Movie Review - Black Swan

Latest take on Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake a psychological thriller

Just in time for awards season, Darren Aronofsky’s latest directorial effort showcases his best work yet, and with good measure too.  Black Swan opens innocently enough, with Nina (played by Natalie Portman) having a dream about the ballet, when it is interrupted by a black figure, who seemingly takes control of her movements.  This single scene could represent the whole movie as well, with themes of light versus dark, dreams versus nightmares.  The film follows Nina, an insecure ballerina who is auditioning for a part in her ballet company’s new feature, Swan Lake.  The director putting the ballet together wants the main ballerina to be able to play both the seductive Black Swan and the “princess” White Swan.  While Nina is able to play the White Swan to a T, her perfectionist attitude prevents her from completely letting go emotionally to play the polar opposite Black Swan.  Herein lies the plot for the film, which shows Nina forgoing her transformation into an alter-ego of sorts. 

Natalie Portman as Nina Sayers

            Natalie Portman is simply amazing as Nina, showing a vast range of emotions and depth.  From the innocent and friendly Nina to the paranoid and nasty woman she becomes, her lapse in darkness is quite a sight to behold.  At first, Nina finds it hard to let herself go, always feeling the need to be the best by being perfect and rigid, never faltering.  The director wants Nina to embrace her dark side, and give life to her performance as the Black Swan.  Throughout the movie, Natalie Portman gives a wholly believable performance, really making the audience care for Nina, which makes it that much harder to watch as she spirals into darkness.  Rather than just seemingly flipping a switch, Aronofsky is much more subtle in how he directs Portman’s transformation.  It begins as a snippet of dialogue or a small facial expression, and over time, it develops into something much more.  Mila Kunis plays another dancer in the company, and develops a friendship with Nina  It was nice to see Kunis stretch her dramatic acting skills, mainly since I can’t seem to shake her character in That 70’s Show.  With Black Swan, though, this changes completely.  She does a great job as a free-living character who isn’t as disciplined a Portman’s character, giving the two dancers some competition between each other.  She also does a good job playing with the audience as well, making it seem like there is always an ulterior motive to her actions.  The fact that the two lead took ballet lessons for almost a year to prepare for their roles should tell you the dedication these young actresses have to their craft. 

There are some humorous parts in the film as well, to lighten up the mood, with one scene coming to mind where late one night Nina is practicing with a piano player, and halfway through the part the music stops, the player stands up and exclaims “I have a life. Don’t practice too hard.”  It’s this kind of humor that helps bring some levity to the film.  They were always in the right place in the right time, letting the audience chuckle nervously to themselves, wondering what is going to happen next.

Director Darren Aronofsky with lead Natalie Portman

Darren Aronofsky’s direction in Black Swan is in full effect.  If you have seen his past movies, it might come off as a little restrained, but in a good way. Coming off seeing The Fountain, another of Aronofsky’s work, Black Swan isn’t as hard to follow. His play on a psychological thriller is refreshing, showing the deterioration of Nina’s mind, giving the audience just as many clues as Nina.  Keeping the audience in the dark was a great way to build the suspense.  The pacing was well done, keeping viewers entranced from the beginning, which shows the day-in day-out routine of ballet dancers, and the rigors they have to endure for their art.  Seeing the leads being able to do their own ballet “stunts” really helped the realism of the film, creating a more believable atmosphere.  Who knew how hyper-competitive the performing arts are? I sure didn’t.

Black Swan, arriving late in award season, is sure to turn some heads.  While the original score was rejected for being nominated because of utilizing too much of the source material’s music, it will be interesting to see where the academy is going to place its votes.  A nomination for Best Picture is sure to be forthcoming, as is a Best Actress nod for Natalie Portman.  Only time will tell.  In the meantime, make sure to check out this incredible achievement before it leaves the theaters.

5 out of 5 Stars