A very modern transposition of William Shakespeare’s classic, Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, set in our time in the heart of Los Angeles, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. But did you know that it was Natalie Portman who was first cast as the female lead?
Many young Hollywood actresses were in the running for the coveted role of Juliet, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Aaliyah, Kate Winslet and Christina Ricci. But it is Natalie Portman who leaves the strongest impression. The then 13-year-old, who recently revealed himself to the general public thanks to Leon, a film with which he still has a “difficult” relationship, even went to Sydney to do tests with DiCaprio.
But very quickly, Natalie Portman’s age created a problem. “It was a difficult situation because at that time I was 13 years old and Leonardo was 21, which was not suitable in the eyes of the studio or Baz Luhrmann. So we mutually decided that I would not play in the film. (… ) It was not the right time. ” – said the actor In an interview broadcast by BuzzFeed. And Portman performs at the microphone of the New York Times : “At Fox Studios, it felt like Leonardo DiCaprio was attacking me every time he kissed me.”
Finally, the role of Juliet will be played by Claire Danes, whose name Jane Campion whispered to Baz Luhrmann. The young actress, who recently starred in the series Angela, was 15, 17 years old when she first met the eccentric Australian director.
Released in theaters in 1997, Romeo + Juliet grossed over $147 million worldwide. In France, Baz Luhrmann’s feature film attracted more than 1.2 million viewers.
Natalie Portman Screening February 24 May December Directed by Todd Haynes. In this film, he plays a famous actor who comes to prepare for a new role to meet the woman he plays on screen, a woman (played by Julianne Moore) whose love life has ignited the tabloids and passionate press. 20 years earlier.
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Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
