Natalie Portman Interview

Natalie Portman had to go to great lengths in her role in V For Vendetta, not least shaving her head, so let's find out what she has to say about that and the film itself...

Q - When you read this script, what made you want to be in this film?

A - Well, I was really excited to see something that could be an entertaining two hours of film that also has some substance to it. I mean, action movies now are equated with empty fun. But, this actually has stuff that if you feel like it you can go home, fight about it with your friends.

Q - What is your criteria for choosing roles?

A - I think the main thing I look for is something different than anything I've done before. And that can come from any aspect, whether it’s the character, the type of movie, or the people involved, the director, the actors. All these things are things that will take me out of my comfort zone of what I know I already can do, and try to do new things.

Q - Do you have anything in common with Evey? Would you risk as much as she does for something you really believe in?

A - I don't know. I always feel weird comparing myself to characters. I definitely think I have a sense of justice and injustice. But I'm also pretty non-violent. And I think it would probably take a lot for me to believe that I could use violence to express my beliefs.

Q - What was your biggest challenge on this film?

A - I think the toughest thing in the movie was – it’s naturally dark, and when we had to find light parts, that was probably the most challenging thing. Because we really wanted to make it fun and funny. And , obviously, no relationship is without humor and joy, as well as the darker parts. So, that was fun, but also challenging, to create those moments. When you will laugh – that V's in his apron making bags, or sword fighting the suit of armor, or whatever.

Q - Did you have a lot of fun on the set?

A - Oh yeah. Oh yeah. Well, you have to. I think everyone knows that the most difficult parts of life we always find ways to suck the tension out of it with humor. And in movies, I think, if it's always down, you get desensitized to it and you don't feel anymore. There has to be some variation, then it feels more like life.

Q - What was it like acting opposite someone who is behind a mask?

A - Well, Hugo Weaving's such an incredible actor that even though you don't have the facial cues, you have such an amazing vocal and physical performance that you really know the character. And at the same time, anything I was wondering as an actress – saying, ‘Is he smiling right now behind the mask? Or is he laughing, or crying, or angry?’ – the character's going through, too. 'Cause he always has the mask on. So, I could use it for the character.

Q - Was it tough to shave your head for the film?

A - Well, no. I was really excited to shave my head. I’d always wanted to and this gave me the excuse to do it. But, yeah, and also getting to make the choice is a little different than the character in the movie, who has someone do it to her, and then it feels like violence being committed on you. But when you consent to it, it's a different story all together. The biggest stress of the whole thing is: we're so spoiled on movies. We always get another chance if we mess up. And this time, there's only one chance when you're shaving a head. (laughter)