'Black Swan' Review

After first hearing of this film about a year ago now, I have been eagerly awaiting the day of its release. Today was that day, and after much anticipation I was not disappointed. This movie was quite simply sublime. Natalie Portman leads the way in Darren Aronofsky's latest as a ballerina taking on the role of the Swan Queen in 'Swan Lake', and her descent into madness as her obsession with the role deepens. Aronofsky has made it clear that this film is a companion piece to his 2009 feature 'The Wrestler' and this makes sense given the parallels that can be drawn between the two films and the nature of the lead characters, however these two films are also so very different. 'Black Swan' is psycho-melodrama which delves into fear, love and hate.

This movie is visually fascinating, using hand held cameras to shoot the film capturing every movement, and taking the audience along to experience every moment. The handheld method of photographing this film, gives it a very immersive quality, providing it with a cheaper and grainier aesthetic, which ultimately creates a more atmospheric final outcome. And cinema does not often achieve such a claustrophobic feeling as is done in this picture, we feel how trapped Nina (Portman) is within her situation through looming close-ups and a  foreboding sense of evil. Nina's metaphorical transformation into a swan also provides interesting viewing, often making your skin crawl as the change in Nina becomes more graphic. The physical pain brought to Nina from this role, and the intensity of this calibre of ballet is portrayed very clearly through the effects it has to her body. Although some of this would have been genuine consequences of the dedication Portman brought to the role, training for up to 8 hours a day for a whole year to gain both the ability and the body.

The high standard of performances in this film is highly commendable, with superb acting on display from the cast as a whole.  Mila Kunis displays the Yin to Portman's Yang superbly; Vincent Cassel plays the dictatorial instructor with a great command and intensity; Barbara Hershey displays all that can be unlovable about a pushy parent; Winona Ryder is well cast as a prime example of what happens when you fall from the top of your game to the bottom; however it is Portman who delivers the showstopper performance in this movie. Delving into the two sides of the Swan Queen allows Portman to portray two very different characters in one role, and she displays the contrast between the white and black swan sides fantastically. She firstly shows the pressures of professional ballet and the strain it causes through desperation to succeed, before exploring the dark side of herself to portray the black swan with great intensity. The emotional depth she brings to Nina is hugely impressive: the emotion within her face and particularly eyes when gazing at Cassel's instructor whilst dancing together is very powerful and the depiction of frustration at the pressure she is under, and the relationship with her mother (Hershey) is so well developed. Also, look out for the moment where Nina dances as the black swan - wow! Portman's portrayal of a woman going through a major breakdown is mind blowing, and her work here WILL be rewarded with a highly deserved Oscar.

Aronofsky delivers another superbly unique picture with 'Black Swan'. Proving himself as one of the best directors at bringing utterly engaging character studies to the screen. Aronofsky has shown a strong knack for displaying psychological deterioration within his primary characters, with Portman's work here comparable to Ellen Burstyn's in 'Requiem For A Dream'.  Here his direction provides a very focused vision to this picture, even amongst all the outrageous goings on. Arronofsky has directed a series of film, which although are mainly crtitically praised are sometimes disliked - hugely. So even though myself and everyone I have spoken to so far have thought very highly of this film, there will be those who will have a serious disliking for it, both in terms of the content and style of the movie.

'Black Swan' is insane, outrageous and often over-the -top, but this is ultimately why it is just so fantastic. A gripping watch from the engaging opening to the superb ending, this movie will stick with you long after you leave the cinema. Portman astounds as Nina, and with this performance she will rightfully be showered with awards. Bravo.

Verdict:

5 Stars