Black Swan

A wonderfully creepy, thrilling film that presents reality as it reflects art. Or is it art reflecting reality? Either way, the viewer is captivated with a story that reveals human natures most terrifying weaknesses…

Natalie Portman plays Nina Sayers, a prima ballerina in New York City who is almost imprisoned by her perfectionism. Her obsession with reveals itself in hours of practice both in and out of the studio, her dysfunctional relationship with her over-involved mother, her anxiety induced self scratching, and her isolation from the rest of the dance company. It is dance, dance, dance morning, noon and night. Her technical prowess is enviable, but she is so detached from reality that finding emotion in her performance is difficult if not impossible.

Thomas Leroy plays Vincent Cassel, the director that casts Nina in the leading role of The Swan. He knows she can dance the technical portion of the White Swan but uses his sexual powers with the leading ladies to drive her to discover her inner sexual self and unleash it for the dark performance of the Black Swan. She must be uninhibited to convince the audience she is the evil Black Swan.

As she loses herself in the quest to find her inner black swan, she is also feeling pressure from a new dancer on the scene who could potentially steal her role as the Swan. Lily, played by Mila Kunis has what it takes to emote the Black Swan and as Nina learns more about Lily, she allows herself to be seduced by her darkness.

Watching Portman unravel from uptight, perfectionist ballerina is like watching a train wreck; you want to turn away but don’t want to miss a moment.

Winona Ryder surprised us as Leroy’s previous leading Swan who after a horrific car wreck lies virtually useless in a hospital bed. Portman visits her on a couple of occasions to pay her respects and is horrified at her loss of dance. The thought of losing that and having nothing is more than she can bear.

It is directed by Darren Aronofsky who gave us the Wrestler. Another glimpse into the mind of an obsessive athlete who will not stop at perfection even when faced with the loss of his life.

The Rave Review loved this movie and gave it a 5 out of 5.