Sarah Lane: Close-Ups of Natalie Portman's Face Don't Count as Dancing

By PopEater Staff Posted Apr 15th 2011 11:30AM

The 'Black Swan' controversy lives.

Sarah Lane, Natalie Portman's ballerina double in her Oscar-winning role, stands by her assertion that Portman did not do as much of the dancing as everyone claims.

"They were trying to create this image, this facade really, that Natalie had done something extraordinary, something that's pretty much impossible," Lane tells 'Good Morning America,' "which is to become a professional ballerina in a year and a half."

As for Aranofsky's explanation that he counted the dance shots and 80 percent of them were Natalie, Lane scoffs.

"It's possible, like I said, if you're counting the close ups of her face as actual dancing shots. But I don't call close-ups of her face actual dancing," she retorts.

But the ballerina does believe Portman deserved the Oscar. "An Oscar is for acting and she did an amazing job with the movie."

Besides Aranofsky, Portman's fiance (and dancing partner from the film) Benjamin Millepied and her co-star Mila Kunis came to her defense.

The actress even spoke out about it as well, wishing to put the feud behind her.

Tags: natalie portman

Comments

(28)

Friday 15 April

By sororoma

Vote down Vote up Report this

They said this 80% in a misleading way. They knew they were still misleading the public.

And yes, the movie going public is full of idiots. So they do believe that Natalie Portman did the dancing if they hear 80% of the dance shots were NP.

By Bubbles

To the dancing double - WE DON'T CARE HONEY! That is why it is called ACTING! Get over yourself! IDIOT.

By superbombastik

IT'S GOOD THAT SHE NEITHER WANTS FAME NOR RICHES...cause after all of this, I guarantee she'll not be asked to work in Hollywood again.

By peter

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

You know, this wouldn't even be an issue if it weren't for Portman's boyfriend trashing this dancer and claiming Natalie did almost all the dancing. He was the one who provoked her into defending herself, NOT Portman. Natalie is sort of caught in the middle right now while her big mouth boyfriend has quietly slinked off.

By Cheryse

So she had a problem with someone taking credit for doing something that takes years to master! And she has every right to feel that way! So Portman can act! Big deal, so can anyone. It's not hard! They aren't talented, just over paid!

How people suck up to celebrities! It's disgusting!

By hyasm4

has anyone seen the behind the scene features for the film yet? they clearly show natalie portman dancing in the scenes, this chick is just looking for fame.

By Pepper

Their interest is to protect the movie's cred, so I don't know what the truth is but what else could possibly the director, the co-star and the fiance say?

Monday 18 April

By Marluxia

I must say in all fairness that it would take alot longer than 1 year to perfect ballet. I began my ballet studies at 5 years old and eventually became a professional dancer. I retired at 24. I don't think Sarah's issue is not getting a mention on the film credits, but that it has been stated that Natalie did most of the dancing. Had the makers of the film not stated that, I think there would be no issue. Natalie did a great job acting in the film and she deserved the Oscar for that alone - not her purported dancing. Sarah should take heart that people who know dancing know the truth. Those who made the film will not admit at this point that Sarah did the actual dancing - their in too deep at this point.

Page 2 of 2