my career, there was a different one that I was like, ‘Oh, I’ve got to avoid this,’” she said. Among these were the “Lolita phase” and later, a prolonged period where she played roles centered around aiding male characters in their emotional journeys.

Protective Measures and Personal Growth

In a prior appearance on the “Smartless” podcast, Portman revealed how she learned to adopt a tough demeanor on film sets to shield herself from unwanted attention. She explained, “That kind of projection of seriousness protected me in a way… like, ‘Oh, don’t do shit to her.’” Portman is clear that this is not to suggest any victim-blaming but rather a reflection of her instincts for self-protection.

She credited her mother for being by her side throughout her childhood acting career, ensuring her safety from potential threats. After entering college, Portman described a shift in her father’s perspective, stating he believed it was time for her to explore a “real job” beyond acting. She pursued a psychology degree at Harvard University but continued to engage with her passion for acting.

Upcoming Projects

Looking ahead, Portman is set to star alongside John Krasinski in the upcoming adventure film “Fountain of Youth,” directed by Guy Ritchie. The movie is scheduled to stream on Apple TV+ starting May 23, marking yet another chapter in her evolving career.