Natalie Portman wants to boost the profile of women in comedy by making funny films via her new production company Handsomecharlie Films.
The Star Wars actress has set up the firm with her business partner Annette Savitch and they aim to emulate the style of raunchy comedy made famous by Judd Apatow in his hit 2007 movie Knocked Up.
Describing the projects as "female comedies", Portman tells Vogue magazine, "Women... are generally not allowed to be beautiful and funny, and certainly not vulgar.
"There's a difference between being in a bra and underpants as an object on a men's magazine cover and playing yourself - a woman with desires and needs who loves and laughs with her friends - in a bra and underpants.”
The actress is back on the big screen in the new year with her latest movie Black Swan, which sees her team up with filmmaker Darren Aronofsky.
She has already picked up a Best Actress Golden Globe nomination for her performance and the movie is expected to do well on the awards circuit.
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