Black Swan (2010) Dir: Darren Aronofsky
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Darren Aronofsky's most famous motion picture is assuredly this iconic, infamous and highly acclaimed 2010 thriller. I was very excited to watch it, although I was also keenly aware of some of Aronofsky's other works, which can be a little hit or miss.
I already knew that this film would be a visual feast for the eyes, and I was not disappointed. Ballet is one of those art forms which lends itself perfectly to cinematic beauty, something Aronofsky clearly understood and capitalised upon.
The film was visceral, intense and claustrophobic - in the best, most effective ways. It drew me in and held me by the throat, as the imposing and euphoric composition of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky envelopes all it touches with vivid ferocity.
The narrative was as thrilling as you might imagine from the above ravings. It took one of the most famous and well-known ballets in the world and reinvented it, and built upon it, with an innate, animalistic potency. It was incredibly effective.
The lead up to the finale was intense, thrilling and transfixing. I was completely blown away. The defining moment of any film is the climax, but not all of them achieve one deserving of the word. This film masters the climactic scene, with one of the best conclusions I've seen, maybe ever.
Natalie Portman won the 2010 Best Actress Oscar for her performance in the film, and rarely have I seen a performance so deserving of that accolade. She was utterly mesmerising. She was able to express a vulnerability which was truly, truly brilliant. This was, without a doubt, the best performance of her career, as well as one of the best performances of anyone.
Mila Kunis was devilish, mysterious and the perfect foilistic character and actress to that of Portman. She had those mischievous, sinister, yet subtle characteristics down superbly. Part of me wanted her to have more screentime, but then, the brevity of her role made her presence all the more alluring and impressive.
Vincent Cassel produced one of his impressive, charismatic and arrogant portrayals that he always does well. He fitted the mold of Aronofsky's story exactly as he should, and provided and excellent key supporting character, especially during his scenes with Portman.
I would also like to praise the supporting performances of the likes of Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder, Ksenia Solo and Benjamin Millepied. Hershey was excellent in her scenes with Portman, while Ryder left an exemplary impact with a pretty minor role.
Overall, as films about perfectionism may go, this may just be as close to perfect as a film can be. It was a triumphant, dramatic and wonderfully spectacular. Few films can claim to even come close to the excellence of this thriller. Yes, I am truly gushing and raving over this film, but my words are more than earned. This must be the epitome of the Aronofsky experience.
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