Imperfect Perfection: Black Swan

Every now and then a movie comes around that is full of high-action, full-on drama, and total seductive creepiness. Usually, that movie is outfitted with a strong-willed and muscular male with a ton of testosterone.

This time, the lead in this intensely weird drama is portrayed by a less than 100-lb anal-retentive veteran ballerina who is way too paranoid to save herself.


Black Swan stars Natalie Portman as Nina Sayers, a ballet dancer who strives to be perfect when she lands the lead role in Swan Lake.

In the role, she must honestly play both the white swan and the black swan. Her determination to be perfect leads her to a schizophrenic break.

Her break is catapulted by an extreme cast of characters: her over-protective mother venomously played by Barbara Hershey; her pompous director characterized by Vincent Cassel; and her seductive alternate portrayed by Mila Kunis.






All I can say is this movie is a true work of art. The actors are honest and compelling, the soundtrack is overwhelmingly alluring, and the cinematography is very original.

There are certainly times when you aren't aware of what's real and what's illusion, especially since Portman's character is unsure of herself.

Director Darren Aronofsky has a taste for the weird and eclectic, as seen in his previous movies like Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain, The Wrestler and Pi.




Although I was a bit confused at times and totally freaked out at other times, I did feel like this movie lived up to my expectations.

It certainly gave you a lot to talk about, even if you felt like the film was difficult to keep up with or "a lot of work" as my hubby would say.

I definitely think you will have to see Black Swan for yourself to really understand it. It's a bit reminiscent of Inception, in how it keeps you wondering.

The movie is almost 2 hours of thrilling scenes that lead to a beautiful black swan performance given by Portman. But again, you have to see it for yourself.

So, all in all, I would have to give this movie 4 out of 5 hearts!

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Let me know what you think if you've already seen it!