U.S. (Fox Searchlight Pictures, BLACK SWAN (2010) Protozoa Pictures, Phoenix Pictures, Darren Aronofsky’s award-winning psychological thriller is the study of a Cross Creek Pictures) 108m Color young woman’s all-consuming ambition and the transformation she must Language: English / French undergo to achieve success. Black Swan tells the story of ballet dancer Nina Director: Darren Aronofsky (a superbly committed Natalie Portman) as she struggles with the dual leads Producer: Scott Franklin, Mike Medavoy, Arnold Messer, Brian Oliver in a production of Swan Lake. Her fragile disposition is perfect for the role Screenplay: Mark Heyman, Andres of the White Swan, but director Thomas (Vincent Cassel) is doubtful of her Heinz, John McLaughlin ability to embody the more sensual, dark role of the Black Swan. Nina battles Photography: Matthew Libatique a rival dancer (Mila Kunis), her overbearing mother (Barbara Hershey), and her Music: Clint Mansell innermost demons in order to achieve a perfect performance. Cast: Natalie Portman, Vincent Aronofsky’s unique vision implies that there can be no true greatness Cassel, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey, without touching the darkest parts of existence, and he makes this all too Winona Ryder, Benjamin Millepied, clear through highly subjective storytelling reminiscent of Roman Polanski’s Ksenia Solo, Kristina Anapau, Janet Rosemary’s Baby (1968). Lines of reality and hallucination blur as we follow Montgomery, Sebastian Stan, Toby Hemingway, Sergio Torrado Nina’s spiraling hysteria. Her simple injuries (broken toenail, back rash) fester Oscar: Natalie Portman (actress) into debilitating conditions, and the manifestations of her subconscious Oscar nominations: Darren threaten to overpower her completely as she risks her sanity and soul to access Aronofsky (director), Matthew the darkness and danger that lurks beneath her innocent surface. Libatique (cinematography), Mike Something of a cinematic opera is achieved by Aronofsky as he marries the Medavoy, Brian Oliver, Scott Franklin screenplay (written by Mark Heyman, Andres Heinz, and John McLaughlin) and (best picture), Andrew Weisblum (editing) the story of the original ballet, written by Tchaikovsky. Benjamin Millepied does a fantastic job of choreographing the film, particularly the opening and closing sequences, which pitch us headfirst into the fever and frenzy of Swan Lake. While lacking the honest inner dialogue of its predecessor and companion piece, The Wrestler (2008), Black Swan’s mix of psychological torments and classic horror elements will be sure to haunt you long after the curtains close. SJS

FIL8_896-943_.indd 938 1001 Movies - 24392 TB 4/1/11 8:10:008:05:50 AM FIL8_896-943_.indd 939 1001 Movies - 24392 TB 4/1/11 8:10:028:05:50 AM CPJ0311-12 / Janet Q175 CPJ0311-12 / Janet Q175