An exciting and engaging psychological thriller

Rating: 9/10 (25 December 2010)

* * * 1/2 Very Good
Effective, lively, hand-held camera technique, creative writing, spirited direction and Natalie Portman's passionate performance, all come together beautifully, in this impressive psychological thriller-drama. Portman portrays a New York City ballerina in heated competition for the lead role in a local production of the famous "Swan Lake" ballet.
It's a compelling portrait of an artist driving herself too hard and mentally falling apart, in order to achieve perfection in playing a role. Portman's character (Nina), lacks the good/bad duality required to most effectively play the role of this version of the Swan Queen of the ballet. Nina has excellent technique and is naturally good portraying the White Swan, but lacks the passion and raw emotion required of the Black Swan character.
Nina slowly undergoes a dark, violent, psychological, hallucinatory transformation, where the boundaries of reality, fantasy and dreams become blurred and begin blending together. Winona Ryder, in her 2nd comeback film of the year, does well in a dark and disturbed supporting role.
Portman dominates her role and the film. Physically, she fits the role perfectly. Portman is definitely more than just a pretty face and has shown signs of serious acting ability (emotional depth) before, since her 1994 feature film debut in "The Professional".
Portman was nominated for an Academy Award for acting in 2005 and I believe she is deserving of being nominated again, for her lead acting role in "Black Swan".