Natalie Portman on Artistic Liberation: Navigating the Changing Landscape of Stardom
In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, Academy Award winner Natalie Portman delves into the changing dynamics of stardom, highlighting the decline of movie stars as primary influencers in the entertainment industry. The actress, known for her iconic roles in films like “Black Swan,” shared her observations on how the landscape of fame has transformed, particularly for the younger generation.
“The striking thing has been the decline of film as a primary form of entertainment,” Portman noted. “If you ask someone my kids’ age about movie stars, they don’t know anyone compared to YouTube stars, or whatever.”
Acknowledging this shift, Portman finds a sense of liberation in the evolution of art beyond traditional notions of popularity. “There’s a liberation to it, in having your art not be a popular art,” she explained. “You can really explore what’s interesting to you. It becomes much more about passion than about commerce.”
However, Portman also raises a crucial question about the potential elitism that can arise as art forms become less popularized. She emphasizes the need to consider the audience and purpose behind creative endeavors in an era where traditional gatekeepers have been replaced by a more democratized landscape.
“There’s also been this democratization of creativity, where gatekeepers have been demoted, and everyone can make things and incredible talents come up,” Portman continued. “And the accessibility is incredible. It’s pretty wild that you also feel like at the same time, more people than ever might see your weird art film because of this extraordinary access. So it’s this two-sided coin.”
Portman’s reflections echo sentiments expressed by other industry figures, including Ana de Armas and Regé-Jean Page. De Armas, in a previous interview with Vanity Fair, highlighted the impact of social media on dismantling the mystique surrounding movie stars, while Page emphasized the importance of focusing on the quality of movies rather than mourning the changing nature of celebrity.
As the debate about the existence of traditional movie stars continues, Portman’s perspective adds depth to the ongoing conversation. Her emphasis on artistic freedom, accessibility, and the evolving nature of fame provides a thought-provoking glimpse into the intersection of creativity and the digital age.
In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, Academy Award winner Natalie Portman delves into the changing dynamics of stardom, highlighting the decline of movie stars as primary influencers in the entertainment industry. The actress, known for her iconic roles in films like “Black Swan,” shared her observations on how the landscape of fame has transformed,…