After seeing this movie I cant decide who I have more of an appreciation for: Natalie Portman or Director Darren Aronofsky. Apart from Requiem for a Dream I have not seen any of his other films, although after watching Black Swan I think it’s definitely time to cue up The Wrestler and give that one a go as well. But back to Black Swan; the movie revolves around the ballet production entitled Swan Lake. Natalie Portman’s character, Nina, is seemingly perfect for the role of the white swan – delicate, graceful, and innocent. However, she is lacking the dark, sensual, seductive side that embodies the black swan. Because the director of the performance wants one dancer to play both roles, Nina is not quite the right fit at first.
As the movie continues there is a deeper issue that shortly rears its ugly head: Nina’s desperate struggle to be the lead role in the production grows into so much more. After scoring the lead role she begins to find strange markings on her body. Her dedication to be ‘perfect’ begins to take a toll on her mental state and her perception begins to become altered. Without giving too much away, I’d just like to point out that on the surface this may just seem like a Ballet movie, one that any straight guy like myself would be ashamed to admit wanting to see or even more so enjoy, if you don’t know anything about it. But after watching the entirety of the film it is obviously so much more. It’s a phycological thriller at heart and the further into the movie you get, the more apparent that becomes. Along with the plot, the performance that the cast of the film delivered was superb. And not only Natalie Portman. Mila Kunis as well as Vincent Cassel and Barbara Hershey all showed us nothing but top notch acting.
Two other notable characteristics of the film are the soundtrack and camera work featured throughout. One shot in particular, featured Nina dancing gracefully as she spun back and forth across the studio the camera seemed to spin and follow the movements of her in tandem perfectly. Definitely some classic camera work from Aronofsky and longtime collaborative cinematographer Matthew Libatique, and very reminiscent of Requiem for a Dream. The music in the film was very elegant, music box-esque, while still remaining dark and mysterious, almost haunting at some points.
Overall, I was extremely impressed by this film. Not only did it deliver an interesting and at points bizarre plot but it kept me on the edge of my seat. Whether being amazed simply by the strength of the dancers’ ability to stand on their toes, or the ominous feel of the music, or even the steamy sex scene between Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman I was fully entertained throughout. This movie is art and everything that it embodies. It is smart and seductive with a pinch of creepy mixed in. What’s not to enjoy? If you have yet to check this movie out, do yourself a favor and go see it!
