I'm a fan of Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman for obvious reasons. I also enjoy Aronofsky's work and think he's a very gifted director. I often go see the smaller independent movies and frequently enjoy them.
That said, I hated this movie with a passion and couldn't wait for it to be over. I thought this movie was predictable, a complete bore, and not scary or suspenseful in the least. I left dumbfounded at all the hype surrounding this movie. This was surprising to me because this is something that I would usually like.
That said, I hated this movie with a passion and couldn't wait for it to be over. I thought this movie was predictable, a complete bore, and not scary or suspenseful in the least. I left dumbfounded at all the hype surrounding this movie. This was surprising to me because this is something that I would usually like.
The movie didn't do a thing for me. However Natalie Portman did a great job and probably deserves the oscar for her performance. But the subject matter alone with a plot surrounding the ballet is snooze material for many people. Me included. It felt more like a chick flick to me, than a movie that has wide spread audience appeal. I can see where the artsy fartsy east coast New York critics would like a movie like this. But I would take the Social Network, Inception or The King's Speech anyday over this movie.
But it lasts all of 20 seconds and it's not really that sexy...
I found this movie to be phenomenal. Natalie Portman deserves all the recognition she can get for this role, Mila Kunis did well enough in her minor role, and Vincent Cassell was FANTASTIC as the theater director. Aronofsky had said he wanted this to be a companion piece to his THE WRESTLER and I think he did just that. Same basic character arc but where as THE WRESTLER is at the end of a career, BLACK SWAN is at the beginning.
8/10 for me.
I found this movie to be phenomenal. Natalie Portman deserves all the recognition she can get for this role, Mila Kunis did well enough in her minor role, and Vincent Cassell was FANTASTIC as the theater director. Aronofsky had said he wanted this to be a companion piece to his THE WRESTLER and I think he did just that. Same basic character arc but where as THE WRESTLER is at the end of a career, BLACK SWAN is at the beginning.
8/10 for me.
Obviously the cast was strong, Cassel and Kunis were perfect in their role. However, the movie did nothing for me. I don't understand all the love for this movie. I can't even put my finger on what it was, but I almost turned it off to see what was on SNL. Maybe it was too much for me, the child who never got to grow up, who has an eating disorder, and was pshychotic (maybe?), who loved/hated the director, wait is the director her father, and add in some drugs and lesbian date rape. I think the main goal of Aronofsky was to confuse and make the audience uncomfortable, that doesn't always make for a good movie.
From Rotten Tomato:
A psychological thriller set in the world of New York City ballet, BLACK SWAN stars Natalie Portman as Nina, a featured dancer who finds herself... A psychological thriller set in the world of New York City ballet, BLACK SWAN stars Natalie Portman as Nina, a featured dancer who finds herself locked in a web of competitive intrigue with a new rival at the company (Mila Kunis). A Fox Searchlight Pictures release by visionary director Darren Aronofsky (THE WRESTLER), BLACK SWAN takes a thrilling and at times terrifying journey through the psyche of a young ballerina whose starring role as the duplicitous swan queen turns out to be a part for which she becomes frighteningly perfect. 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. -- (C) Official Site Less
I usually give a movie the benefit of the doubt, but I am sorry this movie was bad. I found myself constantly thinking about turning it off but was already half way through so figured I might as well finish it. Predictable, boring, drawn out etc. etc. Portman done a good job acting I agree, but the plot just sucks.
