Movie Review: Black Swan

Last week, I had a chance to watch the special advance screening of the much-anticipated Oscar-bet psychological-thriller movie, "Black Swan" starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, and Vincent Cassel. The event wasn't that spectacle, maybe because "Black Swan" has already premiered a few days before, but the movie itself is really a celebration of superb artistry and craftsmanship, courtesy of Black Swan's director, Darren Aronofsky. The story is simple, yet it will make you transcends to a place where reality crosses the borderline of imagination. Director Darren Aronofsky really made a great job directing this film, I almost find myself breathless with every scene, so grotesque, yet so appealing to watch, almost an eye candy experience.

About "Black Swan"

The movie is about a ballerina named Nina (Natalie Portman) who wants to make it big in the ballet world. When an opportunity came that seeks the for a role as the "Swan Queen" in an upcoming ballet dance performance, "The Swan Lake", Nina did not hesitate to audition for the part of the lead role. However, the artistic director (Vincent Cassel) insisted that the lead role is a dual role, because the person who was able to be chosen as the White Swan will also play the role of the Black Swan.

Nina passed the role for the White Swan. According to the artistic director, she fitted the role so perfectly, her personality of a White Swan is what being shown to her. However, the role of the Black Swan lacks her personality. The artistic director is not convinced that Nina can do the Black Swan role. Then came Lily (Mila Kunis), an equally-good and graceful, ballet dancer that can play both the White Swan and the Black Swan role. Lily is more liberating and passionate for the Black Swan role, and because of this, Lily becomes another favorite by the artistic director, she was immediately got the alternative dancer for Nina.

Equipped with her enthusiasm and determination to get the dual role, Nina finds herself battling against herself and conquering her borders and limitations.

Made Me Think

Black Swan is a psychological-thriller movie that will surely make you think of what's happening with Natalie Portman's character Nina. It made realize one time that this particular scene happening to her is real, but on second thought, it's not real. Ms. Portman's believable characterization of Nina is sometimes bothering and annoying at the same time, but these characteristics are what the audience will surely love.

Nina's emotional, childish persona, and personal turmoil are what Natalie Portman's ticket to Oscars trophy. Her deliberation of a ballerina who wants a lead, fabulous role, is what the moviegoers should be watching after. I really love how the movie was presented, especially how the director of the film, Darren Aronofsky, interpreted how a sweet, innocent, Nina, was turned into a filthy, liberating, black swan.

Although there are some psychological-thriller movie that has been done in the past, and the movie "Black Swan" can be compared to the level of "Fight Club", I think, overall, the movie is unique and can outshine every movie that has the same genre. "Black Swan" starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, and Vincent Cassel, directed by Darren Aronofsky is an OSCAR 2011 contender. It will be shown on February 23 in Philippine theaters, nationwide. For "Black Swan" movie trailer, you may click here.