Sunday, December 5, 2010

Black Swan Review

Natalie Portman Black Swan TV spot

Took in the "Black Swan" movie last night at the Landmark Magnolia which was one of the few theatres it was playing. I read some reviews and most were saying its a remarkable movie.  After seeing it I really don't think so. Yes its a thriller, yes Natalie Portman (Nina Sayers) performance as a New York Ballet performer who strives for perfection is very good. Oscar worthy may be questionable. Thought Lead actor Thomas (Vincent Cassel) stole the spotlight during the movie during shared scenes.   Beth (Winona Ryder) plays a washed up star ballerina and Barbara Hershey plays Nina's crazy and obsessive and controlling mother.  Side note on Barbara Hershey, appears to have had a bad botox experience that leaves her face on close ups to appear disfigured. The story follows Nina a dedicated little ballerina all her life, but even though she belongs to a prestigious New York ballet company, she’s never had a chance at center stage to be in the limelight. Then Thomas decides Beth is too old now and chooses Nina as her successor as Swan Queen for his upcoming interpretation of "Swan Lake" with an innocent and dark swan .  Beth goes in to depression and ends up in the hospital.  In comes Lily (Mila Kunis from "That '70s Show" ), a dancer who is wild and passionate where Nina is disciplined and innocent. Nina is threaten that her Swan queen job is in jeopardy. 

Darren Aronofsky’s from "The Wrestle" and "Requiem for a Dream" fame is the movies director.  Its obvious that these past movies play a role in his directing of this movie by the countless close up shots throughout the movie.  I thought Nina's character could have been expanded some since she is basically a shallow person who only eats, sleeps and dreams of ballet in the movie.  The people leaving the movie were as confused as me with the movie what was real and what was imagination.  At the end I think the direction and performances were good but the movie and story line were lacking and bang that would put this movie in a top category.  I rated movie as a 3.5 on a 5 scale.

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