Natalie Portman joins the revolt in 'V for Vendetta'

An actress who brings a timeless beauty and grace with a disarming approach to each of her roles, Oscar-nominee Natalie Portman ("Closer," "Star Wars Episode I, II and III") has established herself as one of Hollywood's most talented and sought after young actresses. Now, she headlines an action-adventure for the first time with Warner Bros.' controversial film, "V For Vendetta," based on the groundbreaking graphic novel by Alan Moore ("The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen") and David Lloyd.

Set against the futuristic landscape of totalitarian Britain, "V For Vendetta" tells the story of a mild-mannered young woman named Evey (Portman) who is rescued from a life-and-death situation by a masked vigilante (Hugo Weaving) known only as "V."

Incomparably charismatic and ferociously skilled in the art of combat and deception, V ignites a revolution when he detonates two London landmarks and takes over the government-controlled airwaves, urging his fellow citizens to rise up against tyranny and oppression. As Evey uncovers the truth about V's mysterious background, she also discovers the truth about herself - and emerges as his unlikely ally in the culmination of his plot to bring freedom and justice back to a society fraught with cruelty and corruption.

"Evey's had a very personal experience with political activism - one that resulted in her parents' death and left her alone," Portman describes her character."So she's just trying to live her life under the radar and stay safe. She lives through her fear."

Portman was intrigued by the ideas in the story and by Evey's transformation from an anonymous office worker to a brave and politicized heroine. "The script has really strong political and ideological overtones," she says. "And it looks at the kind of choices that must be made in order to be a political person, and how those choices affect an individual's private life."

Playing opposite an actor wearing a mask throughout the entirety of the film was challenging, but director James McTeigue had no concerns with Portman's ability to engage emotionally with the character despite his fixed disguise. "I knew she would be able to play off the mask and help make it come alive."

Having previously worked with Portman as first assistant director on "Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones," McTeigue had witnessed firsthand her incredible talent and focus. "She's completely professional, and looks luminous," admires the director. "But more than anything, her fearlessness and intelligence were perfect for the role."

"Evey represents the people V is trying to help," says producer Joel Silver. "But while she joins V in his campaign to free the people of England, she doesn't condone his pursuit of personal vengeance. Natalie is such a subtly expressive actress, we knew she possessed the rare ability to portray this kind of inner conflict."

Now showing, "V For Vendetta" is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Entertainment Company.