Black Swan

Two of of my favourite things; Ballet and Thrillers are beautifully captured in Black Swan, one of the best films in the past year. Director Darren Aronofsky choreographs a brilliant piece of cinema through his exploration of the professional world of Ballet. Natalie Portman stars in a career defining role as Nina, a dancer for the New York Ballet Company, who obtains the lead role of Swan Queen in the production of Swan Lake. Nina is subsequently tormented left, right and centre; firstly from her overbearing Mother (Barbara Hershey), also from the sleazy director of the Company (Vincent Cassel) and from her rivaling understudy, Lily (Mila Kunis). The film explores the stress that accompanies a career in ballet, and Nina's strive to find perfection in her performance. Suspense builds as Nina feels that everyone, including herself, is out to get her. The layering of the Swan Lake story into Nina's reality helps to strengthen the film, giving it depth and clever double meanings. The wonderful use of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake music throughout the film easily sets the mood and sits well against the more thrilling scenes. The sound throughout the entire film is amazing, including the subtle sounds of flapping wings, crunching bones etc. which help to layer the film into the Swan Lake theme. Aronofsky was clever in directing the ballet sequences, to give the audience no doubts that Natalie Portman is not actually a world class ballerina. Portman gives it her all and creates an interesting character in Nina. Natalie Portman IS Nina, and we are engulfed in her journey. Winning Best Actress at the Oscar's is well and truly under her wing.
Not only is it the best ballet film I have seen, true in its depiction of pain, greed, jealousy and stress, it is also one of the most thrilling films made in recent years. Ladies and gentleman, put your hands together for Black Swan...
5/5