Natalie Portman Recalls ‘Nerve-Wracking’ Moments Before Head-Shaving Scene in “V for Vendetta” as Movie Turns 20 (Exclusive)

Natalie Portman is preparing to reflect on her critically acclaimed film “V for Vendetta” as it marks its 20th anniversary with a special theatrical re-release. The actress recently spoke with PEOPLE about her anxieties before the iconic scene where her character, Evey, undergoes a dramatic head shave, a moment that remains vividly etched in her memory.

The 45-year-old Portman acknowledged the pressure associated with the one-take scene, admitting, “It was nerve-wracking that we only had one chance to do it. I’m used to always having another chance in film, so it was scarier to have to nail the performance in one rather than be scared about the head shaving.” This highlights the unique challenges actors face, especially when a pivotal moment requires the perfect performance without the luxury of multiple takes.

Director James McTeigue, who helmed the film, also recounted the tense atmosphere on set during the shoot of this key scene. He emphasised the urgency by explaining that three cameras were set up to capture every angle of Portman’s transformation, knowing that they could not afford to miss the shot. “When you’re shaving off all Natalie’s hair, she’s like, ‘Oh my God, I’m gonna really do this,’ and she would be nervous,” he recalled, underlining the emotional weight of the moment.

To alleviate some of Portman’s anxiety, McTeigue enlisted the help of her personal hairdresser for the scene, providing a small comfort amidst the pressures of performing live. “V for Vendetta” tells the story of Evey, a woman navigating a dystopian world who becomes embroiled with a vigilante intent on challenging an oppressive regime. The film, adapted from the graphic novel by Alan Moore and executed by The Wachowskis, poses thought-provoking questions about governance and authority.

Reflecting on the film’s enduring relevance two decades later, Portman observed that the themes it explores continue to resonate in contemporary society. She noted, “Unfortunately, authoritarian governments are a continuing issue.” The narrative, rooted in historical symbolism—coinciding with the legacy of the Guy Fawkes mask—remains pertinent, reminding viewers of the perpetual struggles against tyrannical governance.

The mask has become an emblematic symbol, not just of the film, but of broader social movements, with Portman commenting, “I still see them every Halloween, but also often at various protests!” This ongoing cultural impact underlines the film’s ability to transcend its initial context and touch upon universal themes of resistance and protest.

McTeigue highlighted the depth of the cast, praising Hugo Weaving’s portrayal of V for its nuanced physicality and emotional depth. He remarked, “Natalie is just a brilliant actor and person… The way she brings great empathy to the role was very important to me, and she did an amazing job at that.” This acknowledgment serves to reinforce the narrative’s emotional core, focusing on Evey’s journey as she navigates her tumultuous surroundings and learns to embrace her agency.

Despite the film’s often serious and political subject matter, McTeigue revealed that moments of humour surfaced behind the scenes. He reminisced about the light-hearted atmosphere that often followed intense scenes, stating, “That’s the great thing about making movies… as soon as you call cut, Stephen Fry walks off and makes a joke and is funny, and Natalie will do the same.” Such moments provided levity during the challenging filming process.

Looking back, McTeigue expressed how much he enjoyed directing “V for Vendetta,” noting that the actors performed brilliantly and significantly contributed to the film’s success. He described the script as a masterful adaptation and stated, “When audiences come to the movie, they can just watch it as pure entertainment. It holds up a mirror to us in many ways.”

As the 20th anniversary approaches, tickets for the special screenings of “V for Vendetta” on November 1 and 5 are now available for purchase, either online or at select cinema box offices. For further details, fans are encouraged to visit FathomEntertainment.com. As “V for Vendetta” returns to the big screen, it invites a new generation to engage with its powerful themes, ensuring its legacy endures for years to come.