Interesting but very shallow ride to schizophrenia

Rating: 5/10 (4 November 2011)

The movie is stylish and it is well done in technical terms. I cannot judge its realism related to ballet but it is rather unimportant factor here. The more interesting part is the picture of mind slowly descending into hallucinations and madness.
In some parts it works and there are some interesting moments. But the story is just way too simple and straightforward without any actual surprise or shock as in "The Piano Teacher" for example. These movies are similar in theme, the "Black Swan" is prettier, but it is basically just a fantasy or ride to the unreal schizophrenic world whereas "The Piano Teacher" is deep, brutal and in many ways almost analytical examination of ill relationship between abusive mother and cold and distant daughter. It is way, way better and faithful to reality than this fantasy carnival ride.
The Black Swan tries to present something similar but fails in its narativity. It is a nice movie, yes, it is simpler and more approachable for mass viewer but in the end it is very simple entertainment. It is not bad but definitely nothing memorable. It is somewhat interesting how little story can be contained in so long movie. It is beautiful but it is about all.