Black Swan

Starring: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder
Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
2010

Times Seen:
Tim: 2


Summary: A ballet dancer (Natalie Portman) becomes the lead in Swan Lake. As she tries to channel her inner Black Swan, she starts losing her grip on reality.

Review:

Tim: Even after two viewings, I'm still not sure I really get Black Swan. After movies like Pi, Requiem for a Dream, and The Fountain, I've come to expect that from Darren Aronofsky. And while I still might be working through the meaning and what actually happens, I know enough to know that Aronofsky has created a beautifully demented, cringe-worthy psychological thriller. His films have a way of slipping beneath the surface of your mind and lodge in a place where it is uncomfortable yet impossible to dislodge. His movies effect the audience- and I love that. So many films are easy to shake off- some never even make an impact in the first place. That never happens with an Aronofsky film.

Black Swan made me uncomfortable throughout it. I was kept off balance by the filmmaking style, but not knowing what might happen next, and dreading it regardless. I don't think I felt relaxed for a single moment of the film. It takes a great deal to do that to an audience. This is a complex, layered film that creates discussion. What exactly is it about? Is it about a girl's journey into womanhood? Is it about a slow descent into madness? Is it just a ballet movie? There are so many ways to look at and dissect this film.

And yet, despite all that, this film really came down to one thing- Natalie Portman. Portman has been building an impressive career, but thus far, this is her crowning achievement. I believe she swept every award she was up for regarding this performance. She starts the film off so meek and mild, bubbling with intensity and drive just underneath the surface. She's amazing to watch. As the film goes on, she undergoes a metamorphosis- and she slowly loses her grip on reality, she changes as a character. Portman hits this perfectly. And then, towards the end, is unleashed in all her Black Swan glory. I admit I was visibly shocked when I saw Portman in her Black Swan make up. She is unhinged and frightening in her intensity and remarkable in her performance. She absolutely, completely deserved the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Besides Portman's win for Best Actress, Black Swan didn't pick up any other Academy Awards. It was nominated for Best Cinematography (definitely), Best Director (this is almost certainly Aronofsky's best work), Best Editing (yup), and Best Picture (without a doubt, one of the best of 2010). I wish this could have won more awards, but it's definitely a great movie.

Black Swan is not an easy movie to watch. And that's the point. Aronofsky purposely tries to create an off balanced, psychologically disturbing movie. He succeeded. As much as I cringed watching this, I recognize the brilliance behind it. This is a terrific film.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Requiem for a Dream, Pi, The Wrestler, The Fountain