Black Swan review

In another brilliant work by Darren Aronofsky, the New York director manages to give a new perspective on the famous ballet Swan Lake in his latest psychological thriller, Black Swan. Not like other ballet movies which usually focus on the beauty of the choreography or romance story, this Best Movie of The Year Oscar nominee focuses on the main cast delusional behaviours. Aronofsky somehow successfully directs the audiences to see how and what the white swan feels and thinks during the movie.

Set in the world of the New York City ballet, the movie shows how Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) playing Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde with herself. Portman is a feature ballet dancer who wins the key role cast for the Swan Lake play, but things do not go as smoothly as she plans, when she founds out about the presence of a new rival dancer, Lilly (Mila Kunis). As the rivalry continues, Nina’s obsession with her role becomes paranoia, delusion and more. This is the part where Aronofsky shows his talent.

Portman’s acting was quite notable. At some moments in the movie I think she IS the swan, but during much of the rest, she just misses it. Generally, it was a good one otherwise she wouldn’t be nominated for this year Best Actress in Oscar. But personally I somehow expected more. The movie also co-stares Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey and Winona Ryder. It’s hardly fair to judge the co-star's act because most of the focus is on Portman, literally. For example, the seductive scenes featuring Portman with Cassel and Kunis are not strong enough. You barely even see the act. But maybe it’s just another of Aronofsky’s trick to keep our focus on Portman’s character.

Moving to the technical stuff, if you enjoy scenes using one-man camera technique, then you will find this movie interesting. Otherwise you will probably feel dizzy half the time because of all the hand-held stuff. The other thing that will surely capture your attention is the way Aronofsky wants you to see the palette of the settings. Most of it comes in monochrome and pale colours, perhaps from a desire to emphasise the black-and-white or good-and-bad side of the swan character.

The soundtrack also plays a big role in this movie. When you hear Portman inhaling and exhaling while she's dancing or running or crying it just add the tension to the point as if you were the cameraman or you are standing right next to her. Although its a thriller you won't find any suspenseful soundtrack like a violins in Psycho when you reach a shocking scene. Most of it sounded off a classical music with strings, woodwinds and brasses that give goosebumps. A very well done original music score by Clint Mansell. And of course last but not least, what would a Swan Lake be with out the famous original classic tune by Tchaikovsky.

If you are an aficionado of Aronofsky's work then I would strongly recommend you to see this movie. This one is his best work yet. I personally think it's one of the must-watch movies for this year.