Natalie Portman’s Career: From ‘Léon: The Professional’ to ‘Fountain of Youth’

Natalie Portman is one of the most acclaimed and intelligent actresses of her generation. She began her career as a child and seamlessly transitioned into a respected adult star, known for taking on complex and challenging roles. With an Academy Award for Best Actress and a filmography that spans blockbuster franchises and intense dramas, she has built a remarkable and enduring career.

From her stunning debut, Portman has consistently chosen diverse projects that showcase her immense talent. She has worked with some of the most celebrated directors in the industry and has also stepped behind the camera herself. This list revisits the pivotal films of her career, highlighting her journey from a prodigious young talent to a powerful force in Hollywood.

‘Léon: The Professional’ (1994)

Natalie Portman made her unforgettable film debut as Mathilda Lando in this action-thriller. She plays a 12-year-old girl who is taken in by a professional hitman after her family is murdered. She forms an unusual and complex bond with him, learning the tools of his trade to seek revenge.

It was a mature and astonishingly powerful debut performance that immediately established her as a major talent. Portman held her own opposite veteran actor Jean Reno, portraying a character who was simultaneously vulnerable and fiercely resilient. The role remains one of the most iconic child performances in film history.

‘Heat’ (1995)

In this epic crime drama, Portman had a small but significant role as Lauren Gustafson. She is the troubled stepdaughter of a dedicated Los Angeles police lieutenant, played by Al Pacino. Her character’s personal struggles serve as a backdrop to the intense professional life of her stepfather.

Working with legendary actors like Al Pacino and Robert De Niro and director Michael Mann was a major experience for the young actress. Although her screen time was limited, the part placed her in a prestigious, high-profile project and demonstrated her ability to handle dramatic material.

‘Beautiful Girls’ (1996)

Portman played Marty, a precocious 13-year-old girl who develops a close friendship with an older man visiting his hometown. Her character is wise beyond her years, offering insightful and witty conversation. She serves as a source of clarity for the adult characters who are struggling with their lives.

Her performance was widely praised by critics as a standout in the ensemble cast. She brought charm and intelligence to the role, creating a memorable character who was both funny and touching. The part further solidified her reputation as an exceptionally talented young actress.

‘Everyone Says I Love You’ (1996)

In this musical comedy directed by Woody Allen, Portman played Laura Dandridge. She is one of the daughters in a large, wealthy New York family whose romantic lives are explored through song and dance. Portman’s character is part of the film’s sprawling ensemble cast.

The role gave Portman the opportunity to work with a legendary director and try her hand at a musical. She showcased her versatility by participating in the film’s lighthearted and charming musical numbers. The movie was a unique and whimsical project in her early filmography.

‘Mars Attacks!’ (1996)

Portman played Taffy Dale, the daughter of the President of the United States, in this sci-fi comedy directed by Tim Burton. The film is a satirical and chaotic story about a Martian invasion of Earth. Her character is a typical teenager who must deal with both family drama and an alien apocalypse.

This role placed her in a large-scale, special-effects-driven comedy with a star-studded cast. She demonstrated her comedic timing and her ability to work within a highly stylized and over-the-top cinematic world. The film has since become a cult classic.

‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace’ (1999)

Portman took on the major role of Padmé Amidala in the highly anticipated ‘Star Wars’ prequel. She is the young queen of the planet Naboo who fights to protect her people from an invasion. She portrays both the regal and determined monarch and her humble decoy handmaiden.

This role launched Portman into global superstardom. She became a central figure in one of the biggest film franchises in history, instantly recognizable to audiences around the world. The part required her to work extensively with green screens and special effects, preparing her for future blockbuster roles.

‘Anywhere but Here’ (1999)

In this drama, Portman starred as Ann August, a serious and grounded teenager. Her mother, played by Susan Sarandon, is a flamboyant and irresponsible woman who moves them from Wisconsin to Beverly Hills to pursue her dreams. The film focuses on their complicated and often conflicting mother-daughter relationship.

Her performance was critically acclaimed, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She convincingly portrayed the frustration and love of a teenager who is forced to be the more mature person in the relationship. The role showcased her depth and skill as a dramatic actress.

‘Where the Heart Is’ (2000)

Portman played the lead role of Novalee Nation in this drama. She is a pregnant 17-year-old who is abandoned by her boyfriend at a Walmart in Oklahoma. She secretly lives in the store until her baby is born and, with the help of kind strangers, builds a new life for herself.

The film was a commercial success and a significant starring vehicle for Portman. She portrayed a character’s journey from a naive and abandoned girl to a strong, self-reliant mother. The role demonstrated her ability to carry a film and connect with a wide audience.

‘Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones’ (2002)

Portman reprised her role as Padmé Amidala, who is now a senator representing her home planet. The plot involves an assassination attempt on her life, which leads to her being protected by the Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker. Their professional relationship soon blossoms into a forbidden romance.

This installment further developed her character, focusing on her political career and her central love story with Anakin. The role required her to perform in action sequences and convey the deep emotions of a secret romance that would have galaxy-altering consequences.

‘Cold Mountain’ (2003)

In this epic Civil War drama, Portman had a small but powerful role as Sara. She is a young, widowed mother living alone in a secluded cabin who gives shelter to the film’s protagonist. Her character faces a terrifying encounter with Union soldiers.

Despite having only a few scenes, Portman’s performance was incredibly memorable and harrowing. She portrayed the fear and desperation of a woman in a dangerous situation with raw intensity. The role demonstrated her ability to make a significant impact with limited screen time.

‘Garden State’ (2004)

Portman played Samantha in this popular independent romantic comedy-drama. She is a quirky and energetic young woman who meets a struggling actor when he returns to his New Jersey hometown for his mother’s funeral. Her character helps him to open up and embrace life again.

The role became one of her most beloved, and the film was a defining cultural touchstone of the 2000s. Her portrayal of the free-spirited and slightly strange Samantha was charming and endearing. The film’s soundtrack and unique tone helped it become a cult classic.

‘Closer’ (2004)

For her role as Alice Ayres, Portman received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She plays a mysterious American stripper living in London who becomes entangled in a complex and toxic love quadrangle with three other characters.

It was a mature and daring performance that marked a significant turning point in her career. She fearlessly explored the character’s sexuality, vulnerability, and dishonesty. The role proved she could handle psychologically complex adult characters and earned her widespread critical acclaim.

‘Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith’ (2005)

In the final film of the ‘Star Wars’ prequel trilogy, Portman returned as Padmé Amidala. The story follows her secret husband Anakin Skywalker’s tragic fall to the dark side of the Force. Padmé must watch in horror as the man she loves becomes Darth Vader and the Galactic Republic falls.

This film brought her character’s tragic arc to a close. Portman portrayed the heartbreak and despair of a woman losing her husband and the democracy she fought to protect. It was an emotional and pivotal role that concluded her journey in the iconic franchise.

‘Free Zone’ (2005)

Portman starred as Rebecca in this international drama directed by Amos Gitai. She plays an American woman who, after breaking off her engagement, takes a taxi ride from Jerusalem into Jordan with a Jewish driver. The film is a road movie that explores conflict and connection in the Middle East.

The role was a departure for Portman, as she worked with an acclaimed Israeli director on a film with strong political and cultural themes. Much of the dialogue was improvised, allowing her to showcase her skills in a different style of filmmaking. The part demonstrated her interest in taking on challenging international projects.

‘V for Vendetta’ (2006)

Portman starred as Evey Hammond in this dystopian political thriller. She is a young woman living in a futuristic, totalitarian Britain who is rescued by a masked freedom fighter known as V. She becomes his reluctant ally in a plot to inspire a revolution against the oppressive government.

For the role, Portman famously shaved her head on camera in a single take. Her performance was powerful and transformative, showing Evey’s journey from a fearful, compliant citizen to a brave revolutionary. The film became a cultural phenomenon, and the Guy Fawkes mask worn by V became a global symbol of protest.

‘Paris, Je T’aime’ (2006)

In this anthology film, which features 18 short films about love in Paris, Portman appeared in the segment “Faubourg Saint-Denis.” She played Francine, a young American actress who has a turbulent and dramatic phone call with her blind boyfriend.

The short film, directed by Tom Tykwer, was a showcase for Portman’s emotional range. In just a few minutes, she conveyed a whirlwind of love, frustration, and reconciliation. It was a concentrated and powerful piece of acting within a larger collection of stories.

‘Goya’s Ghosts’ (2006)

Portman played two roles, Inés Bilbatúa and her daughter Alicia, in this historical drama. The film is set during the Spanish Inquisition and follows the famous painter Francisco Goya. Inés is his muse, who is unjustly arrested and tortured by the Inquisition.

The dual role required Portman to portray a character before and after years of horrific suffering, as well as her grown daughter. It was a physically and emotionally demanding part in a lavish period piece directed by the acclaimed Miloš Forman.

‘My Blueberry Nights’ (2007)

In this romantic drama directed by Wong Kar-wai, Portman had a supporting role as Leslie. She is a charismatic but unreliable poker player who crosses paths with the film’s protagonist during a road trip across America.

The role allowed Portman to work with a celebrated international director known for his distinct visual style. She played a bold and memorable character, bringing a burst of energy to the film. The part was another example of her choosing to work on interesting projects with acclaimed filmmakers.

‘The Other Boleyn Girl’ (2008)

Portman starred as Anne Boleyn in this historical drama, acting opposite Scarlett Johansson as her sister, Mary. The film tells the story of the two sisters as they compete for the affection of King Henry VIII of England, with enormous consequences for themselves, their family, and the country.

She delivered a fierce and compelling performance as the ambitious and calculating Anne. She captured the intelligence and ruthlessness of a woman who would stop at nothing to become queen. The film was a lavish and dramatic look at a famous historical rivalry.

‘The Other Woman’ (2009)

In this drama, which she also executive produced, Portman played Emilia Greenleaf. She is a young woman who must navigate the challenges of her new marriage to a successful lawyer and her difficult relationship with his precocious son. The story is complicated by the grief they all share over the loss of her newborn daughter.

The role was a complex and emotional one, as Portman portrayed a character dealing with immense loss and the struggles of being a stepmother. Her involvement as a producer showed her growing desire to take a more active role in the filmmaking process.

‘Brothers’ (2009)

Portman played Grace Cahill in this psychological war drama. She is a woman whose husband, a Marine captain, is presumed dead after his helicopter is shot down in Afghanistan. As she and her husband’s brother comfort each other, they grow closer, only for her husband to be found alive and return home deeply traumatized.

Her performance was praised for its subtlety and emotional depth. She portrayed the complex and conflicting emotions of a wife and mother caught in an impossible situation. The film was a powerful look at the effects of war on soldiers and their families.

‘Hesher’ (2010)

In this dark independent comedy-drama, which she also produced, Portman played Nicole. She is a lonely grocery store clerk who becomes involved with a young boy and his family who are grieving the loss of their mother. Their lives are thrown into chaos by the arrival of a mysterious, anarchist loner named Hesher.

The role was a quirky and understated supporting part in a film with a unique tone. Portman played a compassionate but weary character, offering a sense of quiet normalcy amidst the film’s chaos. Her work as a producer demonstrated her commitment to supporting unique and independent voices.

‘Black Swan’ (2010)

For her role as Nina Sayers, Portman won the Academy Award for Best Actress. She plays a dedicated but mentally fragile ballerina in a prestigious New York City ballet company. She is given the lead role in ‘Swan Lake’ but the immense pressure of the part causes her to lose her grip on reality.

The performance was a stunning and physically demanding tour de force. Portman trained for months to achieve the physique and skill of a professional ballerina and masterfully portrayed her character’s psychological descent. The role is widely considered the pinnacle of her career.

‘No Strings Attached’ (2011)

Portman starred as Emma Kurtzman in this romantic comedy, which she also executive produced. She plays a busy doctor who enters into a purely physical relationship with a longtime friend, played by Ashton Kutcher. They agree to keep things casual, but soon find themselves developing deeper feelings.

The role allowed Portman to showcase her comedic talents in a leading role. It was a lighter, more mainstream project following her intense Oscar-winning performance. The film was a commercial success and showed her appeal as a romantic comedy star.

‘Your Highness’ (2011)

In this fantasy stoner comedy, Portman played Isabel. She is a mysterious and skilled warrior who joins two slacker princes on a quest to rescue a kidnapped princess. Her character is a tough and capable fighter who is more heroic than the film’s male protagonists.

The role was a comedic and action-oriented one, allowing Portman to have fun in a very silly and over-the-top film. She demonstrated her action skills in several fight scenes. The movie was a parody of classic sword-and-sorcery films.

‘Thor’ (2011)

Portman joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Dr. Jane Foster. She is a brilliant astrophysicist who discovers the Norse god of thunder, Thor, after he is banished to Earth. She becomes his main human ally and love interest, helping him navigate the modern world.

The role made Portman a key figure in one of the most successful film franchises of all time. She portrayed an intelligent and passionate scientist, providing a grounded human perspective in a world of gods and monsters. Her chemistry with co-star Chris Hemsworth was a highlight of the film.

‘Thor: The Dark World’ (2013)

Portman reprised her role as Jane Foster in the sequel. In this film, Jane becomes the host for a powerful and ancient cosmic weapon called the Aether. Thor must take her to his home world of Asgard to protect her, placing her at the center of a new intergalactic conflict.

The sequel gave her character a more central role in the plot. She was no longer just an observer on Earth but an active participant in the cosmic adventure. The film further developed her relationship with Thor and her importance within the MCU.

‘Knight of Cups’ (2015)

In this experimental drama directed by Terrence Malick, Portman played Elizabeth. She is a married woman with whom the film’s protagonist, a disillusioned screenwriter, has an affair. The film is a visually poetic and non-linear exploration of the main character’s memories and relationships.

Working with the enigmatic Terrence Malick allowed Portman to be part of a highly artistic and unconventional film. The role was part of a larger, impressionistic tapestry of characters that drift in and out of the protagonist’s life.

‘A Tale of Love and Darkness’ (2015)

Portman made her feature-length directorial debut with this film, in which she also wrote the screenplay and starred. Based on the memoir of Israeli author Amos Oz, she plays Fania Klausner, the author’s mother. The film explores her struggles with depression against the backdrop of the birth of the state of Israel.

This was a deeply personal and ambitious project for Portman. She delivered a sensitive performance as a complex woman and demonstrated her skill and passion as a filmmaker. The film was shot in Hebrew, requiring her to act and direct in a language other than her native English.

‘Jane Got a Gun’ (2015)

In this Western, which she also produced, Portman played the title role of Jane Hammond. She is a woman living on the frontier whose outlaw husband returns home riddled with bullets. To protect her family from his former gang, she is forced to seek help from an ex-lover she has not seen in years.

Portman took on the role of a tough and resourceful frontierswoman. She played a character who must be strong and resilient to survive in a harsh and violent world. Her work as a producer was instrumental in getting the troubled production completed.

‘Jackie’ (2016)

Portman received her third Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy. The film follows the First Lady in the days immediately following the assassination of her husband, President John F. Kennedy. It focuses on her immense grief and her efforts to define her husband’s legacy.

Her performance was a meticulous and captivating portrait of the iconic First Lady. Portman perfectly captured Jackie’s unique voice, mannerisms, and steely resolve. The film was an intimate and powerful character study that earned her universal critical acclaim.

‘Planetarium’ (2016)

In this French-Belgian drama, Portman starred as Laura Barlow. She and her sister, played by Lily-Rose Depp, are American spiritualists touring 1930s Paris. They claim to be able to communicate with the dead and attract the attention of a French film producer who wants to capture their abilities on camera.

The role saw Portman acting in a European production, much of it in French. She played a charismatic and ambitious woman navigating the worlds of spiritualism and early cinema. The film was a stylish and atmospheric period piece.

‘Song to Song’ (2017)

Portman had a supporting role as Rhonda in this experimental drama from director Terrence Malick. The film is set in the Austin, Texas music scene and follows the intersecting lives and romantic entanglements of a group of musicians and industry figures.

This was her second collaboration with the famously unconventional director. Her character is a former kindergarten teacher who becomes involved with a wealthy music executive. The part was one of several in a film that favored mood and imagery over a traditional narrative.

‘Annihilation’ (2018)

In this science-fiction horror film, Portman starred as Lena, a biologist and former soldier. She joins a military expedition into “The Shimmer,” a mysterious and expanding quarantine zone where the laws of nature do not apply. She is searching for answers about what happened to her husband, the only person to ever return from the zone.

Portman led the cast in a visually stunning and intellectually challenging sci-fi film. She portrayed a character who is both highly intelligent and emotionally guarded, driven by scientific curiosity and personal loss. The film was praised for its originality and mind-bending concepts.

‘Vox Lux’ (2018)

Portman played Celeste Montgomery, a troubled and provocative pop superstar. The film, on which she was also an executive producer, is told in two parts. It first follows Celeste as a teenager who survives a school shooting and then skyrockets to fame with a song about the experience. Portman plays her as an adult, years later, as she prepares for a comeback concert.

The performance was bold and electrifying. Portman captured the abrasive and jaded personality of a celebrity whose entire life has been defined by trauma and fame. She also performed several original songs in the film, written by the artist Sia.

‘The Death & Life of John F. Donovan’ (2018)

Portman played Sam Turner in this drama from director Xavier Dolan. She is the mother of a young boy who, a decade earlier, corresponded with a now-deceased American television star. The film explores the impact of that secret correspondence on both their lives.

Her role was a supporting one within a larger ensemble cast. She portrayed a mother trying to understand her son’s past and his connection to the famous actor. The film dealt with themes of celebrity, fandom, and growing up.

‘Lucy in the Sky’ (2019)

Portman starred as Lucy Cola, an astronaut who has a transcendent experience during a mission in space. Upon returning to Earth, she struggles to readjust to normal life and begins to lose her grip on reality. The story was loosely inspired by the real-life story of astronaut Lisa Nowak.

The role was a complex character study of a high-achieving woman who becomes unraveled. Portman portrayed the psychological toll of returning from the awe-inspiring emptiness of space to a mundane life on Earth. The film used shifting aspect ratios to reflect her character’s mental state.

‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ (2022)

Portman made her triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Jane Foster. In this film, it is revealed that Jane is battling cancer. While seeking treatment, she is deemed worthy by Thor’s broken hammer, Mjolnir, which transforms her into the superhero Mighty Thor.

The role allowed Portman to return to the franchise in a completely new way, becoming a superhero in her own right. She underwent significant physical training for the part and was praised for both her powerful action sequences and her moving portrayal of Jane’s human struggle.

‘May December’ (2023)

In this critically acclaimed dark comedy-drama, which she also produced, Portman played Elizabeth Berry. She is a popular actress who travels to Georgia to study a real-life woman named Gracie, whom she is set to portray in a film. Gracie was at the center of a tabloid scandal two decades earlier for her relationship with a seventh grader, whom she later married.

Portman’s performance was a masterclass in subtlety and complexity. She played a character who is both an observer and a manipulator, slowly peeling back the layers of a deeply unsettling family dynamic. The film was praised for its smart script and the incredible performances of its cast.

‘Fountain of Youth’

In this heist adventure from director Guy Ritchie, Portman stars alongside John Krasinski. The plot follows two estranged siblings who partner on a global quest to find the mythical Fountain of Youth. Their search for eternal life forces them to use their knowledge of history to solve ancient puzzles and overcome rivals.

This role placed Portman in a large-scale action-adventure, showcasing her talents in a fast-paced genre with a distinctive director. Teaming up with John Krasinski, the film delivered an entertaining and thrilling cinematic experience for audiences, highlighting her versatility as a blockbuster star.

Which Natalie Portman role has had the most lasting impact on you? Let us know which performance you admire most in the comments.