Black Swan – Review

Starring: Natalie Portman, Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, Winona Ryder

Directed: Darren Aronofsky

The latest film from Darren Aronosky, ‘Black Swan’ is an unmitigated frenzy, leaving you battling with what’s real and what’s not. Sensationally over-the-top and claustrophobic, ‘Black Swan’ will mesmerise you, and still keep you thinking about it for a long-time to come.

‘Black Swan’ tells the story of Nina (Natalie Portman), a young, naive and sexually-shy ballet dancer, constantly striving for perfection. Living with her somewhat un-hinged mother, Nina experiences no privacy and seems only able to escape through her dancing. Part of the New York City Ballet, Nina is in the running for the lead of both the black and white swan in the production of ‘Swan Lake’. After the former star of the troupe, Beth (Winona Ryder), falls victim to the brutal ageism of Ballet, Nina feels her moment to shine has come. However, the dance director Thomas Leroy, (Vincent Cassel) feels Nina only embodies the white swan and her chances of being cast in this once-in-a-lifetime role seem slim.  Further put under threat by a new addition to the troupe, Lily (Mila Kunis), who is evidently more promiscuous and suited to the black swan, Nina begins to suffer a breakdown that could either be the making or breaking of her career.

If anyone is a Darren Aronofsky fan, watching ‘Black Swan’ will probably excite you to no end. If not, you’ll probably see a lot of the same techniques he’s used in almost all his other films re-hashed into this one. However, no matter what you think of Aronofsky, it doesn’t matter. This is definitely a must-see film. The story seems predictable on paper, but what you don’t expect is a thrilling tale that leaves your mind boggling almost every single second, and a little mind-boggle here and there is not a bad thing! Natalie Portman’s performance IS fantastic, (as seen by all those Award Nominations), and she makes the whole film.  To be perfectly honest, there isn’t a lot wrong with the ‘Black Swan’. I could even go as far to say that almost every aspect is beautifully executed. From the dancing to the costume design; to the make-up and the score; to the editing and the casting – all is brilliant. Saying that, I came out of the film so utterly amazed at what I’d seen, I couldn’t even tell if I had liked it. Completely crazy but so charmingly captivating. And after realizing I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days later, I decided it was fantastic. Prepare yourself for some jump-out-of-your-seat moments, and others that will leave you completely hating, and loving the characters at the same time, but most of all, prepare yourself for one of the best films of the year – and it’s only February.