Dec 22 2010
Watch Black Swan?
Two words to describe this movie: Emotional Mindfuck.
I just finished watching Black Swan and holy shit do I feel emotionally exhausted. It’s creepy and baroque and just plain taxing. It’s not JUST about ballet so don’t get turned off by that part of the movie. While it is a look into the ballet world that some say is completely inaccurate, it’s a lot more character driven than that.
Like: The acting. Everyone is pretty superb in this film. Natalie Portman is fantastic as the weak, mild Nina Sayers, who, in order to become the Black Swan has to loosen up and free herself from the stress of being a ballerina. She deserves the Oscar if she wins it. Just watching her transform on screen was so enticing. Vincent Cassell is perfect as the smarmy director. I feel like this is always a stereotypical role in movies about ballet. There HAS to be a prima donna and the director that attempts to seduce her. In any case, he’s well casted and definitely looks and acts the part. My favorite though was Mila Kunis. Where did this girl come from? She plays Nina’s rival and character foil, Lily, and, in a lot of the scenes she’s in, steals the spotlight. I’m cheering for her to win the Supporting Actress Oscar! To think, Blake Lively auditioned for this role. Fuck. Thank God for Mila Kunis. Barbara Hershey as Nina’s mom. Man, through the whole movie I wanted to slap this chick in the face and tell her to relax! She played the controlling and uptight mom so incredibly well. Kudos.
Like: The symbolism in everything. Nina always wore white or light colors and Lily always wore black or dark colors. Mirrors everywhere symbolizing Nina’s dark side that always seemed trapped inside her. Amazing use of the set and props. I dug it. These are little things that help emphasize themes and the character’s motives and mannerisms and they were very well done.
I feel like people are either going to hate or love this film. It’s definitely not for everyone and it is definitely weird. (Aronofsky seems to excel with the weird and disturbing i.e. Requiem for a Dream) Don’t watch it if you don’t want to be creeped out and don’t watch it if you want to be solely entertained with something light and fluffy. This film will throw you for a loop and will make you think and feel really crazy things. If you want a roller coaster like that, then by all means, watch it because it’s a great film, but I’m warning you right now, there’s a huge chance you won’t like it unless you know what you’re in for.
They don’t make films like these anymore: ones that actually give you goosebumps, make your hair stand on end and make you emotionally vomit. It’s pretty crazy. You’re in for a sick ride.
5/5