Here’s How Life of M Leads Back to Natalie Portman
Vulture • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Rachel Cusk’s novel *Life of M* features a mysterious actress named M, whose characteristics and life clues strongly suggest she is based on Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman.
- M lives in a European city, likely Paris, mirroring Portman’s known residence since 2014, and is described as a foreigner, matching Portman’s background.
- The novel references M’s starring role in a ballet-themed film, paralleling Portman’s acclaimed Oscar-winning performance in *Black Swan*.
- M’s complicated personal relationship with a man, involving tension and separation, echoes Portman’s high-profile split from ex-husband Benjamin Millepied amid rumors of an affair.
- A scene where M watches a film about a school shooting aligns with Portman’s role in *Vox Lux*, and the novel notes M owning two large dogs, a detail consistent with Portman’s real life.
