Black Swan (2010)
Overall this is very solid film. I still think that Aronofsky's two previous films The Fountain and The Wrestler are better, but I feel like I could end up in the minority with that opinion. I feel that in order to get a complete grasp of the film, I'm going to see it a couple of more times when it comes out on Blu-ray.
Natalie Portman is absolutely fantastic. She successfully carries over her tense emotions over to the viewer that causes you to be on the edge of your seat. Coupled with Clint Mansell's dark soundtrack it makes for an excellent combo.
In the spoiler I have a few theories about the film, so don't click it if you haven't seen the film. It's quite long:
[Show spoiler]I think Black Swan deals with the a person's fear of failure and to a lesser extent, success. I think the white swan is characterized by Nina's safe nature that prefers technique and perfection. The black swan is ultimately risk, a performance that is more dynamic and loose. Throughout the film Thomas LeRoy (Vincent Cassel) repeatedly tells Nina that the only thing holding her back is her own mind. Her mind constantly conjures up reasons why she can't succeed, most notably in the form of a double taking her spot (Lily/Mila Kunis). Nina gets progressively paranoid that everyone is out to get her, especially since Thomas chose Nina to replace Beth earlier in the film. We also see Nina project her own image onto Lily at various points throughout the film. Overall I feel that Nina conjures up reasons that she won't succeed because she doesn't want to end up like her own mother, a failed ballet dancer. In a sense, if she did fail, she would turn into the monster of her mother who pushed her so hard to succeed.
Another theme I caught onto was Aronofsky's stance on Hollywood in general. The parallels between Hollywood and the ballet studio are quite frequent. The whole notion of an older actress being replaced by a new and younger actress should ring plenty of bells. As well should the sexual exploitation of women. This is evidenced by Thomas making Nina earn her role for the Swan first by kissing, then seducing her and ultimately having sex with her. While they never do have sex, it is strongly hinted when they head back to Thomas' place for drinks. I've dealt with some professors who have worked in Hollywood and have definitely told me that this does occur. I feel that there is definitely substance to this theory but I feel it requires a few more viewings to expand upon it.
Also another theory you could easily draw up is Nina's struggle with her dark side. Nina constantly seems to be bottling herself up and preventing herself from indulging into darker territory. My only problem with the theory is we never fully understand what exactly this dark past is, we don't know where the epicenter of her problems originate.
Those are just a few theories on it. I don't think that there is necessarily a "correct" theory. Anyone who has watched The Fountain should know this. I think there is substantial evidence for a number of theories.
My only problem with the film necessarily is that it was a tad predictable at the end. I was able to tell about 20 minutes before the end what would happen. Overall it's a very good film, but I didn't love it.
4/5
All countries
Argentina
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Chile
China
Colombia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Estonia
Denmark
Finland
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
India
Latvia
Lithuania
Malaysia
New Zealand
Norway
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Singapore
South Africa
South Korea
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
You know us Americans; the rest of the world doesn't exist till we start dropping bombs on you.
Linear Mode
