BLACK SWAN REVIEW

Isn't she beautiful?

THE MOVIE: CRITIC'S TAKE

This movie has high expectations to succeed. A retelling of one of the greatest plays ever, one of the best directors in the industry looking for his first Oscar run, and a lesbian scene with Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis. What more can you ask for? Winona Ryder getting in on the lesbo action? Yeah I was hoping for that too but hey if a 7-9 NFL football team can beat the superbowl champs anything can happen.

STORY

The film consists of Nina, played by Natalie Portman, dealing with her new role as the Swan Princess. Her ballet instructor named Thomas, played by Vincent Cassel, believes she lacks the fire to be the Black Swan. He tries to bring out her sexuality in creepy and seductive ways. He preys on her innocence and challenges Nina every step of the way. He is trying to unleash the fire that is inside her but she is too "fragile" to allow that to happen. That's when Mila Kunis comes in to play!

Sexy back

Mila is hot, sexy, seductive, and kinda skanky looking. Everything the Black Swan needs to be. Thomas let's Nina know that Lily, Mila Kunis character, has the passion to lead the play. He rudely whispers in Nina's ear "She's not faking it." It looked as if it sent a chill down Nina's spine. Lily has a lively personality and wants to get to know Nina. After a few brush offs Nina finally gives in and goes out partying with Lily. I won't give away any spoilers but the end result of this scene will leave every straight man happy and a fantasy fulfilled.

Finally a dream come true!

Eventually Lily becomes her understudy which sends Nina spiraling down to a dark hole. She begins to start turning on her mother, played by Barbara Hershey, by unleashing her built up frustration over the years. The mother didn't help with her sanity at all. It even looked as if she was the catalyst for her daughters devilish behavior. The mother kept her, what it seemed, sheltered from the world. There was a fixation about cutting Nina's nails to prevent her from doing acts of self mutilation. I took it as a sign for things to come.

If you are familiar with the black swan story then you know how it ends. I enjoyed the new take on the Swan Princess and how they imprinted a psychological thriller into a story about heartache. You never know what's real and what's in Nina's mind till the end and even then you will be left with many questions. One of them won't be "Can I get a refund?"

ACTING

Everyone played their parts well. From the main cast all the way down the ladder. The actors owned their roles and the chemistry was there. Vincent Cassel proved that he can be a prude and a male tempest at the same time. Natalie Portman delivered a good performance but not her best. Don't get me wrong she's good in this movie but I don't think she should win an Oscar for it. Acting like a sheltered princess and masturbating on film shouldn't warrant an Oscar win. Maybe a nod but definitely not the win but given the competition she has I can see her taking it. What other female actress had a better year than her?

I think I'm in love

Mila Kunis provided the fun that was lacking in this film. The film isn't dull but Mila's personality lights up the film. She did a great job as being the antagonist. She seemed to be having fun playing the bad girl. Barbara and Winona did just as fine. I wish Winona had more screen time but the time she did have was presented well. Her last appearance should leave a lasting impression.

SPECIAL EFFECTS

This film also displayed some stunning effects. Nothing gory but very eerie. There is also some jump scares that surprised me. The black swan transformation was done beautifully. The build up to see what she looked like at the end was almost titillating. She didn't look monstrous but darkly beautiful. Given it being a low budget film the special effects were never over the top and looked as real as being on an acid trip. I loved Lily's tattoo and how it seemed to change throughout the film... just lovely.

Shit!

WRITING AND DIRECTING

The film was written by Mark Heyman, Andres Heinz, and John McLaughlin. With these many writers the film better had been good or there would have been three more people at the unemployment line. Luckily it turned out very well and the writers should get a nod for this. The dialog felt natural and not one character seemed alike. The pace of the story went well and nothing was confusing in what should have been a confusing movie. Now that's called a good storyteller or storytellers.

Darren Afonofsky, the man behind The Wrestler, PI, and Requiem for a Dream, directed this film. This has to be one of his best films to date. It's dark when it needs to be and the film has a natural gritty look to it. It's like you're actually taking a peak into someone else's life. I do think Darren deserves the Oscar for this one. He's long overdue but I think the Coen brothers will grab it for True Grit.

THE END

You get what you pay for. If you want a good story then see this anyway you can. If you want a story fueled with sexual tension and lesbian action then this is a story for you. If you're a fan of any of the actors, actresses, and director you won't be disappointed. If you don't believe me just take a look for yourself. What's the worst that can happen other than a boner in the theater and wondering if anyone sees it.



STORY 9 out of 10
ACTING 9 out of 10
SPECIAL EFFECTS 8 out of 10
WRITING 8 out of 10
DIRECTING 9 out of 10

OVERALL 9 (MUST SEE)