Review of Black Swan (2010) by James M — 02 Jan 2014

Those expecting a nice & sweet ballet movie may be disappointed. Although ballet has a great deal to do with the plot, this is very much a movie about obsession. Obsession with beauty, fame and above all else, perfection.

Natalie Portman delivers a brilliant performance as Nina Sayers, a young ballet dancer who gets the role of her lifetime as the lead in an upcoming production of Swan Lake. Ostracised by the other dancers at her academy and pushed too far by her perfectionist director and overprotective mother, Nina begins a descent into madness, allowing the pressure of the part to corrupt her.

Darren Aronofsky brings the same twisted visuals he used on Requiem For A Dream, whilst still maintaining an art house feel to the film.

I can appreciate this film not being for everyone, but if your a fan of the director's previous work, or just a spot of good acting, give it a chance.

Natalie Portman won a much deserved Best Actress Oscar for this, without doubt her best ever screen performance.