@ The Movies: Black Swan

Without any hesitation, I can say that “Black Swan” is hands down one of the best thrillers that I have seen in the last 5 years. It’s certainly THE best movie of 2010.

When I saw the first preview for the film a few weeks ago, I knew that I would love it. In that 2 minute trailer, I saw art, drama, passion & success! After seeing the actual film twice, I can saw that I was right & there was so much more. I found the film to be quite stressful but in a good way.

I found myself asking what’s going to happen next. Is this her reality. Did that just happen etc. I love when a film can take me on a ride that I want to experience again & again.

Natalie Portman, is totally not a little girl anymore. In her role as Nina Sayers, she blossoms from being a young girl on the come up in the ballet world to a woman who takes what she wants. Along her path to becoming a woman, she struggles to deal with her insecurities, dance rivals, & a mother that reminds you of the mother from the movie “Carrie.” I was just waiting for her mother to scream “They’re all going to laugh at you!”

In terms of beauty, I fell in love with the seamless character interactions, graceful cinematography, costumes & sound effects. So much was just perfect including one of the most epic masturbation scenes that I’ve seen in a non-skin flick. When Nina completed her transformation, my tip got moist! It was breathtaking & VERY climatic! Just when you thought it could get no better it does.

Even with all the things that made Black Swan a visual treat, there was enough gore and drama to counteract. Witnessing someone rip their own flesh away is always a shocker but you have to ask yourself while seeing this film if she really did it. Is this woman really experiencing some type of physical transformation or is it a fantastical dream.

By the time the movie fades to white, you are left with more questions than answers. You want more. You want an encore. Well, at least it was that way for me, which is why I saw it twice.

After seeing the film & being captivated by the opening sequence where Nina dances with Von Rothbart made me think that I needed some ballet in my life, so I think I will next month in Detroit when the Joffrey Ballet Company visits Detroit. I’m fancy right!

Advertised Synopsis:

BLACK SWAN follows the story of Nina (Portman), a ballerina in a New York City ballet company whose life, like all those in her profession, is completely consumed with dance. She lives with her retired ballerina mother Erica (Barbara Hershey) who zealously supports her daughter’s professional ambition.

When artistic director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) decides to replace prima ballerina Beth MacIntyre (Winona Ryder) for the opening production of their new season, Swan Lake, Nina is his first choice. But Nina has competition: a new dancer, Lily (Kunis), who impresses Leroy as well. Swan Lake requires a dancer who can play both the White Swan with innocence and grace, and the Black Swan, who represents guile and sensuality.

Nina fits the White Swan role perfectly but Lily is the personification of the Black Swan. As the two young dancers expand their rivalry into a twisted friendship, Nina begins to get more in touch with her dark side with a recklessness that threatens to destroy her.

The On a related note:

– I hated Nina’s pink coat in this movie. She wore it with everything. Even an ugly evening gown. This character got dissed real hard in the wardrobe department.

– I really got excited when Nina emerged from the subways station at Lincoln Center. I actually did a dumb little clap & whispered “fashion week.”

– I Googled images of ballet dancer toes & I threw up in my mouth a little bit! You definitely do not want to see what’s up in those point shoes. YIKES!

– Much of Black Swan was shot with Canon DSLR cameras which is quite fascinating. Check here for the details.