Review of Black Swan (2010) by Harpreet S — 09 Mar 2013

"Black Swan" doesn't reach transcendence. Well crafted, particularly the opening and ending. Natalie Portman's performance is praise-worthy; it reminded me of how much work a serious actor has to put in for a character.

You have to think how awful and torturous the childhood of Nina Sayers (Portman) must have been, considering what Darren Aronofsky shows of visions created inside her head. Barbara Hershey plays the mother of Portman's character; it's not a performance to remember, only appearance.

She is intentionally creepy, even her face of which the cheeks seem to have been cut, very much like The Joker. I really don't have any complaints or anything to highly appreciate. I enjoyed it, was satisfied.

It's not nearly as explosive, inventive, or energetic as "Requiem for a Dream" was. The story isn't that great, at times you think the director is doing too much, being too out-of-hand to scare and surprise the viewer, which doesn't always work.

There is some minor humor, too. Except for Portman the other major characters weren't as descriptive. I almost feel as the film doesn't go anywhere; there isn't much to reflect on. It was fun, could have been a much better.