Black Swan movie review

OK, you'll find that this might be considered brilliant, a master piece. Natalie Portman's best lead ever. And it might be all those things. Remember, it is a psychological thriller.

Barbra Hershey plays her has been ballerina mother who had Nina when she was 28 and is now an artist. She is very over protective which could be part of Nina's problem.  Her challenge is to be the star of the ballerina company. Although, its hit hard times. Thus, the lead queen of the ballerinas has been dismissed. Wyona Ryder.

We see mixed feeling Nina has about taking over Ryder's place. Then we soon discover something has happened to Ryder. Of course, the director Vincent Cassel is standard fare. One knows what he really wants from the girls in the company.

This film is full of sounds of what the ballerinas are put through to become working dancers. Cracking toes. Possibly breaking themselves into pieces to get in the right pose. Its a very intense world and the film definitely goes there.

But you will soon find Nina is her worst enemy.

For me the movie was quite difficult to watch. Yet, Mila Kunis as Lily has some of the best lines in the film. I really did like her character.

No doubt, its a film that could keep you talking for hours over the ending. Yet, as amazing as it is to some..I must admit..I did not enjoy it at all.

Perhaps its the thought of her listening to them over and over again how she wasn't giving her art ..enough, or not letting go...to that thought..no pain..no gain. Many parts were quite painful, imaginary or not. And I can understand where the euphoria comes from. Its a film I could only see once, yet it will be on my mind for weeks to come. Saying that, its definitely, unforgettable.

Storyline

Nina (Portman) is 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 obsessive former ballerina mother Erica (Hershey) who exerts a suffocating control over her. When artistic director Thomas Leroy (Cassel) decides to replace prima ballerina Beth MacIntyre (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 - a recklessness that threatens to destroy her.