Natalie Portman Interview

You've got one of the most important roles in the film and you're still quite young, what was it like playing such an important role that was so really action-packed?

Natalie Portman: It's really exciting getting so much to do as a young person, especially to be a leader as a young woman. We rarely see that in the real world or in film. To get a girl who is in charge and taking care of business and not needing to be saved by anyone is pretty exciting.

You started out acting really young as well. What's it been like for you?

Natalie Portman: It's been such a wonderful experience, I really, really love acting. I think it can be a really great experience for kids to be involved in, as long as they don't get too wrapped up in the false aspects of the film industry.

Everyone's probably asked you about George Lucas and what he's like as a director. What was he like with you, did he give you tips?

Natalie Portman: It was really wonderful. George really has this vision and that's the most important thing for a film - to have a director who knows what he wants his film to be. The film is just amazing looking and has such a great story. It really captures your attention the entire time. He has a really clear idea about what he wants and that's what matters.

As you are so young, what is it like signing up for a film that's going to take up the best part of 10 years of your life. Is that a big commitment to make?

Natalie Portman: It is definitely a big commitment to make. I signed on for these films when I was 14 and I'm going to be done with them when I'm 23 I think. It's been a very, very, long ride. But it has been an incredible part of my life. I've had really interesting experiences and I've got to travel a lot and meet really cool people.

So what about the role itself. Star Wars is a phenomenon, why did you choose this role?

Natalie Portman: I was really excited to be able to be part of something that is a cultural phenomenon. It's a pretty great opportunity to be a part of something that so many people care so much about. And also to play a young queen and a young senator, that's not something you get a chance to do very often in Hollywood, you usually have to play someone's girlfriend. As a young woman to play this role was really exciting.

What about the costumes? Were they better, more comfortable this time?

Natalie Portman: The costumes were definitely more comfortable, which was really nice because I got to relax a little. That helps her fall in love, partly because she doesn't have to be this rigid queen character this time.

I've got to ask you this, you're beautiful, you're young, you're bright, you go to Harvard (a top American university) and you're a successful actress, what ARE your faults?

Natalie Portman: There's plenty, I don't want to give them all away because I want people to like me. I have issues like everyone else, my skins breaks out and I have many insecurities, and I'm impulsive often. There's things about me which aren't great. I hope my flaws don't overwhelm my assets. I try and do my best.

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