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Natalie Portman + Alfonso Cuaron = Yes Please!
Ahoy, squirts! Quint here. The news just broke over at THR's Risky Business Blog that Natalie Portman has been offered the leading role in Alfonso Cuaron's space thriller GRAVITY about an astronaut trapped on a space station after satellite debris smashes into it, killing the rest of the crew. Robert Downey Jr. has a supporting role already.
I haven't read this script, but have talked to people who have and from everything I hear this is a prime role for a lead actress. Angelina Jolie was originally attached and dropped out. I have a feeling in future years we'll be talking about that in the same way we talk about Tom Selleck dropping out of Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Yeah, I want to marry Natalie Portman, so what? I can still be objective, right?
Jay Fernandez's article mentions that Warner Bros wouldn't offer Portman the role pre-Black Swan killing at Telluride without a screen test. Are they crazy? That's Natalie Portman, not Olivia Thirlby or Emma Stone... girls I also want to marry, but totally understand aren't superstars yet.
But now that Black Swan is apparently as awesome as I want it to be and there's Oscar buzz building around Portman, they went ahead and made the offer.
I'm just dying to see a new Alfonso Cuaron movie, so with Portman or without I'm there. But if Portman is in it, then I get to see if it was outer space or Lucas that drained all of her charm and talent in those other space movies.
Thoughts?
-Quint
quint@aintitcool.com
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She's about exciting as wallpaper.
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Yeah, Natalie Portman is not one of those actresses who tends to shine under duress. Loved her in Leon/The Professional but it's been downhill from there, unfortunately.
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...not
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That's right.
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...must not have seen Closer, Garden State, V for Vendetta, or Brothers. But I suspect Black Swan will silence most of her detractors.
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she always acts worried these days though I think , her best role is still probably Leon.
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I used to be a big Portman Supporter, but after V for Vendetta I was off that bandwagon.
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Her wretched blaster technique as well.
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Please?
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Fact. These posts hating on Portman are predictable and pathetic. She's hot, talented, and famous, nerds lusting for her for a long time. So of course the AICN TBers response is... "Too bad she can't act"... Oh so fucking original! It's very predictable some of you basement trolls would come out and say this. What she never returned your fan mail so now you have a grudge? First off I'm excited for this movie the plot is intriguing and she could rock the role. But this is besides the point. Any actor who becomes famous enough or beloved enough suddenly becomes hated by small units of AICN TBers. It's just predictable and boring now guys sorry. Natalie Portman is like a hot fudge sunday... By that I mean she is fucking awesome. Don't agree? Check out Brothers, she was great in that. Or just wait for Black Swan I don't really give a shit. Natalie Portman rules. Debate over. I win.
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A good looking chair leg admittedly but a bit of furniture nontheless. Poor old Cauron's been saddled with a major disadvantage there that could sink his film if the role requires any nuance or depth. And yes, I have seen 'Closer', 'Garden State', 'V for Vendetta' and 'Brothers' and she's terrible in all of them.
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Sep 07, 2010 3:12:10 AM CDT
George Lucas replaced her personality with a Clone Soldiers
by willbraham
That's why she always look about as attentive as a moth in the middle of a fireworks show.
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I fucking love Alfonso Cuaron... and i'm glad that washed up hag, Angelina, dropped out. I love me some Portman! Mmmmmmm
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And Jasper = DUMBASS. FACT.
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Made me literally "LOL"
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The guy sucks all the talent out of everyone near him.
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http://tinyurl.com/2c5qmfs
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She's like any number of these type of 'names' that get the best parts in major movies - sometimes slightly better than you expect her to be yet still never quite as good as the role dictates. Dumbass.
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Of course.
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Sep 07, 2010 4:00:27 AM CDT
"Tom Sellick dropping out of Raiders"
by planty_mcplant_plants_his_plant_at_aicn
Quint, you REALLY think Gravity will be a pop culture phenomenon like Raiders? That twenty years from now geeks will debate how the the movie would have turned out if Jolie had taken the role? I'm sure Gravity will be good, but it ain't gonna be no Raiders.
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I actually think that scarlet is an amazing actress, she's talented and smart when choosing her roles (except for He's just not that into you)
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But I don't like Portman. I love Aronofsky but the fact that she's in it turns me off. She was good in Closer and Brothers but V for Vendetta was good despite her. She had the one strong interrogation section of the film and her character's rebirth so I'll give her credit for that. Cuaron excites me, but Portman I can do without.
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at least its not Angelina Jolie... that crazy bitch has the sophistication of movie Laura Croft
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And I'm really looking forward to this movie. But she sounds ill-fitting as an astronaut to me. She's not tough enough.A Jennifer Garner type would be more like it. Hillary Swank, or maybe even Scarlett as someone else said (mmmm...Scarlet in zero g...). Of course, I haven't read the script so I wouldn't know what the role requires. And I suppose the days of test pilot astronauts are long past, so maybe she's just playing some scientist up on ISS.
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That you take leave of your senses.
Roll on 20 or so years...........Husband "So honey did you know Angelina Jolie turned down the lead role in Gravity?" Wife "WHAT! that film spawned 3 sequels not to mention becoming part of pop culture, she really messed up there". -
Natalie Portman was horrible in the Star Wars prequels. Like Jessica Alba, I have to say, there are porn actresses who can act better than these two!!!
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http://tinyurl.com/2c5qmfs
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How come RPLocke is always completely wrong about everything?
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no need to get all butt-hurt about my dumbass remark to you... I was just calling you out on your exaggerated hyperbole about Portman being a "Terrible" actress. Your term, not mine... So yes. calling Portman a "terrible actress" would, in fact, make you a "dumbass".
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I'm starting to think that it's all an elaborate prank he's pulling on all of us, and the joke is actually on US... Hhhhmmmmm
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I can't wait for this movie, the description of the opening scenes sounded insaaaane...
Sent from my iPad. -
who just loves to be contrarian about everything.
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BOX OFFICE POISON!
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Sep 07, 2010 4:37:05 AM CDT
Portman is nowhere near as bad as Alba
by planty_mcplant_plants_his_plant_at_aicn
Jessica Alba would be doing soft porn TV films by now if James Cameron hadn't picked her for Dark Angel, which gave her enough exposure to get film roles. Alba owes her career to Cameron. I hope Cameron got some good bjs from her in return.
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A bit off topic, but I just wanted to say that Dead Flag Blues really is one of the best 'songs' ever written. Respect!
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at least he was right about Portman. I mean she's in some good movies but I don't think they're good based on her performance. And listo65, I think Jolie is a pretty strong actress. Sometimes her lips piss me off but she just comes off as very professional in her roles and to me, she's had some pretty decent roles. She was great in 'The Changeling" and she was tons of fun in "Salt."
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Sep 07, 2010 5:25:01 AM CDT
Planty: She Is Close Enough To It, Alba, That It Is Frightening.
by media messiah
...frighteningly bad, that is. You just know some horny producer hired Portman for this, because it sure isn't for her acting talent.
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So you can't judge her on that basis
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Nice to hear from a fellow Godspeed fan... I'm glad to see someone on these boards that knows good music ;-) It really is an amazing piece of music though... absolutely incredible.
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...BJs from Alba to sustain her career. Other than that, she'd be in street prostitution by now, not starring in movies.
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Sep 07, 2010 5:31:27 AM CDT
ReportAbuse: You're Right, Everyone Was Awful In The SW Prequels
by media messiah
I say, black-ball them all from the industry.
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'Exaggerated hyperbole'? That's actually a mangling of that particular term - but I see where you're going with it. I just happen to think Portman is a very limited actress capable of effective moments when contained within a specifc, incredibly tight framework. Away from that and incredibly strong direction she's simply out of her depth. Beautiful, yes. But actress of her generation, hardly? And yes I'm keen to see what Aaronofsky does with her in 'Black Swan' - I'm sure he sees something there. But thanks for considering my feelings and I'll take you criticism on borad for future reference...
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...the raves that "Black Swan" is receiving. The current buzz is that she's a shoe-in for a best actress nod and the front-runner to win. If true, that will make her the subject of countless articles through the awards season, and plenty of mentions of her future projects, bringing lots of awareness to Gravity.
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Sep 07, 2010 6:12:07 AM CDT
If she strips like Sigourney Weaver at the end of Alien...
by hardboiled wonderland
... I'll see it. I just can't picture Portman as an astronaut, though. She has the right stuff, but not the Right Stuff.
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How many of us can honestly say we recall who won what awards in the four major acting categories this year, in the Oscars, or the Golden Globes, last year? I can't think of one of them, and I am always big on that stuff, but let's face it, so many awards are bought and paid for, it is easy to forget who won what, because it is such a mixed bag of corruption. Oh, yeah, Sandra Bullock. It took me several minutes, but the rest, I am still drawing a blank on?
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I wouldn't quite say it was a "mangling" of the term... probably more of a case of being a little redundant ;-) But regarding Ms. Portman... have you heard about the raves she's getting from her role in Black Swan? Sounds to me like she's definitely proven her worth as a talented actress...
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This is just stunt casting.
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Sep 07, 2010 6:59:13 AM CDT
Like Jodie Foster, Portman shut herself off emotionally as an ac
by prof. pop-cult
Like Jodie Foster, Portman shut herself off emotionally as an actress. I've wondered if it has anything to do with the fact that both actresses played pre-teen Lolitas that drew the attention and affection of older men. When they grew up, they subsequently closed themselves off emotionally when it came to their acting roles.
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I hope she puts on a bit of weight at least, she looks anorexic in the Black Swan trailer.
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... is trapped in space due to a problem on her ship. It is called THE PHANTOM MENACE. And it was SHIT.
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Best smile EVER.
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...something which was more memorable and added to the hype when "Iron Man 2" was about to open. Oscar buzz does fade quickly, but there's value in there for the next big project someone has released following a win.
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relatively unscathed. We can blame much of Portman's bad acting on George Lucas (just like we can probably blame him for global warming and the deficit, just because), she has to shoulder some of the blame herself.
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Sep 07, 2010 7:24:31 AM CDT
Portman was quite good in ROTS
by planty_mcplant_plants_his_plant_at_aicn
But yeah, McGregor was the only one to emerge from that debacle with integrity intact. Along with Liam Neeson and Ian McDiamid and Ray Park. Funny how all the Brits managed turned in half decent performances, but the American actors (why Samuel L Jackson, WHY did you suck so badly?) all fell flat on their faces. Maybe the Brits just ignored everything Lucas told them and did their own thing.
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She's not stuck on some whack TV show like Tommy
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. . . but FUCKIN' A to this thing still being on track!
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Remember that crazy NASA bitch who wore diapers cross country to confront a fellow astronaught about who would play her in a movie version of the story. Apparently he said Angelina Jolie but she wanted Gary Busey. Things were never the same. But I have to admit there is something charming about a girl who has the foresight to put on a diaper and drive cross country, literally pissing and shitting herself in the process, to make good time. Ooh things girls will do for love..and Gary Busey. Wait this movie is inspired by this true story right? Cause Natalie Portman in diapers hasn't been sexy for 25 years.
I'm going to hell for typing that last sentence -
on the vertical lips, that is!!
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I can't recall the last time this site broke any news at all.
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who drained what?
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I'm sure they're swell ladies, but just look at a photo gallery of female astronauts and most of them are kind of dyke-y looking chicks with 80's hairdos...Portman is short enough at least, most astronauts are short.
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should go with hilary swank. he might be able to pull off a female
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why dont they do a switcharoo and have Downey Jr in the leading role and have Portman as a supporting character. that sounds more appealing to me. oh and i loved Children of Men
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Sep 07, 2010 8:23:16 AM CDT
So, this isn't the diaper wearing stalker astronautlady story?
by flickapoo
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yes. i want that story. but who could pull off the eyes. Craziest fucking eyes ive ever seen
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...FOR FUN, SO DON'T PUSH ME!
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...I bet he could do it.
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in space everyone can hear you CHOP
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Where is your review of "underground comedy tour 2010"? Slap-chop is the orson welles of our generation.
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utterly charming. Given a good director and script she can deliver the goods. It's a shame about those prequels, but the best acting in the world wouldn't have saved them. All copies should be destroyed (like Arnie tried to do with that Hercules film).
As for the Hobbit news, I wouldn't believe anything written in that rag. It's less reliable than a blog. If it turns out to be true, I'm relieved Freeman won't be stinking it up. Same goes for that smug shit McAvoy. -
she loves behind the scenes pic of the day.
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Yes Please
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= Yes Please!
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I'd like to land my shuttle in space dock.
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Sure, I mean I'd do her, but she has the personality of a goddamned table and there is NOTHING sexy about her. Sort of like Kristen Stweart.
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Arriving 2011
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"I'm horny."
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I just don't want her physical attrictiveness to cause directors to ruin otherwise awesome movies with her.
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This DOES reek of stunt casting. I'm sure there are plenty of other actresses who are better suited to play an astronaut. Especially after seeing the real female 'nauts on Top Chef last week, Portman far from fits the mold. Considering Jolie was previously attached, Cuaron is clearly banking on a big name to carry the movie rather than genine talent befitting the character. But still, we all agree that Portman is a hot piece of ass.
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Sean Penn won that year.
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Sep 07, 2010 9:53:56 AM CDT
YOU AGAIN LOOKS HILARIOUS, AND I'M NO KRISTIN BELL GROUPIE
by bringingsexyback
I'm saving my movie money for that and The Town. Can't wait.
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I think she is a fine actress, and a FINE actress, the prequels notwithstanding, but she doesn't have the grit or, especially, the years on her to play an astronaut. Hilary Swank or Angelina or Jodie Foster would be much more believable. Actually, Angelina might be too attractive to be an astronaut. Have you ever seen female astronauts? Natalie would be too attractive as well. Oh, and her worst acting ever was in Revenge of the Sith. It was like she phoned it in through a wooden telephone. Of course, if you're stuck with a bad script, acting against Hayden Bland Christiansen, the deck is stacked against you.
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The Town looks flippin' sweet and Kristin Bell is lovely to look at.
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But it was punch-to-the-gut powerful on the big screen (saw it before The American). I think it's gonna be huge. At least I hope so.
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Sep 07, 2010 10:22:17 AM CDT
Terrible English accent in vendetta, terrible in prequels,
by ultratron
Very fuckable
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After reading it's going to be very CGI heavy, it's compared to Avatar in terms of being an hybrid with almost 60% of it being animated. I assume that's one of the reasons Jolie pulled out, it's also shy they have to cast a decent nane to star since what they're aimingnfir with the CGI hybrid won't be cheap.
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it goes chin to ear... i wonder how she wear earrings
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Listen up-
She was ok in V for Vendetta. I don't buy her as a lead because she can't act and forever will look 14 which is why you want to marry her so bad perv. Pleas find an actual adult looking woman to play this role. Natalie Portman, why do people like this chick? -
what a waste of internet space this article be. Dude says he hasn't read the script, but talked to someone who did read the script, and therefore its going to be the next Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Seriously Quint - yer stupid. -
when you have a good director at the helm...Lucas isn't a good director which is why the CG was so offensive in the prequels...Cuaron seems to be the type of director that will use CG to enhance a story, not tell the story or be the story. As for Portman...I understand fanboys hating her because of the prequels but I 100% blame those on Lucas...literally all his fault. She's been great in other things and her and Cuaron seems to be a really good pairing...just like it seems her and Aronofsky was
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Considering McGregor was pretty good in the prequels with the same middling material, then Portman has only herself to blame for her lacklustre, disinterested performances. All roads do not lead back to Lucas.
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She's starting to work with great directors now, you don't think she's going to up her game? Wait until after you see Black Swan to make a declaration.
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When does that happen? Has that ever happened before? But yeah, totally flat, long torso, short legs. Looked like a boy. The socks made it all the worse. She should have kept that shit covered. Kept us guessing. I was willing to overlook the fact that she's phoned in every performance in the last 10 years. But not anymore.
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Just that, just so.
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Well, I guess that does prove that the winners are totally and quickly forgettable. Still, regardless of whether she wins or not, "Gravity" will be mentioned quite a bit in stories about her if she's nominated, so there's that plus to casting her if nothing else.
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I think every time I come to read comments on an article/write my own comment, I see 2-10 people have a big stupid fight about nothing. It's seriously childish. Just debate in an adult fashion and give actors at least some amount of respect. They're people too and trying to make it in this world. They might do poorly on one project and well on another. That is how most people live! We do well sometimes and other times we mess up! Give her a break! It just annoys me. Sorry, I'm done ranting. To speak on topic, I am not that big of a Natalie Portman fan, but I do like Cuaron's other work and will probably check this out.
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I want to see them tittays in zero gravity!
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Sep 07, 2010 1:45:36 PM CDT
Angelina is one of if not the biggest name actresses working tod
by alan_poon
She's made her name with some great roles no matter what happens for the rest of her career. I doubt she'll be losing sleep over this one much.
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Action Movies. Yeah, she can act, but I really enjoy her most with a gun or two in brainless 'splosion movies. And Natalie, yeah... I love AC's work, but this casting means I have low hopes for it. She peaked with Beautiful Girls. She had me at "smoking massive amounts of drugs, binging on Entemmann's and listening to old Pink Floyd CD's" Then she lost me in a dark theater with Lucas' sweaty neckless bulk deflowering my childhood.
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It seems a lot of movies have that "turning into A-Team episodes" problem, doesn't it? That's interesting.
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cbs wouldn't let him out to do the film. Even though the show run later than expected and would have been plenty of time to do both. Selleck got fucked over by the contract.
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Have you seen closer???
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Sep 07, 2010 6:00:40 PM CDT
Well Cuaron is a terrific director so he could coax
by hollywoodhellraiser
the acting bug outta Natalie!
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Sep 07, 2010 6:38:26 PM CDT
It's perfectly understandable to screentest Natalie Portman
by asimovlives
She used to be this awesome talented teenager actress. but has she got into adulthood, her skills faltered, and all remained was this uninteresting screen presence that went through the motions, nothing else. If she is back to the game, and is follwing on the promise she showned with LEON, then great. Natalie Portman of LEON was a one hell of an actress. good to see that Portman remembered she once had talent for acting and is bringing it back.
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she's just had a few bad roles. Paired with a good director, I think she is very capable of pulling out a great performance.
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but she did great in closer.... although her character wasnt really hard to play imo...
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Yes, she's very pretty. But pretty girls are a dime a dozen. Portman is just yawn inducing. Yes, I've seen Closer. She seemed as bored (and boring) in that as she was in Phantom Menace. The only role where she had even a spark of life and charisma was Beautiful Girls. What happened to that girl?
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Sep 07, 2010 11:20:46 PM CDT
Good God, their letting Cuaron direct another sci-fi film?!?
by detinue
After the crap pile bomb that was The Children of Men?
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Granted, I haven't seen her in many films. I've seen her only in the prequels and V for Vendetta, but she was so fantastic in V for Vendetta, that I honestly can't think of her in a bad light. And no, I'm not counting the prequels, because that mess of cinema blasphemy sheds a bad light on practically every actor/actress involved. Hell, the prequels made Liam Neeson boring and wooden--and I LIKED Liam Neeson in everything he's been in.
Hell, her work in the interrogation scene in V alone was astounding. I mean, it also helps that she's incredibly, incredibly attractive, but from the admittedly little I've seen, she appears to be competent enough. -
I think she is incredibly talented and great in almost everything she's done, prequels not with standing, natch. Why is it people hate on her? How is she not great in V, Closer, Beautifil Girls, Garden State, The Professional, etc, etc. Some of you wouldn't know a good actress if they bit you on the ass.
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hate Portman.
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Shebis a very likable person from what I've seen of her in real life or maybe I should say in tv interviews. I just like her and so does a lot of other people. Her likability as a person is why she continues to get work in Hollywood. I don't wanna bash her but I will say that everything ive seen her in she just been boring. Her roles are either bad choices or just the directors fault. She probably has the ability still to turn in a good performance but ive yet to see her shine.
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