"Black Swan" Movie Review

Upon approaching "Black Swan", you may be taken aback in the same way that I was. The recently Best Picture nominated film is well acclaimed by critics, but not always so by the general audience. Maybe this is to be expected given the strange and experimental style of the film. Ballet mixed with psychological horror is not exactly a staple of American Cinema, but I would argue that it is the side dish with which America is particularly undernourished.

Black Swan stars the talented Natalie Portman as Nina, the young ballet dancer in the prestigious New York City ballet company. When I say "stars" I definitely mean it. Portman is on the screen, often alone, for all but a few seconds of this film. The focus on her is fiercely claustrophobic, and should be given the subject matter. Nina is under an enormous amount of pressure, first hoping wildly for the part of the white and black swans in the upcoming production of Swan Lake, and then, after landing the part, finding herself constantly threatened by her manager that she will be replaced by Lily (Mila Kunis) unless she improves her black swan dancing. Meanwhile, her obsessive mother lurks in the background, living with Nina and attempting to fulfill her dreams through her daughter.

That is enough stress to make anyone lose their edge, but we soon see that Nina has a history of mental instability that shines through more and more aggressively throughout the film. Nina (and we through her eyes) experience horrific and violent hallucinations that build upon themselves throughout the film. This film will keep your eyes glued to the screen in horror, unable to look away as Nina sees her reflection grinning horrifically back at her, as Nina pulls off a hangnail that rips the skin off her arm, and the disturbing scene when Nina and Lily seem to have a drug-induced lesbian encounter, only for Nina to suddenly realize that it isn't Lily who she is with after all.

Portman does a remarkable job with this film that captures Nina's anxiety and transfers it to the audience brilliantly. This film is one of the most psychologically gripping ones I have ever seen and does much better than most horror movies at capturing the dark side of humanity. Nina begins the film as kind, quiet, and innocent. As the story progresses, we see her transform as her hallucinations become stronger and stronger, ending with a finale that you won't soon forget.

The music in this film was unnoticed, which is a good sign. The acting was superb across the board, though the small cast list may be partially to thank. Do not begin this movie with only an interest in ballet. It is a story about the stress and competitiveness of humanity and what that will turn someone into. I left the theater after this movie with an acute fear of mirrors and a decidedly jumpy humor. You've been warned. Enjoy it. I give this film a 5/5 for amazingly engaging and horrific story that keeps you foaming at the mouth until the very last second.

Source: Wikipedia, Black Swan

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