Several weeks ago I saw the trailer for "Black Swan" which I thought was a movie where Natalie Portman plays a beautiful, delicate ballerina. After seeing the trailer it was clear the movie is actually a dark, psychological thriller, not a girly ballet movie. I decided in that moment not to see it.
Then the Golden Globe nominations were announced and "Black Swan" was nominated in several major categories. As the hostess of the annual Golden Globes viewing party, how could I not see it?
Despite being warned by several family members and friends that I would likely be disturbed by this movie, I went tonight anyway.
Natalie Portman stars as Nina, the principal dancer in an upcoming production of Swan Lake. Her company director praises her performance as the angelic white swan, but harps on her constantly to tap into her deeper, darker side to best portray the black swan. Nina becomes completely and totally consumed with digging deep to play the most perfect white/black swan duo to ever grace the stage.
Portman is cast perfectly in this role. She embodies the ballerina paradox - regimented and disciplined yet fragile. Portman is so thin in this movie you can see every bone and vein in her body. She commits to playing a hyper neurotic, obsessed young woman and delivers a sincere performance.
Mila Kunis also shines as Nina's sometimes friend, sometimes rival, Lily. I have only known Kunis from goofy roles like "That 70s Show" and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." It was nice to see her do something more sophisticated.
Actress Barbara Hershey is fantastic as Nina's stage mom, Erica. She was a dancer until she got pregnant with Nina and has clearly transferred all of her hopes and dreams onto her daughter. Nina still sleeps in her pink, childhood bedroom where her mother watches over her constantly. Hershey was superb as the mother who always takes it one step too far.
I also enjoyed Vincent Cassel who plays, Thomas, the company director. His seedy relationship with Nina was exactly what you'd expect. He tries to push her to be the best performer she can be while also making sure he inappropriately touches her every chance he gets.
Without giving away anything, by the close of the film it is unclear what has actually taken place and what is a hallucination. You find yourself replaying key scenes and wondering whether Nina imagined them or you should feel genuine concern. Perhaps the point was to confuse the viewer?
One thing was unmistakable however, Nina was stunningly beautiful as she sprouted wings and transformed into the black swan. That final shot of her holding her position at the end of the act was breathtaking.
Though my heart pounded for most of the movie and I definitely gasped and covered my eyes multiple times, I did like the movie. It reeled me in.
What did you think? Does the movie deserve all the hype?
