Black Swan

4/4

Starring: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder

Rated R for Strong Sexual Content, Disturbing Violent Images, Language and Some Drug Use

Character studies are compelling because we learn about and understand a character inside out.  "Black Swan" takes this and puts two new wrinkles into it.  First, it's from the point of view of the lead character.  We see the world through the eyes of ballet dancer Nina Sayers.  Second, Nina is an unbalanced girl, and has trouble distinguishing fact from fiction.  Thus, "Black Swan" becomes not just a film, but an experience.

Nina (Portman) is a shy and timid dancer at a ballet company in New York City.  She still lives with her mother, Erica (Hershey), a former dancer who had to give up her dream when she became pregnant with Nina.  Nina's ballet company is putting on a new version of "Swan Lake," and she desperately wants to dance the part of the Swan Queen.  There is something standing in her way, however.  As the director, Thomas Leroy (Cassel) says, she's perfect for the fragile White Swan, but lacks the passion and sexuality of the Black Swan.  Also in the mix is Lily (Kunis), a new dancer who may or may not be vying for the role as well.  In the end, Nina gets the role, but that's when her fragile mental state begins to fray.

On the acting side, "Black Swan" is a triumph.  There isn't a weak performance to be found.  Leading the pack is Natalie Portman, a gifted actress who ended a string of lazy performances in the likes of "Goya's Ghosts," "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" and "Brothers" as Nina Sayers.  As quiet and meek as she is, we still sympathize with her.  Nina is like a small child; innocent and naiive.  But she must gather strength and confidence to play the Black Swan.  Portman ably handles all aspects of the role, and this is a demanding role, not only physically but emotionally.  Depending on the scene, Nina is either shy, an emotional wreck, threatening and at times, violent.  Portman never misses a beat.
Also good is Barbara Hershey, who plays Nina's mother.  Although at first glance Erica seems more stable than her daughter, she is not.  She's just as ill as Nina, and her obsessive hovering with Nina's career is creepy.  Erica's shot at her dream was cut short, and she seeks to live vicariously through her daughter.  Hershey's performance should have gotten an Oscar nomination as well.

As Lily, Mila has what is probably the most difficult role in the film.  Kunis needs to create the character of Lily, and then create Lily's emotions and personality based on how Nina sees her.  Kunis doesn't just act mean, sympathetic or whatnot.  She does that as Lily.  Kunis was known primarily for her lightweight comedies and portraying Meg on "Family Guy" (which she still does today), but this is her first big foray into the drama/thriller category and she nails it.  Quite frankly, with her striking visual appearance (especially her eyes), it's a little strange that it has taken her this long to do it.  I'm anxiously awaiting the day when she portrays a villain in a "stranger within" movie.

Rounding out the cast are Vincent Cassel and Winona Ryder.  Cassel is very good.  His desire to get his dancers, particularly Nina, to emphasize the sexuality in their roles borders on sexual harassment.  He's an egotistical jerk, but he's also intelligent and capable of kindness.  Winona Ryder hasn't been in much this past decade, and although her role is small, it's important enough to make us realize how much we missed her.  Ryder plays the bitter Beth, the former star who has just recently retired (there are hints that she was forced to by Thomas).  Nina sees her as an inspiration and a threat.

I've never been a particularly big fan of Darren Aronofsky.  I found "Requiem for a Dream" to be overrated and "The Wrestler" to be a bore (both were critically acclaimed and garnered Oscar nominations).  But the man's work is a revelation.  He successfully gets us into the mind of his lead character, and he does so in a uniquely compelling way.  This is a visually dazzling thriller that is at times erotic and quite scary.  There are instances that caused me to gasp and wince.

Both bizarre and intoxicating, "Black Swan" was the best film of 2010 (better than "The King's Speech," which won the Best Picture Oscar that year).

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