Black Swan (2010)
Brief review: After the phenomenal "Requiem for a Dream", and the visually-striking "The Fountain", Darren Aronofsky brings us yet another twistedly-genius masterpiece, this time revolving around a professional ballet dancer, Nina, who is dealing with the pressures of playing The Swan Queen in her companies production of Swan Lake. Though melodramatic "Black Swan" has a truly macabre nature, as it grows darker and darker as the story progresses, leading to a shocking and dramatic finale, that will have you thinking long after the credits roll. "Black Swan" is a haunting, surreal and mesmerizing experience that leaves audiences with many questions and debatable discussions, about what is real and what is imaginary. It fascinates with dazzling execution, specific visual style, flawless camera work, and a sharp and intentionally lurid cinematography that creates an additional sense of fear in the viewer. All this accompanied with a thoroughly striking classical music score by Tchaikovsky. With her haunting and beautifully-disturbing portrayal of Nina, a repressed and sexually-confused ballerina obsessed with perfection, Natalie Portman delivers not only the best female performance of 2010, but the performance of her career. She's intense, yet delicate. Determined, yet vulnerable. Innocent, yet lustful. A perfectionist, yet flawed. She's simply sensational! Mila Kunis also gives an outstanding and very complex performance as Nina's rival, Lily, and Vincent Cassel has incredible screen presence as the seductive manipulator and ballet director, Thomas. Winona Ryder is brilliant as the neurotic former ballet star, Beth, but it's Barbara Hershey that delivers the best supporting performance as the quietly frightening mother.
Overall summary: Remarkable in its terrifying brilliance and captivating in its ballet-like gracefulness, "Black Swan" is the most sophisticated and beautifully-schizophrenic horror film of the year, if not the decade.
18 comments:
One thing for sure, with this film Aronofsky already made ballet looks so very cool. :)
This also made me have good faith he can do something better with Wolverine – maybe we’ll see another great director like Nolan doing something dark, new and creative with comic book franchise.
Great film. You've presented an accurate review of it.
I couldn't agree more - ballet has never been so cool.
You know what, Jaccs, that's exactly what went through my mind when I found out that he will direct the new version of Wolverine ;)
Lesya, absolutely - it's beyond great! :)
Thanks, glad you liked my review of it.
Great review. I cannot wait to see this movie. Aronofsky is such a talented director. I loved The Wrestler and The Fountain.
Thank you, dear. :)
Aronofsky is a mad genius and I love him and his movies.
Haven't seen The Wrestler yet. Missed it at theaters, then totally forgot about it. Should I watch it, Mel?
Good review. I liked the movie, but probably not as much as others. Just wasn't my type of movie even with the horror element in it. Portman was great. And The Wrestler wasn't a bad movie. Kind of sad really.
Oh yes! The Wrestler is spectacular. Mickey Rourke has never been better and it is a glimpse into a different world, one that is harsh, sad and so unlike anything I have ever experienced.
@Nebular - Once again, great review! Your analytical take was spot on about the inherent contradictory nature of the film (as illustrated through the contrasting elements of Nina's psyche, the defined visual dichotomy, and the character relationships, as well as the Swan Queen performance).
Also, check out The Wrestler. It is superb. As a fan of Aronofsky, you will appreciate it on an even deeper level.
@Jaccstev - I also am eagerly awaiting Wolverine. If Aronofsky's exceptional body of work is any indicator as to what we can expect, then we have a sensational film to look forward to....esp. considering the last Wolverine was grossly dissapointing :)
can't wait to watch this one, excellent review
Aronofsky is definitely talented, but I can't say I like any of his movies. They are just too weird for me. I still haven't seen Pi, but out of all his movies I've seen so far, The Fountain is probably my favorite. Based on what you wrote, I probably won't like this one either, but anyway, it's a great review!
Thanks, HorrO! I didn't think it was perfect, but I found it rather unique and far more chilling than most horror movies nowadays. Sadly, I haven't seen The Wrestler, but I'll certainly check it out now, after all these recommendations.
Mellisa, I've never considered Rourke a great actor, but obviously he has just gotten better with age ;)
@MDV, thank you so much, buddy! I should definitely check out The Wrestler, and I'll do it as soon as I can. Actually, this is the only movie of Aronofsky I haven't watched yet.
Demps, thanks, mate! :) When exactly Black Swan will be released in UK cinemas?
Minoccio, I agree that most of his films are weird, but in the best sense of the word :) I don't know your taste well, but I reckon you might like Black Swan :)
Wonderful film, I thoroughly enjoyed it as I do all of Aronofsky's work. Keep it up bro :) x
http://samlockley.blogspot.com/2011/01/black-swan.html
Sam, it was wonderful indeed :) Thanks, buddy
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