BLACK SWAN 4.0****B
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Black Swan is one of the most powerful films of 2010 which comes as no surprise since it is by the same director, Darren Aronofsky, who did “The Wrestler”. Natalie Portman is hypnotizing in the role of Nina a somewhat getting older ballerina who wants so much…i.e. “to die for” lead role of the Great Swan in “Swan Lake”. She demonstrates amazing subtlety in attacking the complexities of her role. She is a 90-pound mousy waif of a thing packed with 1000 pounds of dynamite just waiting to be set off. Vincent Cassel is spot-on perfect in his role as her ballet Director and muse. As one of the catalysts that will help carry Nina to her ultimate destiny, Cassel brings just the right mix of measured patience and surging force to his character.\
Director Aronofsky's films always give you a nice meaty hunk of cinema to chew on and this film is no exception. He is at the top of his craft right now and Black Swan bears that out. The way he blends the narrative with continuous flashes of artistic beauty, nerve-racking tension and fever dream-type sequences is a wonder to behold.
This movie should be at the front of the pack come Oscar time. Ms. Portman will definitely be nominated for and should win Oscar’s Best Actress She is that good. Hers is a role that will be remembered and studied for a very long time. It just blows you away from start to finish! Aronofsky's should also be in contention for Best Director. He has been passed by at awards time before. He flawlessly crafts a film that grabs you from the opening frames and brings you along on a journey that doesn't end with the closing credits. This film leaves you thinking for days.Top of Form
Nina (Natalie Portman), is placed in the precarious situation of replacing the company's former star in the production of Swan Lake. The role is a dual role, in which she must play both the sweet, innocent White Swan as well as her evil twin sister, the Black Swan. Though Nina is wonderful and so well suited for the White Swan, she must find a way to evoke the evilness and sultriness of the Black Swan which is quite contrary to her character. She must find her inner dark side. As Nina begins to get more in touch with her dark side – evil and recklessness even demons surface that threaten to destroy her, but then do they really exist … is it reality or illusion , is it actuality or hallucinations…. it is for sure a nail biting psychological thriller. In any event, you will not be disappointed, perhaps a little confused. Hopefully, it will arouse your curiosity to listen to its music or see a real ballet . But, remember this is a dark, depressing movie that is worth that kind of experience because of the extraordinary acting, especially the awesome BRAVO performance by Portman, and the story, direction and music.
Rated “R” for strong sexual content, disturbing violent images, language and some drug use