BLACK SWAN – December 1, 2010
With the summer movie season over and done with, my attention now turns to the home stretch of 2010’s film slate, a schedule usually split between summer-season rejects and Oscar-worthy hits vying for a final shot at the golden statue before ballots close. Among the field of contenders slated for the final go-around, only one has captured my complete, undivided attention.
In Black Swan, Natalie Portman stars as Nina Sayers, a prima ballerina vying for the lead in a production of Swan Lake. But when a mysterious new woman enters the program and begins competing for the role, Nina slowly dives into a darker side of herself she never knew existed. Simultaneously haunting and irresistible, Black Swan echoes shades of Aronofsky’s own The Wrestler and Rosemary’s Baby. Such a combination for the film seems not only fitting, but also promises to deliver a darkly taut ride as seductive as it is intriguing.
Director Darren Aronofsky has made somewhat of a name for himself by unflinching examining not only the physical depths of his characters, but their emotional and psychological limits. Pi explored a mathematical genius’ quest for a normal existence. Requiem for a Dream examined the devastating toll of addiction and the subsequent disillusion and disintegration of a human life. The Wrestler portrayed the physical drive towards one's craft. It seems that every film under Aronofsky’s belt has finally led him to create Black Swan, a deeply psychological journey through one woman’s quest for artistic perfection.
Based on festival reviews, this movie may prove to become the most divisive film of the year, simultaneously alluring and repulsive. Yet it seems one thing is certain: Natalie Portman should be locked as the lady to beat for the Best Actress Oscar in 2010. Additionally, Black Swan should be heavily considered for numerous accolades. Not only does the story have the emotional resonance and psychological complexities sought by the Academy, but the time has come to praise both Darren Aronofsky and Natalie Portman. If the film delivers the grotesque, tumultuous, Kafka-esque tale that the trailer promises, this film could be the crowning achievement of 2010 regardless of the award count.
