After waiting for what seems like ages, I finally went to see Black Swan with my friend Anna. I went in expecting a great film and I came out in absolute awe. It was jarring, even frightening, and undeniably beautiful. Everything from the cinematography to the actors' performances to the Rodarte-designed ballet costumes was incredible. Nina—played by Natalie Portman—possesses a headspace that is so overrun with the expectations of others and outside influence that deep psychological conflict overcomes her. The way she operates at the beginning of the film is infantile, but with a series of wicked strides, she learns to escape her innocence. The film pointedly shows its viewers that we can be our own greatest enemies. It certainly encourages self-exploration and an evaluation of our desires and self-concepts. While films of a psychological nature can often leave gaps, Black Swan was seamlessly developed. There are things left up to question, but the story comes to a head with the support of stressful relationships and the disastrous evaluations of them. The physical, shock art-like aspects of the film don't seem excessive, but absolutely necessary. It will be a shame if director Darren Aronofsky and Natalie Portman don't receive awards for their work. With only the best of intentions, I wish upon you lovely and visceral nightmares.
Photos viadaemonmovies, The Guardian, indiegeniusprod.com, salon.com
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