Natalie Portman Talks Moving to Paris, Dealing With Drunk Fans and Avoiding Confrontation

Star of Thor: The Dark World says she "freaked" when husband Benjamin Millepied suggested they relocate to his native France

By Zach Johnson Oct 15, 2013 3:20 PMTags
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Natalie Portman shows some serious skin in the November issue of Marie Claire. Modeling a midriff-baring Dior Haute Couture dress, the 32-year-old Oscar winner strikes a seductive pose for the magazine's cover. In the accompanying interview, the actress dishes on everything from her new life in France to the lessons she's learned from her parents.

The Israeli-born beauty says she will move the City of Light "at the end of next year." The reason? Her French choreographer Benjamin Millepied, has been named director of the Paris Opera Ballet. Portman says she's going to miss California. "I just really, really love it here," says the star, who was raised primarily on the East Coast. "It's one of the most exciting places to be in the world right now. It's really central in terms of the arts. It feels like things are happening in L.A., you know? New York is more where art is bought than where art is made."

"I'm really lucky," she adds. "When Ben asked me if I wanted to go to Paris, I freaked. Everyone dreams of living in Paris."

Portman next appears in Thor: The Dark World, a sequel to the 2011 superhero blockbuster that made Chris Hemsworth a household name. "Chris is, like, one of the greatest people in Hollywood," she gushes. "He's the kind of actor who's so charismatic, he must be tired when he goes home."

The movie is quite unlike Black Swan, which earned Portman numerous awards in 2010 and 2011. While some critics are hard on the star for appearing in a popcorn flick, Portman says she appreciates all forms of entertainment. "I grew up around a lot of snobbism about what was important and what was serious, and I really reject that," the Harvard grad explains.

Just don't expect Portman to make a big fuss about how she feels. "I don't like confrontation, but I'm probably less afraid of it now," she tells the mag. "I wouldn't say I'm confrontational. But I say my opinion. I realize how much non-confrontation was about trying to have everyone like me."

As for her vices? "I bite my cuticles," she reveals. "Oh, and I can go into a Food Network hole."

Portman also admits that she hates the paparazzi but doesn't mind being approached by fans—most of the time, anyway. "People are really cool, by and large," she says. "I try and stay away from drunk people—that's when they start getting rude and aggressive, like, 'Why did you suck in that movie?'"

The Your Highness star—mom to son Aleph, 2—also takes the opportunity to thank her parents in the interview. "They made me feel that they would drop anything at any time to help me. I never felt like there was anything more important than me. Which I know can probably create an a--hole, too. It gives you a deep sense of security and safety to feel that your parents will love you no matter what."