Movie Review of BLACK SWAN

Finally, I am getting to my review of Black Swan.  (Sorry to those of you who’ve been waiting.)  I’ve seen the movie twice: once with guild members (Q&A) and then with a public audience.  Both had very different reactions.  This movie has been embraced by the critics and industry, but the public audience reactions are mixed.  (Unless you are an adolescent male interested in the much-talked-about lesbian scene.)  Just know that this isn’t a movie about ballet.  It’s about the journey of a fragile ballerina as she taps into her dark, competitive side.  You will watch Nina battle for the lead role in Swan Lake while she descends into madness.  Black Swan had a tough time getting made.  Here is the preproduction backstory (courtesy of wikipedia.org)…

Aronofsky and Portman first discussed the ballet film in 2000, though the script was yet to be written.  He told her about the love scene between competing ballet dancers, and Portman recalled, "I thought that was very interesting because this movie is in so many ways an exploration of an artist's ego and that narcissistic sort of attraction to yourself and also repulsion with yourself.  On the decade's wait before production, she said, "The fact that I had spent so much time with the idea ... allowed it to marinate a little before we shot.  When Aronofsky proposed a detailed outline of Black Swan to Universal Pictures, the studio decided to fast-track development of the project in January 2007.  The project did not come together at the studio, and Aronofsky would go on to shoot The Wrestler instead. After finishing The Wrestler in 2008, he asked Mark Heyman, who had worked for him on the film, to write Black Swan.  By June 2009, Universal had placed the project in turnaround, generating attention from other studios and specialty divisions, particularly with actress Portman attached to star.  Black Swan began development under Protozoa Pictures and Overnight Productions, the latter financing the film. In July 2009, Kunis was cast.

Black Swan stars Natalie Portman as the up-and-coming ballerina, Nina.  Mila Kunis is her “nemesis”, Lily.  An unrecognizable Winona Ryder plays the outgoing prima ballerina, Beth.  Vincent Cassel is the super-tough choreographer, Toma.  And Barbara Hershey plays Nina’s unstable mother, Erica.  All were excellent in their roles, probably one of the best ensemble casts ever.  But all eyes are on Natalie Portman, who carries this film from beginning to end.  (Side note: I believe she should win awards across the board.)  Black Swan reminds me of the classic film All About Eve, which is set in the acting/theatre world.   If you have the chance, read the history of Swan Lake before seeing the movie.  Wikipedia.org has a great description.  I believe it will give you some insight into Black Swan.  This movie will bring on many discussions which I look forward to.

So you’ve heard the critics, seen the many ads/trailers, now go see this unusual, psychological thriller and be dazzled.  That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it!