In a recent interview with Empire Magazine, Natalie Portman delved into her experience of bringing the powerful character of Padmé Amidala to life in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. As Queen of Naboo, a Republic Senator, and eventually the wife of Jedi Anakin Skywalker, Padmé's journey was an intricate one. However, despite Portman's meticulous portrayal, George Lucas still had a few tweaks in mind for the final edit.
During the interview, Portman shared the inspiration behind her portrayal and the physicality she brought to the character. Drawing from her exposure to Kabuki theatre during a press tour in Japan for the film 'Léon' at just 13 years old, Portman found that the grandeur and elegance of Kabuki performances resonated with the character of Queen Amidala. The intricate costumes, elaborate hair, and makeup designs for Queen Amidala instantly reminded Portman of her experiences with Kabuki theatre. She observed the deliberate movements of the characters, particularly their eyes and the regal grace with which they carried themselves. These observations became the foundation from which she built her interpretation of Padmé Amidala.
To fully embody the character, Portman not only drew inspiration from Kabuki theatre but also made changes to her voice. Lucas had a specific idea in mind for Padmé's vocal delivery, which required Portman to deepen her voice. Although she embraced this request, Portman later discovered that, in the final cut, the classic Queen Amidala voice had been further digitally altered to make it even deeper.
The character of Queen Amidala, especially in 'Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace,' is truly remarkable. It is awe-inspiring to think that at the age of 14, Padmé displays such strength and resilience. As the prequel trilogy unfolds, Padmé evolves into an even more resilient and formidable character, demonstrating her tenacity and courage in 'Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones' and 'Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.'
Natalie Portman's portrayal of Padmé Amidala brought a depth and complexity to the character, capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide. Despite George Lucas' final tweaks, her interpretation of the Queen of Naboo remains an iconic part of the Star Wars saga.
