Natalie Portman's first director felt responsible for her

Luc Besson felt "responsible" for Natalie Portman's career.

The director cast the Oscar-winning beauty in his movie 'Leon' when she was just 11 years old and says he took a keen interest in the work she did afterwards and always tried to help her out with advice.

He said: "From 11 to 16, I was following every film she said yes or no to because her parents were not in this business. I introduced her to her agent.

"You feel responsibly when you put a 12 year old in this business. She's clever though. At 16 she didn't need my help any more."

As well as looking out for Natalie, Luc also helped out Guy Ritchie by producing his movie 'Revolver' and still maintains that the film is the British director's best work.

He said: "I think it's his best film. I prefer it to 'Sherlock Holmes'. That was too Americanised for me."