Director Lynne Ramsay facing legal action over Natalie Portman Western Jane Got a Gun

Court documents allege that the acclaimed director of We Need To Talk About Kevin was 'repeatedly under the influence of alcohol'

Lynne Ramsay, seen here at the closing ceremony of this year's Cannes Film Festival, is being sued by the producers of Jane Got a Gun (Getty Images)

Less than a year ago, Jane Got a Gun looked to be one of Hollywood's most promising projects.

Starring Oscar winner Natalie Portman, the brilliant Michael Fassbender and directed by We Need to Talk About Kevin's Lynne Ramsay, the Western seemed destined to be a major awards contender.

Now only Portman remains on board, and the producers have taken legal action against Ramsay. They claim she was paid $750,000 (£467,000), only to depart the film a day before shooting began, failing to fulfil her responsibilities.

Court papers filed in New Mexico and obtained by the Hollywood Reporter allege that Ramsay was "repeatedly under the influence of alcohol, was abusive to members of the cast and crew and was generally disruptive".

It was claimed that the Scottish director failed to adhere to "safety protocol" for handling weapons on-set, "when she pointed a prop gun directly at a camera and, in turn, at the camera crew before first taking proper precautions."

In March, Portman apparently showed up on set for the first day of shooting unaware that Ramsay had quit.

The Independent has contacted Lynne Ramsay's representative for comment.

It was previously reported that Ramsay had not been presented with an approved schedule, script or budget just days before shooting was meant to start.

The movie is now being directed by Gavin O'Connor and stars Ewan McGregor.