Since seeing “Pi” and “Requiem for a Dream” I’ve become a big fan of Darren Aronofsky’s films. I had been highly anticipating the release of “Black Swan”: an intense psychological thriller based in the world of ballet, and was not disappointed. The first scene is a jump into the surreal: Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) dreams she is dancing The White Swan with a creepy feathered pas de deux partner. This sets the tone for the rest of the movie as the audience is forced to question what is real and what is imagined.
The film follows Nina through her day-to-day life as an obsessive ballerina with an overbearing mother. She strives for perfection to the point that she is her own worst enemy. Vincent Cassel portrays the arrogant ballet director who pushes Nina to embody not only the virginal White Swan but her sexy and dangerous evil twin The Black Swan. In being pushed to discover and get in touch with this side of herself she spins out of control and hallucinates sexual fantasies, a friendship/invasive rivalry between Mila Kunis and a few slightly disgusting acts of self-harm.
There is never a lull in the film; never a dull moment or drag. The pace is very intense and engages the audience by blurring the lines between what is really happening to Nina and what is happening in her head. The visuals are gorgeous but at the same time disconcerting; the pinnacle is a lush, haunting and modern take on Swan Lake during which Nina’s true black swan emerges. I definitely enjoyed the film and if you were intrigued by the fast-paced trailer you will not be disappointed!
(Editor’s note: Yvonne’s regular blog www.titsandgiggles.com is awesome and suggest you check it out… if you’re over 18 years of age, of course. Also, you can follow her on Twitter as @TigerMouth)
Just saw "Black Swan" today. You're totally right about the pacing — I was on alert throughout the whole movie, just waiting for the next creepy thing to happen.
I liked it. It's 'Showgirls' meets 'Fight Club.' ;)
I loved the movie. It definitely sticks with you, too. I'm still thinking about it days later.