Portman's Career is Revving Up
Monday, May 11, 2015 at 2:00PM
Manuel here to talk about everyone's favorite black swan and share some casting news. Oh, it’s also Bike to Work Week and so here’s Natalie Portman on a bike to get your Monday started.
She’ll probably need it as she’s clearly gearing (see what I did there?) for a busy 2015. Not only is her directorial debut A Tale of Love and Darkness premiering at Cannes (albeit as a special screening selection) but her much-delayed film Jane Got a Gun will finally be released this coming September, but she’s also in Malick’s Knight of Cups (and presumably in Weightless) though it’s unclear when either of those films will be in front of us regular moviegoers.
And if these latest casting news pan out, she’ll be a busy gal soon (those of us who worries the Marvel Cinematic Universe and/or motherhood would keep Natalie away from us for too long had nothing to worry):
First up, she’s apparently signed on to play Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in On the Basis of Sex, which Marielle Heller is in talks to direct. Those of us who haven’t yet seen Diary of a Teenage Girl (read Michael's review from Sundance) are dying to see it and we’re happy Heller and Portman are in talks to work together. Also, it’s about time RBG gets the big-screen treatment, no?
Portman is also in talks to star in Annihilation, a film adaptation of Jeff VanderMeer’s twisty sci-fi novel which centers on four female explorers in an unknown place known as Area X. And, true to her career so far, Portman is probably drawn to this film given who’s behind the camera: Ex-Machina’s Alex Garland (which I've yet to see but I am dying to if only so I can listen to the latest TFE podcast!)
Two promising projects with two promising directorial upstarts alongside many directorial and producing gigs. Are you ready for a Portmanful 2015? Have you read Annihilation and do you have any thoughts on who should join the all-female cast in its film adaptation?
Reader Comments (9)
She's a better beauty than an actress.
These all sound promising, I can't wait to watch her in an interesting movie again. Black Swan is still a favorite of mine so I'm eager for her to challenge herself like that once more.
one of those rare well-deserved Oscar wins (did her own dancing or not);
Kidman would've been a great choice as well but I have nothing against Natalie's win.
I watched all 6 Star Wars films last week. It's not just Episodes I and II, all six have cheesy dialogue and corny, pedestrian storytelling, but Nat does give a good face, doesn't she?
Portman may be an uneven actress but she has fairly good instincts in terms of projects - sounds promising.
She has at least 4 perfect performances so far: Leon, Garden State, Closer & Black Swan and is one of the best best actress winners in recent years. With the right material/direction/role, she shines. Here's hoping her post-Oscar career will give us more gems.
Her best onscreen efforts ("Léon", "Closer" and "Cold Mountain") are exceptions of what she can offer as a performer. The rest of her career shows that she just can't do the most basic acting skill (line reading), but I agree that she has an ability at picking up projects.
Not a word about Ms. Portman's "False Idol" Oscar talk? Come on, now.
The only role I have liked her in was Leon. I find the rest rather pedestrian-- especially Swan. So..none of these are going into my calendar. Unless I hear they are must-sees.
Thank you for sharing a helpful, wonderful thing.