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A psychological thriller set in the world of New York City ballet, Black Swan stars Natalie Portman as Nina, a featured dancer who finds herself locked in a web of competitive intrigue with a new rival at the company (Mila Kunis).
A Fox Searchlight Pictures release by visionary director Darren Aronofsky (The Wrestler), Black Swan takes a thrilling and at times terrifying journey through the psyche of a young ballerina whose starring role as the Swan Queen turns out to be a part for which she becomes frighteningly perfect.
Black Swan follows the story of Nina (Portman), a ballerina in a New York City ballet company whose life, like all those in her profession, is completely consumed with dance. She lives with her retired ballerina mother Erica (Barbara Hershey) who zealously supports her daughter's professional ambition.
When artistic director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) decides to replace prima ballerina Beth Macintyre (Winona Ryder) for the opening production of their new season, 'Swan Lake', Nina is his first choice. But Nina has competition: a new dancer, Lily (Kunis), who impresses Leroy as well. 'Swan Lake' requires a dancer who can play both the White Swan with innocence and grace, and the Black Swan, who represents guile and sensuality.
Nina fits the White Swan role perfectly but Lily is the personification of the Black Swan. As the two young dancers expand their rivalry into a twisted friendship, Nina begins to get more in touch with her dark side with a recklessness that threatens to destroy her.
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Review by: nzgeekgirl
Dated: 4th of June, 2011
I'm not sure I should write this after only one viewing because honestly this film deserves at least two!
First and foremost this is not a dancing movie. Yes you do get to see some dancing but it is not the focus of the film. Instead this is a deeply dark and twisted journey into the mind of an already unstable ballerina on the verge of becoming a star.
I have a whole new respect for the acting skills of Natalie Portman. Her 2011 Oscar win was well deserved. Her performance was chilling and stunning to watch. I could really believe it as her character descended from innocence to depravity.
This is not a film for mindless viewing, the tight running time means that the storyline is fast paced but incredibly rich in symbolism with layers of interruption. The script was incredibly well written and at times I almost found it jarring. Safe to say it earned it's R16 rating. I admit that yes in some ways you could see where the movie was going but other twists and turns may leave you having missed them completely. That why this is worth at least two viewings!
The only thing that left me disappointed was that there were no special features at all. Guess I'll be crossing my fingers for a special edition or 2 disc special. Surely a movie of this calibre would warrant it!
If you love psychological thrillers then this really is a movie I would recommend. I can guarantee that it won't easily leave you and you'll spend quiet some time trying to unravel what you've seen.
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