Black Swan (2010)

Black Swan plays with your mind – it puts into doubt all you think is real and dissolves order into utter chaos. There is a devastating climax and resolution, but it comes at the cost of your peace of mind.

The film is a psychological horror story that revolves around a production of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Following a tense audition, Nina Sayers (played by Natalie Portman) wins the lead role to be the Swan Queen. It is one of the highest achievements in her ballet career and a great honour in the world of ballet. The problem? She is perfect for the part of the white swan, but does she have what it takes to bring out the character of the black swan?

From then on, it becomes a battle of will/s. It is a personal struggle for the rather shy and quiet Nina to channel her inner power and the skill of expression to portray a character steeped in evil and desire. It is a struggle for her mother, who never tires of reminding Nina of all that she gave up to have a child. The demanding director Vincent Cassel (Thomas Leroy) sees Nina’s potential, but appears unsure of his choice, continuously undermining her with harsh criticism.

Directed by Darren Aronofsky, Black Swan explores the dimensions of good and evil, through Nina’s efforts to become the perfect swan queen. Innocence, beauty and good appear within easy reach. Nina can convey the emotions of the white swan with great conviction. The desire, the deceit and the charged nature of the black swan is not so easy to grasp, and ahead of Nina is a challenge to find that darkness in her. Her quest manifests into delusions and hallucinations, and her continuous feeling of being under threat and in danger sends everyday realities spiraling out of control.

Portman is simply brilliant. She is in turns the seduced and the seducer, the victim and the perpetrator, the hero and the villain. It is an emotion-driven portrayal and a demanding performance, and she makes the role her own. The physical exertion of life in ballet, and the emotional toll of securing a great part and delivering a performance worthy of it are shown to riveting effect.    

Mila Kunis’ character Lily is all that Nina isn’t – a vivacious and spirited young woman not afraid to enjoy life and take a few risks to make things more exciting. Kunis brings an edge to the film and delivers temptation in all its wiliness – the perfect black swan. Nina’s relationship with Lily is both self-revealing and destructive. They are rivals, but from that rivalry a twisted friendship is born. They seem drawn to each other, but you know it cannot do any good.

The world of ballet is far from beautiful music and glittering costumes. It’s about passion, dedication and practice. Cassel’s method of teaching is doubtful, but his message is clear – you have to feel it inside and lose yourself, you must embody that evil, and you must show the audience you are what you are portraying, for that one moment. He tests her sexual innocence, and the rumours rip through Nina’s already fraught emotions.

Lessons learnt: Nina and Vincent

The film is visually demanding. The bloody nails, the torn skin, the webbed feet and broken bones add up to a chilling portrayal that becomes all the more disturbing seen through fragile ballerinas and soft feathered costumes. The very flesh is revolting in the quest to find perfection. What price does the soul demand, when it is forced to seek in itself what it is not?

Nina’ tension-filled relationship with her mother (Barbara Hershey plays Erica Sayers) provides an interesting insight into Nina’s character and her repressed nature. Although no longer a child, she has no privacy in her home; lives surrounded by remnants of her childhood (all those cuddly bears and twirling pink ballerinas take on a sinister tone); and is forced to play the part of the dutiful and obedient daughter. It takes its unfortunate toll on both mother and daughter. Erica and Beth MacIntyre, Winona Ryder’s tragic dying swan, embody the tragedy and alienation of those who lose their spot in the limelight, and are unable to accept it. Jealousy, bitterness, recriminations and despair lead to the decay of everything they had ever achieved.

The film leaves you questioning the idea of perfection, which blurs the line between true dedication and unhealthy, all-consuming passion. You walk away with a chill in your heart and a need to throw yourself into a safer reality. Black Swan is an intense and dark film that will leave you emotionally drained, but full of artistic wonder.

Finally, congratulations to Natalie Portman, who just won the Oscar for the Best Actress for her portrayal of Nina in Black Swan. A richly deserved award for a brilliant performance.

Here's the trailer:

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