Natalie Portman Admits To Cutting Herself As A Teen
Natalie Portman cut herself as a teenager. The 28-year-old actress has revealed playing a girl who died in 1995 gangster movie ‘Heat’ had a profound effect on her, resulting in her harming herself after an argument with her mother. She told the Los Angeles Times newspaper:
“Just as what you are feeling in your life affects your acting, what you act in definitely affects what you are feeling in your life.
“I made 'Heat' when I was 14 and played a girl who died. A year later, I got into a fight with my mother and cut myself. I had never done it before and I never did it after that, but I think having my wrists bloody in a movie definitely affected my psyche.”
Natalie revealed acting has always scared her as she is constantly worried people won’t find her performances believable. She is planning to focus on directing films in the future, but admits the prospect is equally as terrifying.
“I really love directing. Fear is intrinsic to everything you do as a creative person. You're constantly putting yourself up there to be trashed. If I thought about it too much, I'd just be crippled. I'd rather create.”
Natalie definitely has pull at the box office as an actor, but would you feel inclined to see a movie that she directed? Should actors stick to being actors? Or is transitioning into direction a natural thing to do?
Photos by WENN.com
32045 points
She's one smart cookie. Gorgeous, too. I like her a lot.
There is something about her that I don't like. I don't find her acting to be that great and she seems like of condescending at times. Very pretty woman though.
34155 points
I find her quote about Heat confusing because her character does not end up dying in that movie. Maybe she has never actually watched the completed film because she was young when it was made? Strange.
57937 points
That's what I thought too, that her character didn't die. I was going to go home tonight and rewatch Heat to make sure.
34155 points
Since I work from home I popped it in the dvd player quick when I read this article this morning and re-watched the hospital scene and she definitely survives.
8495 points
Is that the movie with Pacino and DeNiro? came out a couple of years ago?
34155 points
No, that was Righteous Kill. Heat was made back in 1995.
57937 points
I love her. She's on of my favorite actresses. She's very versatile and can play any character.
2675 points
I can't stand her, I always feel like she comes off with this annoying holier than thou attitude. But I love most of the roles she plays.
143930 points
I like her acting very much. She's way too hard on herself...and cutting is no joke.
16825 points
I had a friend who used to do it, he turned out to be bipolar, so I agree it's no joke. Oh! and he's doing just fine now.
143930 points
I'm glad to hear that :o)
68896 points
I adore her to bits. But I find that some things should be kept to yourself. Young girls don't need to hear about these actresses cutting on themselves. It might send that message of "hey, I did it but look at me - I'm okay". I mean..some young girl might think it's no big deal since these women are fine and they might actually seriously hurt themselves or worse... Don't get me wrong - I'm a firm believer that we are responsible for our own actions and it wouldn't put the blame on Natalie or Angelina or anyone else but I'm just saying that sometimes it's better kept to yourself.
35035 points
i think everyone young person deals with being a teenager differently and some better than others. this quote actually suprised me though.
i get it. admitting to 'cutting' is the new 'rehab'. phony.
Bad as it is, prob. like half of the girls in my school were cutting themselves or at least "giving it a try" when we were say 13-16 years. So that doesn't actually surprise me, teenage mind is an unsteady one. On her directing: i don't think there's any "natural transitioning" from actors to directors, it's a different kind of talent that is requiered. Of course actors prob. learn all sorts of things while making a film, so it might be "natural" in the sense of "easier than if you were never an actor". But i think Natalie should give it a try if she wants to and i'll form my opinion after i've seen the result. I don't like everyone tryina be a singer and such things, but if you're good, you can have ten professions for all i care. Better to just go after your dreams and not worry about the labels ppl've put on you.
159500 points
didnt know she did that. well at least she didnt continue doing it. i like her as an actress :)
17905 points
I'm surprised about her cutting episode and am glad it was only the one time. Also, I do think it is a natural transition for actors to become directors/producers. I'm sure I'd watch something she directed.
175165 points
I am glad she is better now!! Cutting can become SO serious.
8495 points
I think it's pretty serious the first time someone cuts. It doesn't become serious...it IS serious. I'm sure that's what you meant though.
175165 points
hey man, I hate to have to say it, but I was once a cutter myself. I know ALL about it. I've even been to the hospital for it. My sister used to as well.
8495 points
Sorry to hear that Monica. Hope you worked all that out. Your sister too.
175165 points
thanks a lot :) Yep, we are both good now! Depression runs in our family though but luckily we have some good psychotherapists to help!
143930 points
I wish I could give you a huge hug, Monica. I'm glad that you and your sister are ok.
143930 points
I wish I could give you a huge hug, Monica. I'm glad that you and your sister are ok.
12640 points
good to hear she's doing better now, hope she never finds herself in that place where she feels she needs to cut herself again.
70635 points
She looks gorgeous in that top photo. Glad she is doing better too.
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