Obvious Oscar bait

Rating: 6/10 (15 June 2011)

This film is obvious Oscar bait. Whenever you have a late-year film with a well known actor or actress, whose role requires madness or retardation, then you know what it's all about. Mission accomplished, I guess. Natalie Portman, of course, plays an extremely demanding role. It is also extremely unattractive and unappealing. Many scenes are downright ugly and very hard to watch. Okay, I understand that this not supposed to be light entertainment. But man, this is hard. Mila Kunis was also excellent in the contrasting role. The direction was a bit too full of itself, long shots following the back of Portman's head, etc. Following Nina into the depths of her madness is difficult but not completely unrewarding.