[Joan Lunden introduces Natalie.]



Joan Lunden: ...Well you are getting rave, rave, reviews for this. When did
you first know you wanted to be an actress?


Natalie Portman: Well, ever since I was little I was always like putting on
shows for everyone, gathering the neighborhood kids and bossing them around
and directing them in little shows. And so when I got the opportunity, it
just, y'know, was like sure, I'd love to do this.



JL: And how have your friends--I mean you've tried--you've stayed in
school, tried and keep life kind of normal. You want to go on to college,
right? How do friends and family react, though?


NP: Some people are very weird about it, but I mean most people, I mean
the people that are my real friends, I mean obviously my family, they
just treat me regularly because they know that y'know it doesn't
really...



JL: ...Life goes on, yeah. I was looking--some of the movies--you were a
hitgirl-in-training in The Professional, Al Pacino's suicidal stepdaughter
in Heat, ah now Marty, but you turned down the role of
Lolita.


NP: Umm... It's just I don't think there needs to be a film about a
thirteen year old girl having, um, intercourse with a fifty year old
man--it's just not something that I think we need in society right now.



JL: Who helps you with all these decisions? Your parents?


NP: Well my parents and my agent we--I mean--we see what's gonna be best
for a career and life and whatever and, umm, we just decide together.



JL: And you're now, you just finished working on another movie--a Woody
Allen movie--who's in that movie?


NP: Umm, Julia Roberts, Drew Barrymore, Goldie Hawn...



JL: Those are some heavy-hitters--were they--was it nice, I mean...


NP: Everyone was...



JL: ...was it fun to do?


NP: Everyone was really really amazing.



JL: And what do you play in that movie?


NP: Not allowed to say anything.



JL: Oh, a typical Woody Allen movie--very very secretive right?


NP: Top secret.



JL: But he was there also working on it with you?


NP: Yeah, he was there.



JL: And everyone was helpful?


NP: Everyone was...I expected everyone to be all like snobby and looking
down at the kids, but everyone was really really amazing.



JL: Well it's nice to meet you--I mean I've met you before--she went
to--you and my daughter went to camp together.


NP: Yeah.



JL: Stage Door Camp--theatrical camp. It's nice to see you.


NP: Thank you.



JL: Good luck, I mean you were absolutely incredible in this movie. Got a
chance to see it. Terrific. Good luck to you. We'll be back in just a
moment.