Movie Review: Black Swan

Nina Sayers is an aspiring ballerina who wants more than anything to please her mentor Thomas Leroy, and dance the leading role in Swan Lake in a New York City ballet company. Nina is obsessive in her drive to be the perfect ballerina, driven not only by her mother’s ambition but her own poor self image. When a new ballerina who is the total opposite personality of herself arrives, she threatens her position in the company. Nina must face her own fears and demons while obsessing over her preparation for Swan Lake.

The fine direction, screenplay, cinematography, and choreography makes this film well worth watching. This glimpse into the world of professional ballet is filled with tension, pressure, and insecurity. Natalie Portman is stunning as the fractured Nina, receiving a well deserved Oscar for her performance. Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey, and Mila Kunis give very strong performances.

Black Swan is a dramatic thriller, a riveting film that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. If you haven’t seen Black Swan, add it to your must see list.

2010. Directed by Darren Aronofsky. Starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey, and Winona Ryder.

Rating: