Well Directed But Let Down By Frustrating Story Telling

Rating: 7/10 (30 January 2011)

Black swan by Darran Aronofsky continues the director's body that will split audiences and critics to two extreme camps . . Certainly those who thought REQUIEM FOR A DREAM was an unsung masterpiece will probably have a higher opinion of it since SWAN shows Aronofsky's influences that are as diverse as Cronenberg's work from the 1970s and German expressionist cinema
This is not to say that SWAN is a horror film per se and this is the fundamental problem - the audience are continually being led up a Lovecraftian garden path by screenwriters Heinz , Hayman and McLaughlin where things seem metaphysical rather than psychological . Things happen that are never made clear as to why they're happening and this culminates in the final scene which does ruin the film to a large extent . It should also be remembered that REQUIEM was effectively a modern day expressionistic horror film where as this movie isn't . It's more in the vein of a sexual Heart Of Darkness set against the background of ballet
That said Aronofsky isn't too interested in destinations , he's concentrating on the journey and it 's a journey that is compelling for the most part . Portman is a certainty for Best Actress at the Oscars but Mila Kunis and Vincent Cassel are both equally memorable in their supporting roles . Like Aronofsky's previous movies the technical aspects such as editing and cinematography are superb but you're left thinking that the more prestigious prize ceremonies will give out their awards to films that are more audience friendly . But this is isn't a criticism of Aronofsky who is just about the most interesting and original director working today and one hopes never to see him compromise his style for the mainstream