The novel about Natalie Portman is making waves

Rachel Cusk’s latest novel, Life of M, has sparked intense debate among readers and critics in the United States despite receiving only lukewarm reviews upon its initial release. The book centers around M, a celebrated actress whose life is chronicled through the eyes of an unnamed author who offers to write her biography. While the novel has drawn criticism for its unflattering portrayal of M, many observers believe the character bears striking similarities to Natalie Portman, a well-known Hollywood figure with whom Cusk has personal ties. According to reports, M's narrative mirrors several key aspects of Portman’s life. Both have appeared in films as children, which effectively ended their childhoods. In the novel, M’s mother removes scenes from one of her early movies, leading to bullying at school, an experience that closely parallels Portman’s own story following her role in Léon, The Professional. Additionally, both M and Portman achieved critical acclaim for roles in ballet-themed productions, with Portman winning an Academy Award for her performance in Black Swan. The fictional M is depicted as a world-renowned actress admired by the public but portrayed internally as emotionally distant and detached. She struggles to comprehend love and depression, often questioning how ordinary people can find meaning in their lives. Critics have likened the portrayal to a child dismembering an insect, showing little regard for the subject’s suffering or self-perception. The setting of Life of M further fuels speculation about its connection to Portman. The city in which the story unfolds is described as resembling Paris, where both Cusk and Portman reside. Moreover, a promotional campaign for M’s film career in the novel echoes the advertising campaigns Portman participated in while promoting her work for Dior. Cusk and Portman have crossed paths multiple times. According to the New York Times, Portman selected two of Cusk’s books for her online book club and conducted an interview with the author regarding one of them. Although they have not formed a close friendship, Portman has expressed admiration for Cusk’s literary contributions. When asked directly whether Life of M is based on Portman, Cusk declined to confirm or deny the connection. “It’s not really about that,” she stated. This ambiguity leaves room for interpretation, especially considering Cusk’s history of drawing inspiration from real-life figures. Her earlier novel, The Last Supper, faced legal challenges after some individuals recognized themselves in the characters and threatened legal action. Legal experts suggest that creating a fictionalized version of a person can lead to potential claims of defamation or insult. However, by portraying someone negatively, an author might inadvertently acknowledge shared traits with the individual, thereby indirectly validating the author’s depiction. To date, Portman has not issued an official response to the novel, though sources close to her indicate she is not pleased with the portrayal. Despite the controversy surrounding Life of M, the novel continues to generate discussion within literary circles. Whether or not it is explicitly inspired by Portman, the book raises questions about the boundaries of fiction and the ethical considerations of using real people as models for fictional characters. As the debate continues, the public awaits any formal statements from either Cusk or Portman that could clarify the nature of this creative relationship.