Natalie Portman and Sia-Composed Songs Stole the Show at Last Night’s Premiere for Vox Lux

It was a pop-filled night at the New York City premiere for the musical drama Vox Lux with Natalie Portman.

Last night’s New York City premiere for the pop drama Vox Lux came with a stark warning from director Brady Corbet. “Just a heads up, in light of many things happening this month, there is a traumatic event in the opening of the film involving a shooting, and if you’re not up for it tonight, I totally understand. It’s important to be sensitive to everything that is going on.” The initial shock of the first scene gave way to a set of high-octane events for 13-year-old Celeste (beautifully played by Raffey Cassidy), who eventually gets propelled to stardom. Guests braced themselves as the lights dimmed, but Corbet promised that both he and Natalie Portman (who plays the adult Celeste) would be right outside. “Natalie and I will be in the lobby after the movie, and you can come and ask us anything you’d like.”

As Celeste subjects herself to the music industry’s notorious take-no-prisoners machine, she grows up into a disillusioned star. Her downward spiral echoes those of real-life pop stars including Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Amy Winehouse. Portman’s expressions of Technicolor rage were hypnotic; you root for her. And the music, rightly so, was the best part. Conjured by Sia, there were catchy hits left and right. (Portman’s rendition of “Wrapped Up” is now out on Spotify and already added to my playlist.)

When the film ended, there was an audible pause—complete silence. After a few seconds, the theatre finally started a slow clap, which turned into raucous applause. It was that sort of movie. Slowly, guests emerged from their seats and entered the glowing reception room at the Whitby hotel. Paisley wallpaper wrapped around the room as beef sliders, avocado toast, and sugary cream puffs were passed through the crowd. Portman changed from a snow white Dior suit into jet-black Givenchy. As she mingled with guests, early-aughts pop tunes from ’NSync, Backstreet Boys, and Spears bubbled from the speakers.

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