Beautifully macabre. Haunting.

Rating: 10/10 (13 March 2011)

Extraordinary achievement. I believe that some films are just too good for people. "Black Swan" is one of them. Sure, it's not 100% Horror but the effects provoked on me were disturbing and that's why I consider it to be a terrifying experience. To equilibrate things, let's call it a Psychological Thriller. Although Darren Aronofsky's movies can't be labeled in one particular genre.
The plot is dramatic and focuses on the mental situation of an adult young woman trapped in the world of a young girl.
Aronofsky's Direction is unique, you can't compare his sui generis style. At some points the film feels like Polanski, Cronenberg, and I would add Jodorowsky and Lynch.
As an audience, we are witnesses of Nina's breakdown. It's all about Nina. The over the shoulder takes help to live the experience better, for example. We get dynamic camera shots, great editing, and surreal moments that you won't forget. For example, I felt I was jumping on the club scene. The suspense is great and fits perfect with the movie's tone. Nina's breakdown is memorable.
The comparison between Tchaikovsky's masterpiece and Nina's story is simply genius. It's such a tragic bond between them.
Natalie Portman's acting is one of the best performances I've ever seen. Not as powerful as Ellen Burstyn's in "Requiem for a Dream" but still deserves special mention for being impressive. She's just too feminine, fragile, pretty, beautiful.
The supporting cast is great. Barbara Hershey is a magnificent actress. I loved her since "The Entity". Mila Kunis plays herself and it works. Her chemistry with Portman feels very natural. I loved Winona Ryder's freaky and chilling performance.
The score is haunting, addictive, epic. Tchaikovsky never sounded that menacing and creepy. Clint Mansell is a master. His pieces will be considered as heroic and powerful, nostalgic, etc. Adding The Chemical Brothers was great. There's even a scene where you will remember about their "Let Forever Be" video.
I've always felt uncomfortable when ballet dancers stand on their own fingertips. Ouch! But this time I understood it and faced it. It was just like Nina facing her inner demons. Sometimes you gotta loose yourself ;) No negative points, this is a masterpiece.