Black Swan

Black Swan (2010)
Directed by Darren Aronofsky
Length: 108 minutes
Rated R for strong sexual content, disturbing violent images, language, and some drug use






Oh, Darren Aronofsky, how your films continue to excite, terrify, and confuse. Anyone expecting a petite and pretty film about ballet is sorely mistaken as Aronofsky has quickly developed a reputation for his David Lynch-esq films consisting of dark imagery, gritty performances, and manic storytelling. While Black Swan may confuse or deter the average movie goer, film aficionados will appreciate this beautifully executed piece of art.

Natalie Portman (No Strings Attached, Thor) brilliantly portrays Nina Sayers - a sweet, virginal, repressed ballet dancer that strives for perfection and eloquence. Nina's ballet company announces they will perform a new rendition of the classic Swan Lake - with the lead playing both the innocent White Swan and the dangerous and sultry Black Swan. Though Nina displays why she is the perfect choice for the White Swan, can she become her evil alter-ego the Black Swan?

Black Swan serves as a giant metaphor for the lengths artist go to in order to embody their characters - essentially, a look into method acting if you will. Portman's amazing turn as Nina is the stuff Hollywood immortalizes for ages. Living at home with an overbearing and obsessive mother, Nina struggles to find her inner Black Swan stymied by her own innocence and her mother's constant meddling. When you can't even masturbate because your mother is sleeping in your room, you know you have problems. The brilliance of Portman's portrayal is the gradual transformation Nina undergoes from the innocent White Swan to the dangerous and frightening Black Swan. The last ten minutes of the film are spent in a split-persona haze with the audience left grasping for a ledge on which to hang.

Darren Aronofsky may not make films for the average man or woman (an attribute soon to change as he prepares to direct The Wolverine), but passing on Black Swan simply because you may not "get it" would be a travesty. Natalie Portman is amazing, brilliant, and downright scary at times in her best role yet. The level of dedication illustrated by Portman alone should entice you (Portman reportedly trained for over a year for the role). Give Black Swan a try, if only to admire the sure to be nominated performance by Portman. Who knows, you may discover you're a fan of the ballet after all!

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote:
Thomas: "I have a little homework assignment for you. I want you to go home and touch yourself."

Oscar Winners
Best Actress in a Leading Role - Natalie Portman

Oscar Nominations:
Best Achievement in Cinematography
Best Achievement in Directing - Darren Aronofsky
Best Achievement in Editing
Best Motion Picture