If there’s one element of ‘Hotel Chevalier’ that’s surprising for Anderson, it’s a strong sense of romance and sexuality: in one shot, Schwartzman gently pulls off Portman’s clothes to reveal her naked body from behind, and a later shot has Portman, nude, standing still in a doorway, one foot up against the frame. It’s a beautiful shot, and one that’s made even more pertinent by Sarstedt’s melancholic lyrics on the soundtrack. It’s the sexiest thing that Anderson has ever done.
It is possible that there is a body double used but reportedly you get a good look at her from behind and another body-length shot from the side. Nobody has come out to me and said straight out “you see Natalie Portman’s boobs,” but it’s a good start. Unfortunately, “Chevalier” won’t be playing in theaters in the states. It was shot to run at festivals like Venice and later this month at the New York Film Festival. Those who don’t catch it there will have to wait for it to appear on the DVD.