I always hate reading too many critics reviews -- good or bad -- because I don't want them to influence how I feel about a movie. Black Swan got crazy good reviews and praise, and I feared my high expectations would end up falling short. In the end, despite a few gripes, I still walked out of the theater in awe.
I think what is so striking about this film is the visual presentation, and the inclusion of ballet lends itself to that. Originally, the script was to involve a young theater member, but it was changed to dance. The stigma surround ballet and the pressure dancers are under for perfection added more weight behind the story, made it more believable. Also, the parallel of Swan Lake with the plot of the movie heightened the suspense. I seriously kept questioning what was reality and what was imagined. It was all made better by Natalie Portman's acting. She portrayed every element so well -- the vulnerability, the insecurity, the sensuality, the corruption; this is one of her best performances to date. Mila Kunis was also great as her foil, but I felt as though she just played herself -- the sexy, outgoing, rebellious one that everyone loves. It's a stretch to name her Best Supporting Actress, but her dancing was beautiful (and so is she), so if she wins any awards this season, I won't mind too much. There were a myriad of other supporting cast members, but Natalie's character took most of the attention, as she was featured in nearly every frame of the movie.
I still say the beauty and cerebral nature of the film are what make it so enjoyable, aside from the great acting. The final dance, the darkness of it... superb! Overall Rating: A-.
PS - Jim Carrey hosted Saturday Night Live last weekend and did a brilliant spoof of Black Swan. Just thought I would share :)
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