14 DAY TRIAL // After the success of “Black Swan,” which also earned her an Oscar – her very first – Natalie Portman took some time off work to focus on her new, totally adorable family. With this interview in the latest issue of Madame Figaro, she's basically reminding the world that she is back.
Natalie doesn't have any movie coming out soon but she is currently working on 3 different projects. Consequently, this interview isn't for promotional purposes.
It's a must-read nonetheless, especially since it confirms that Natalie is as humble and well-spoken as ever.
“I have always considered myself extremely lucky,” she says when the topic of fame and a career in showbiz is brought up.
“I know very well that there are very few elected officials in this business and that many of us, despite their talent and hard work, will not come out of the lot. These are the laws of chance,” the actress adds.
Even though she's at the height of her fame right now, Natalie is well aware that all this could disappear in the morning, which is why she never put acting first.
Natalie has an Ivy League education and has spoken before about her desire of going behind the camera for a change, sometime in the immediate future.
“It is a matter of context,” she says of being considered one of the smartest women in showbiz right now.
“In Hollywood, they consider me a smart woman, but in other circles, I’m probably seen as a silly actress (laughs). In America, they see me as European. In Europe, some see me as maybe a stupid American,” Natalie goes on to say.
Also a matter of context is her beauty. Natalie has never considered herself an icon in this sense, so she's still very surprised when she comes across this label that has been stuck on her many years ago.
“It’s very strange because my physical traits sometimes make it difficult for others to consider me a woman and at the same time I have been in the business for so long that many think I have already passed the 40 year mark,” she muses.
“I obviously do not see myself that way [as an object of beauty]. I prefer 'about beauty' or 'subject of desire.' One can say that about all women, whatever their life and career,” Portman adds.
More from Natalie's interview, including a stunning photospread, here.