Film she went 'bad' for: "Closer"
Why it was shocking: Many young actors find themselves the unwanted center of a degree of attention paid to their looks that can be disconcerting, even if you're already at home with your body and your identity. Natalie Portman was scrutinized from the moment she made her one-two punch introductory appearances in 'The Professional' and 'Beautiful Girls.' She seemed to be interested in working with great filmmakers and strong co-stars, but even in the film about the teen pregnancy, she still gave off a wholesome vibe that managed to defuse her striking good looks. It wasn't until 'Closer' that Portman embraced the notion of playing to her sexuality instead of subduing it, and she dug into the film's startlingly blunt dialogue with zeal. She has been incredibly protective of her own nudity on film so far, but she proved with 'Closer' that she was capable of turning up the heat anyway.

-Drew McWeeny