(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Natalie Portman felt she had a telepathic connection with Black Swan director Darren Aronofsky.

The 29-year-old actress plays Nina Sayers in the thriller, a ballerina who wins the lead role in Swan Lake but finds it takes its toll on her.

Natalie famously followed a punishing ballet regime to prepare for the role, although she had no problem with pushing her body to the limit as she shares director Darrens tough work ethic. Natalie felt such a connection with the revered moviemaker that she almost felt their minds were linked.

"There was a sort of telepathy between us, we were so much in the same zone. We're both very extreme, very focused and very disciplined. He is always 'on'. It can be 5am and he will not lose his intensity; we would get excited when we would discover new things together," she explained.

The star appreciates Darrens dictatorial directing style, as she has no problem being told what to do. Natalie is the first to admit she loves to challenge herself, and found it thrilling to encounter someone who was even more demanding on her than she is.

"By nature, I'm more of an obedient person than a rebellious one. So it's nice to find a director who is as demanding of me, or more demanding of me, than I am myself. It's exciting," she told The Sydney Morning Herald.

Although Natalie has the willpower and determination to be a professional ballet dancer like Nina in the movie, the talented star doesnt share her characters fascination with pain. For the film star, there is nothing better than pampering herself or relaxing with some sport in her spare time, and she has no problem with letting her mind rest.

"I'm a pleasure-seeker. I do acupuncture; I go swimming; I love to cook. When I'm not working, I can stare at the wall doing absolutely nothing," she added. (C) Cover Media