Nichols is a member of the extremely exclusive club of EGOT winners – that is to say, people who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. As of right now, the EGOT club boasts only twelve artists, six of whom are still alive. Over the years, he has experimented with several different mediums, and excelled at each in a way that few other directors can claim.
His death is a great loss to the entire entertainment industry – Hollywood, the West End, and Broadway alike. But now that he’s gone, it’s time to celebrate all of the remarkable work that he has left behind for us to enjoy for years to come.
CBM
In 1997, Natalie Portman landed the coveted role of Padme Amidala in George Lucas’ Star Wars prequels. The films cleaned up at the box office, however, they left her acting career in the toilet as many people in Hollywood weren't impressed with her performances. Luckily, the late, great director Mike Nichols ("The Birdcage") went to bat for her.
Although those movies were an abortion, if she weren't portrayed as such a heart-breakingly beautiful woman, she wouldn't have the career she has today.
Is it bad that I thought her acting in those movies was actually better than some of her later performances? (Some, not all, some)
I don't think so. She was inconsistent but delivered on certain scenes.
As for the article: considering her filmography at the time, I really think that's getting a bit stretched in the name of yet another thing to pin against the prequels.
Without Star Wars I wouldn't even know her, so she shouldn't be concerned about this.
