“Thor: Love and Thunder’s” Jane Foster might have been missing from the MCU the past few years, but she’s back and mightier than ever in the Marvel sequel.
Through decades of leading dramatic roles in “Black Swan” to brief cameos in a Hollywood classic “Heat,” Portman’s growth as an actress (and individual) has been followed for years, delivering favorites throughout her wide-ranging career. With Portman’s latest project now in theaters, let’s run down her seven best (non-franchise) performances to get you ready.
8. “Anywhere But Here” (1999)
In one of Portman’s earlier leading roles, the young actress stars alongside Susan Sarandon in “Anywhere But Here.” Ann (Portman) and her mother, Adele (Sarandon) deliver a rocky mother-daughter relationship in this dramatic coming-of-age film. Portman’s portrayal as the accommodating daughter to her eccentric mother highlights young Portman’s immense talent. While “Anywhere But Here” delivers eccentric plot points, 18-year-old Portman manages to keep the film grounded.
“Anywhere But Here ” is available to rent from all major retailers.
7. “Closer” (2004)
Portman’s first Academy Award nomination was for her starring role in Mike Nichols’ “Closer.” Portman stars alongside Jude Law, Clive Owen, and Julia Roberts. In the romantic drama rife with swapping cheating spouses, Portman’s portrayal of Alice the American barista/stripper captured audiences’ attention.
“Closer ” is available to rent from all major retailers.
6. “Annihilation” (2018)
After starring in a rom-com, superhero flicks, biographical dramas, and many more, Portman’s genre diversity reaches its culmination in the 2010s, once she stars in the 2018 science fiction-psychological-horror film, “Annihilation.” While Alex Garland’s film is certainly divisive, the impressive nature of Portman’s performance is difficult to deny.
“Annihilation ” is available to stream on Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Paramount+.
5. “Garden State” (2004)
In Zach Braff’s early aughts festival favorite, “Garden State,” Portman delivers a performance that would coin a term to describe female characters for decades — the manic pixie dream girl. As Sam, Portman develops this character archetype into an indie staple. Portman’s role in “Garden State” garnered attention for the execution of the “wacky” and “quirky” young woman, and her placement to please Andrew (Braff) is what Portman retrospectively refutes. Based on the sheer success and legacy of Sam, Portman’s “Garden State” performance is placed at number five on this list.
“Garden State” is available to stream on Amazon Prime.
4. “V for Vendetta” (2005)
The dystopian political action film “V for Vendetta” documents Portman’s career growth just a mere few months after her role in the dramatic romance “Closer.” After V (Hugo Weaving) rescues Evey Hammond (Portman), the former employee of a state-run British Television Network gets involved in V’s anarchist activity. Portman’s performance stands as one of the film’s most identifiable performances and elements in the political commentary.
“V for Vendetta ” is available to stream on HBO Max.
3. “Leon the Professional” (1994)
Portman’s acting debut in 1994’s “Leon the Professional” as 12-year-old Mathilda scores this breakout performance as number three on this list. At the start of the film, Portman’s Mathilda becomes an orphan after a crooked cop and DEA officers kill her family over a mismanaged drug deal. After finding shelter with Leon (Jean Reno), Mathilda learns Leon is a professional hitman and she persuades him to teach her how to be a hitman, in order to get revenge on the cops. The young girl’s intentions are destroyed, leading Leon to save and care for Mathilda. An ambitious character was embodied by Portman’s equally ambitious and excellent portrayal at just 13 years old.
“Leon the Professional” is available to stream on Hulu and Netflix.
2. “Jackie” (2016)
Portman’s most recent Academy Award nomination is for her leading role in Pablo Larrain’s “Jackie,” as the grieving widow of President John F. Kennedy. Larrain’s film examines how the first lady began to mourn her husband’s sudden death. “Jackie” depicts Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis as she slowly unravels after the tragedy hits her family and the nation. Portman’s performance has been awarded and applauded for her brilliant portrayal as the fragile first lady.
“Jackie ” is available to stream on Amazon Prime.
1. “Black Swan” (2010)
Portman won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance as Nina in “Black Swan.” As a ballerina with the New York City ballet company, Nina prepares for her role as the White Swan, Odette, in “Swan Lake.” Nina and her scene partner, Lily (Mila Kunis) the Black Swan, form a contentious and competitive relationship. The Darren Aronofsky-directed psychological thriller was elevated by Portman’s outstanding performance, making “Black Swan” one of the top films of both Portman’s career and the 2010s.
“Black Swan ” is available to stream on Hulu and Amazon Prime.
Honorable Mentions: “Heat” (1995)
In just her second film appearance, Portman starred alongside Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, in Michael Mann’s “Heat.” Portman is in the film only briefly, but stars alongside an A-list ensemble, and as Pacino’s step-daughter — not a bad second gig for the young teenager.
“Heat” is available to stream on Hulu.
