Celebrities in the Nude

[CharleyH]

The recent celeb news is that Natalie Portman is finally doing a nude scene and one reason she gives in press release statements is: To shed her child-like image.

I have not recently thought of Ms. Portman as having a child-like image (V For Vendetta/ Closer etc). I've seen her grow in many movies and take on many different roles since 'The Professional', yet I do understand the need to change a persona in Hollywood. Even if the overdone stereotypes of the studio system have gone the way of passé, Hollywood continues to stereotype their actors in much the same (albeit in an ever so 'slightly' different) way that they did in the studio era.

I am not sure how I feel about her upcoming nudity, except (lol) that I have no right to feel one way or the other. If it is something she feels she must or more importantly wants to do, then all the power to her. There will be much adieu about how she has in the past protested doing nude scenes, but I think people should chalk it up to growth and confidence and intelligent awareness. I am not a psycho-addicted follower of Ms. Portman (although I'd not throw her out of bed for any reason AT ALL - lol), but I do recall at least one interview where her concern about doing nudity wasn't so much the nudity, but the fact that the moment of final print would find her tits and ass exploited all over celebrity Internet porn sites. In this way, I must admit – the chick has balls. She is aware about what will happen with her nude images, and more aware than many celebrities and pseudo-celebrities who make home videos of themselves and expect them to be private, she obviously expects her nudity to be very public. In fact, I am willing to bet she expects a 1.85:1 to 2.35:1 ratio of her tits and ass. I personally can't say that I would want my tits or ass that infinitely large or in anyone's face.

I am not so much asking for comment … I just wanted to blog a bit about her because I think she has balls. However, any comments about your own fave celebrities and their going nude vs. staying clothed, or even a discussion about non-nude models turning into porn stars … or any other topic surrounding this or issues stemming from it are most welcome.

 

[Salvor-Hardon]

From what little I know about her, I would assume that she sees the nudity as essential for advancing the plot or character development as well. She doesn't strike me as a "time to show my nibblies" kind of woman. I am curious as to teh story and context of the scene in the script.

Nudity in art has fascinated me for years, an internal debate of necessity and impact and choice, and why a woman can be naked on screen and get an R but a naked man gets an NC-17. The childish and immature "mmmmmmm bewbieeeeeees" draw of the skin sites that just want to see her naked is distasteful, taking a work of art out of context. I'd personally rather see her do a series of portraits, or the full scene of the movie rather than just stills that show ass.

But I'm strange that way.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

I remember when Julie Andrews flashed her tits in some god-awful 70's movie. I thought she was terribly gutsy. These days tits ain't anything

Sad in a way.

 

[CharleyH]

From what little I know about her, I would assume that she sees the nudity as essential for advancing the plot or character development as well. She doesn't strike me as a "time to show my nibblies" kind of woman. I am curious as to teh story and context of the scene in the script.

Nudity in art has fascinated me for years, an internal debate of necessity and impact and choice, and why a woman can be naked on screen and get an R but a naked man gets an NC-17. The childish and immature "mmmmmmm bewbieeeeeees" draw of the skin sites that just want to see her naked is distasteful, taking a work of art out of context. I'd personally rather see her do a series of portraits, or the full scene of the movie rather than just stills that show ass.

But I'm strange that way.

I am strange that way also. Can you explain an "R" vs an "NC-17" rating? Only America seems to rate things this way and it's a bit confusing for some of us.

As for nudity - I LOVE IT - but I love it well done. It's not enough for me to have chicks frolicking in the woods (SO MANY porn sites think its called art to shoot a naked chick amongst the trees or a waterfall) - Nudity (the human body) is art, yet I do believe nudity needs context. Thoughts?

 

[jomar]

Dang it! I thought this was a picture thread!

 

[CharleyH]

I remember when Julie Andrews flashed her tits in some god-awful 70's movie. I thought she was terribly gutsy. These days tits ain't anything

Sad in a way.

Hm, I think the movie was Victor/Victoria ... not sure, but that film was a bit of a divergence for her as an actor (as it was for James Garner). As for Julie Andrews in a sex scene without a comedy aspect? Who could believe it? (Hence stereotype and perhaps a cultural more than a studio stereotype?) Somehow we still want Julie Andrews to be Sister Maria.

I love the story of Judy Garland and how the studios were FORCED to change her persona after real life incidents (From Oz to A Star is Born).

 

[Salvor-Hardon]

I am strange that way also. Can you explain an "R" vs an "NC-17" rating? Only America seems to rate things this way and it's a bit confusing for some of us.

As for nudity - I LOVE IT - but I love it well done. It's not enough for me to have chicks frolicking in the woods (SO MANY porn sites think its called art to shoot a naked chick amongst the trees or a waterfall) - Nudity (the human body) is art, yet I do believe nudity needs context. Thoughts?

The MPAA ( one of the most evil and unnecessary groups in the history of humanity) rate films by the audience they see fit

G-- General Admission, anyone even small children can see it with no worries
PG -- Parental Guidance, some language or violence issues, or themes not suitable for small children
PG-13 -- Not recommended for children under 13 years of age. Usually for more violent scenes, with explosions or dealing with death or sex or drug use.
R- REstricted, No one under 17 is permitted without a parent. Usually sexually charged or GOBS of violence and fake blood and a brutal torture scene or something
NC-17 No one under 17 even with a parent. Used to be X for porn but as more art house films came out with violence and sex or blasphemy ( The Last Temptation of CHrist) they had to come up with a more "its for adults but not porn" rating.

And this is all arbitrary and purely at the MPAA's discretion.

 

[CharleyH]

The MPAA ( one of the most evil and unnecessary groups in the history of humanity) rate films by the audience they see fit

G-- General Admission, anyone even small children can see it with no worries
PG -- Parental Guidance, some language or violence issues, or themes not suitable for small children
PG-13 -- Not recommended for children under 13 years of age. Usually for more violent scenes, with explosions or dealing with death or sex or drug use.
R- REstricted, No one under 17 is permitted without a parent. Usually sexually charged or GOBS of violence and fake blood and a brutal torture scene or something
NC-17 No one under 17 even with a parent. Used to be X for porn but as more art house films came out with violence and sex or blasphemy ( The Last Temptation of CHrist) they had to come up with a more "its for adults but not porn" rating.

And this is all arbitrary and purely at the MPAA's discretion.

LOL - okay - NC-17 was confusing because I personally thought an "R" meant over 18 (it used to mean that). Thanks, Salvador.

Any thoughts on whether naked women frolicking in the woods or by waterfalls is inherently erotic?

 

[Liar]

The recent celeb news is that Natalie Portman is finally doing a nude scene and one reason she gives in press release statements is: To shed her child-like image.

So it's for her image, the Natalie Portman brand, not because it's the right thing for a character and story she wants to portray.

That, ladies and gentlemen, is the difference between a movie star, and an actor.

 

[Salvor-Hardon]

LOL - okay - NC-17 was confusing because I personally thought an "R" meant over 18 (it used to mean that). Thanks, Salvador.

Any thoughts on whether naked women frolicking in the woods or by waterfalls is inherently erotic?

Well in the US an NC-17 is like a death sentence for a movie in that many theaters wont show a movie with that rating. It could be the most profound movie ever, but that rating keeps it out of a large percentage of theaters. The fewer the screens teh less money it makes.

Naked women frolicking in the woods or by a waterfall, not inherently erotic, but would depend on how they frolicked, or what they did in the water falls. I still have an image of a friend of mine, in her one piece swim suit under a 6 foot water fall that is makes me glad to be a man ( or an amazingly ugly lesbian). It was more erotic than most porn I've seen, but she had a way of embracing water that made me think she was a dryad on land.

 

[CharleyH]

So it's for her image, the Natalie Portman brand, not because it's the right thing for a character and story she wants to portray.

That, ladies and gentlemen, is the difference between a movie star, and an actor.

I think she is young and I give her leeway in that. True, though ... a star brands themselves. I have NO REAL idea why she is doing a nude scene other than what I read and want to believe, but you are right, Liar ... she is branding.

 

[CharleyH]

Edit: Duplicate Post

 

[Salvor-Hardon]

Intriguing description! Can you show us?

The spring air had that crisp feel to it, not the scent that many say but a feel. A deep drawn breath would energize you and the exhale would snap as it left your lips. Warm enough to start hiking again, yet still cool enough to not break a sweat along the 2 miles of neglected trails.

Up there, in the woods, behind the campus, was the falls. Just barely taller than I was, and mountain spring water fed so it was pure and clean and sparkling. The five of us came to this place to get away from the academic life. Our books were with us so we could justify it as studying but truth be told it was about sunning and relaxing and being in touch with a world of rivers and trees and dirt rather than plumping and walls and concrete.

We all slipped off the outer clothes, swimsuits underneath. Modesty was not an issue among us but neither were we so comfortable as to go with out them. Tom and I sat on the out cropping of rocks across the stream while Melissa, Lydia and Jennifer waded over to spread out their towels on the soft sand bank.

Basking in the sun is more arduous than it seems and after a few hours we all had a light sheen of sweat on us. I took a long deep drag from my water as Tom nudged me in my ribs. Melissa was adjusting her suit, easing it out from between her rump and was walking towards the stream. Her steps were evidence of her years in ballet, toes reaching out first then heel descending as her calf straightened to bear her weight and the other leg to mirror the move.

Tom and I looked on, assuming she would kneel and splash in the stream. we both hoped she would flash a bit of cleavage as she bent over. Instead she walked into the water, slow purposeful gait upstream and began to climb the dark wet rocks by the water fall. A slow glance up and down, then around the rock that caught water upon water, smoothed and worn flat over the eons.

She stepped in, slowly letting the curtain of clear liquid part around her, dousing her and soaking her its pursuit downstream. Dark hair turned glimmering black as she lifted her face to the water, hands behind her head and running her fingers through her hair. Just as it made her dark hair darker it also made her olive skin shimmer. The color was the same but the light now played and danced on her like children on a playground.

Turning in the water, she pushed her shoulders back and arched her back, lifting her breasts to the river, creating a small waterfall of her own. She held that moment for two breaths, that seemed to linger impossibly long. Then back out and down stream, tossing her hair to let the droplets fly back to their brothers and sisters in the stream. Once again adjusting her suit, now clinging to her body like a second skin, she settled once more on her towel, offering the now anointed sacrifice to the sun god that shone his approval on her.

Tom leaned over and whispered "Do you think she's pretty?"

Tom, you have no idea.

 

[Guest]

Natalie Portman nude? IT shops across the country will be empty the day that opens--she's the Goddess of Geeks everywhere - the sweetheart of Slashdot and digg.com.

If you haven't seen "The Professional" Charlie mentions, see it. She was an amazingly talented actress even at 13. Yeah, now she is transitioning to become a Celebrity--sad.

I used to feel good about the acting of Rachel Evan Wood, and compare/contrast her talents and life with the lifestyle and talents of Lindsay Lohan, but now 18 year old REW is dating 39 year old Marilyn Manson.

I could not be the father of daughters.

 

[Grushenka]

Well in the US an NC-17 is like a death sentence for a movie in that many theaters wont show a movie with that rating. It could be the most profound movie ever, but that rating keeps it out of a large percentage of theaters. The fewer the screens teh less money it makes.

The nc17 rating is a semi-political weapon held by the big studios (ie., the H'wood movie industry). They use it particularly as an anti-indy force. The rating basically means that the film will not get distributed and go straight to dvd. Very powerful stuff if you're a studio head in H'wood.

Re. the power of the ratings (in the U.S.), the late Robert Altman stated that he put in a deliberate number of 'fucks' in "Gosford Park" so that it would get an R rating, vs. a pg13, so that children wouldn't go to it. Nothing to do with morality, he just didn't want young children in the theatre. Anyway, in his explanation, he said that the ratings board has specific numbers of language use or incidents used in determining a rating. E.g., the use of 'fuck' twice won't make it lose a pg13. Whatever the maximum allowable, Altman used one more in order to get an R. Brilliant film maker, brilliant man. R.I.P.

As for Ms. Portman, I'll be content if I never see her 'act' again (with or without knickers). I preferred her at 12 years of age.

 

[fack4u]

[spam/advertising prohibited per our forum guidelines]

 

[Huckleman2000]

I remember the 70s and 80s as the golden days of gratuitous nudity, and today's films are the poorer for its loss. Who can forget Phoebe Cates in Fast Times at Ridgemont High? Various Playmates in various girl's shower scenes? Private school uniforms, cheerleaders, bikini babes... *sigh* Apart from Jessica Alba's ass and a paparrazzi side-boob shot of Lindsey Lohan, who's stepping up nowadays? (I don't count the shaved beaver shots of Britney - cheap and not at all erotic. ) Today's B-movies are about souped-up cars and guns and ho's, instead of souped-up cars and soaped-up girls.

I'm glad Natalie Portman is doing it, 'artistic', 'tasteful', or whatever.

 

[JamesSD]

And this is all arbitrary and purely at the MPAA's discretion.

And rarely fairly enforced. "This Film is Not Yet Rated" is an entertaining, eye opening documentary on the American film rating process.

There are no strict rules for separating an R from an NC-17. Erect male penises are not allowed in R rated films. There's almost no amount of breasts that can't qualify for an R. Female frontal nudity has progressively loosened from a time when a hint of pubic hair would have earned an X (the NC-17 equivalent at the time), to where it is today, where pubic hair is generally allowed, but bare pussy lips generally aren't. I've noticed a tendency for women in those films that do frontal nudity to have a lot more pubic hair than is generally fashionable right now, probably as a means of hiding the naughty bits.

Oddly, language can sometimes earn an NC-17. Violence, no matter how graphic, almost always gets an R, at least on its own. One of the major criticisms of the ratings board is how lax it tends to be on violence, yet strict on sex (and to some degree, language).

As for Natalie Portman topless/naked, the thought doesn't excite me that much. She's exceptionally pretty, but kind of has the body of a teenage boy.

 

[TheeGoatPig]

Hm, I think the movie was Victor/Victoria ... not sure, but that film was a bit of a divergence for her as an actor (as it was for James Garner). As for Julie Andrews in a sex scene without a comedy aspect? Who could believe it? (Hence stereotype and perhaps a cultural more than a studio stereotype?) Somehow we still want Julie Andrews to be Sister Maria.

I love the story of Judy Garland and how the studios were FORCED to change her persona after real life incidents (From Oz to A Star is Born).

S.O.B (Standard Operation Bullshit, or the more common Son Of a Bitch!) I own the DVD. I love that movie

 

[cumallday]

Am I the only hetero guy who does not find this woman attractive?

 

[S-Des]

As for Natalie Portman topless/naked, the thought doesn't excite me that much. She's exceptionally pretty, but kind of has the body of a teenage boy.

I think she's gorgeous, but I agree that she doesn't have a sexy body. She was very sexy in Closer while doing a strip tease (coming ever so close to showing nudity), but just standing around naked....not that hot. Give me Scarlett Johansen or Jessica Alba any day. I think the claim that she's sterotyped is ridiculous. She was Princess freaking Lea...exactly what was childlike about that (or her interesting role in V)?

Anne Hathaway and Allyssa Milano had more legitimate claims, since they were both known exclusively for child and/or goody two-shoes roles. I still think just doing a crappy movie out of nowhere with gratuitous nudity doesn't further an actresses career. To me it's just an excuse for attention because someone's career isn't going the way they'd like. If they want to be naked, I'm all for it. If they don't and they're doing it for attention, that's kind of sad.

 

[Vermilion]

I think she's gorgeous, but I agree that she doesn't have a sexy body. She was very sexy in Closer while doing a strip tease (coming ever so close to showing nudity), but just standing around naked....not that hot. Give me Scarlett Johansen or Jessica Alba any day. I think the claim that she's sterotyped is ridiculous. She was Princess freaking Lea...exactly what was childlike about that (or her interesting role in V)?
.

Wasn't she Queen Amidala? </geek>
x
V

 

[TheeGoatPig]

Wasn't she Queen Amidala? </geek>
x
V

Yes. she played Padme Amidala, wife to Anikan (Darth Vader), and mother to Luke and Leia.

My geek mode doesn't turn off so easily.

__

And I wouldn't mind eeing her nekkid.

Dumb trivia, the one health inspecter in a town in northern New Jersey looks like Natalie. I wish I had more reasons to go see her

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

The recent celeb news is that Natalie Portman is finally doing a nude scene and one reason she gives in press release statements is: To shed her child-like image.

I have not recently thought of Ms. Portman as having a child-like image (V For Vendetta/ Closer etc). I've seen her grow in many movies and take on many different roles since 'The Professional', yet I do understand the need to change a persona in Hollywood. Even if the overdone stereotypes of the studio system have gone the way of passé, Hollywood continues to stereotype their actors in much the same (albeit in an ever so 'slightly' different) way that they did in the studio era.

I am not sure how I feel about her upcoming nudity, except (lol) that I have no right to feel one way or the other. If it is something she feels she must or more importantly wants to do, then all the power to her. There will be much adieu about how she has in the past protested doing nude scenes, but I think people should chalk it up to growth and confidence and intelligent awareness. I am not a psycho-addicted follower of Ms. Portman (although I'd not throw her out of bed for any reason AT ALL - lol), but I do recall at least one interview where her concern about doing nudity wasn't so much the nudity, but the fact that the moment of final print would find her tits and ass exploited all over celebrity Internet porn sites. In this way, I must admit – the chick has balls. She is aware about what will happen with her nude images, and more aware than many celebrities and pseudo-celebrities who make home videos of themselves and expect them to be private, she obviously expects her nudity to be very public. In fact, I am willing to bet she expects a 1.85:1 to 2.35:1 ratio of her tits and ass. I personally can't say that I would want my tits or ass that infinitely large or in anyone's face.

I am not so much asking for comment … I just wanted to blog a bit about her because I think she has balls. However, any comments about your own fave celebrities and their going nude vs. staying clothed, or even a discussion about non-nude models turning into porn stars … or any other topic surrounding this or issues stemming from it are most welcome.

Holy shit! This is like life imitating art.....less than a year after I posted a story with Natalie Portman having a lesbian, nudist fling with Connie Nielsen....and this happens. Well, I really doubt that she is a prude, anyway, given her roles in V for Vendetta and Closer, but she just wanted to keep her privacy. Still, I'm glad that she is open to the nudity thing, now...it's just an eerie coincidence.

And I love the way she looks myself...but mainly because of her nice butt and legs. Not to mention that curly brown hair and flirty smile.

 

[S-Des]

Wasn't she Queen Amidala? </geek>
x
V

Oops, I meant to say Leah's mom.