The steamy sex scene has dominated all of the talk about Black Swan, and my naughtiest dreams, but it's not the only reason to get all hot and bothered about this potential Oscar contender. Natalie Portman stars Nina - a hard working, but not gifted ballerina who finally gets her big break to star in Swan Lake. However, she is a hot mess!
Nina is losing it as she deals with a domineering stage mother (Barbara Hershey) and her controlling ballet company director, Thomas (Vincent Cassel), who seems to be trying to get into her brain (and, maybe, pants). Of course, it all explodes when Nina starts to worry that the troupe's new and naturally talented dancer, Lily (Mila Kunis), is gunning for the lead role.
Is Lily trying to usurp Nina and become the Swan Queen before the curtain even rises on the production's premiere?
Is Nina going insane?
Black Swan is more compelling and exciting than you ever thought ballet could be.
Portman has the audience constantly wondering about her character's mental stability as she makes Nina into a fragile, overly innocent little flower anxious and unable to deal with all of the external and internal pressures she feels. Portman's performance transforms Black Swan from some story about backstage gossip and backstabbing into a psychological thriller.
Then, Kunis has one of those performances that change a career (in a good way). She is perfect as the sexy, dangerous, enticing dancer who is more than willing to help Nina unleash her wild side. Before you think it's all about the tantalizing prospects that sentence puts in your mind, Kunis is captivating for the attitude she brings to Lily, and still stuns us (while wearing all of her clothes). You can't take your eyes off this woman when she is on the screen, and Kunis finds moments to make Lily sweet and kind as well, helping Portman keep us confused about her possible insanity.
Director Darren Aronofsky could pick up the pace a bit in Black Swan as it is simmering a little too long before it delivers its most amazing moments, but when it gets going, hang on for a wild ride.
He does a wonderful job shocking the audience with the physical beating these dancers, and Nina, take while pursuing this beautiful art. I have spoken to other dancers who told me about the punishment the body takes, but Aronofsky puts it on full display in graphically, gut-wrenching fashion.
Black Swan is in limited release, but will start expanding across the country if the Oscar prospects continue to increase.
3 ½ Waffles (Out of 4)
Black Swan is rated R for strong sexual content, disturbing violent images, language and some drug use.
Portman has the audience constantly wondering about her character's mental stability as she makes Nina into a fragile, overly innocent little flower anxious and unable to deal with all of the external and internal pressures she feels. Portman's performance transforms Black Swan from some story about backstage gossip and backstabbing into a psychological thriller.
Then, Kunis has one of those performances that change a career (in a good way). She is perfect as the sexy, dangerous, enticing dancer who is more than willing to help Nina unleash her wild side. Before you think it's all about the tantalizing prospects that sentence puts in your mind, Kunis is captivating for the attitude she brings to Lily, and still stuns us (while wearing all of her clothes). You can't take your eyes off this woman when she is on the screen, and Kunis finds moments to make Lily sweet and kind as well, helping Portman keep us confused about her possible insanity.
Director Darren Aronofsky could pick up the pace a bit in Black Swan as it is simmering a little too long before it delivers its most amazing moments, but when it gets going, hang on for a wild ride.
He does a wonderful job shocking the audience with the physical beating these dancers, and Nina, take while pursuing this beautiful art. I have spoken to other dancers who told me about the punishment the body takes, but Aronofsky puts it on full display in graphically, gut-wrenching fashion.
Black Swan is in limited release, but will start expanding across the country if the Oscar prospects continue to increase.
3 ½ Waffles (Out of 4)
Black Swan is rated R for strong sexual content, disturbing violent images, language and some drug use.
