One Of The Best From 2010. Something Drew Me To It.

Rating: 9/10 (15 September 2014)

It has been so long since we've had a decent "monster" movie, or at least the idea of a psychological breakdown. That's what the initial trailers and marketing expertly depicted and I ended up seeing it twice. It was a film I had been waiting weeks to see and it didn't come out until the 21st January in the UK. However Cineworld theatres were showing it on 18th Jan as a special preview, and out of a 231 seat theatre it was more than 3/4's full. Making me extremely happy that so many people turned up as interested as I was, and awkwardly justifying to my father why I saw a film about Ballet. A week later I went to see it again with 6 local friends, and I certainly began to see the extra little things within certain frames. The film overall is great, beautiful and even poetic.
Throughout the first 10 minutes I was worried because it had the typical bitching girls that we saw in "Showgirls" (1995). But the film does a terrific job of mixing concerns with the Ballet's production, as well as Nina's (Natalie Portman) insecurities, sanity and the overall effects it has on her mind. As the film goes on, it intensifies and build so much towards the final act that should leave you more than satisfied. For those who want ballet, the choreography and swift movement I can't recommend enough. Even if you know little about camera movements, Darren Aronofsky's shots are fantastically switching back and fourth between long range shots to uncomfortably close, all to great effect.
The main character Nina is very well acted. No, PERFECTED by Natalie Portman. Displaying the beautiful grace and dedication, but also the insecurities of having to deal with an overbearing mother (The wonderful Barbara Hershey). All this while trying to portray the seductiveness of her "alter-ego". Mila Kunis as Lily was very good as playing the exact opposite of Nina, to again great effectiveness and a level of likability and un-likability.
Finally the psychological part. At some scenes it can get very graphic in terms of the blood and body morphing, but nothing that I think people would complain about. And the sex I was fine with, as well as surprised that the movie managed to keep its 15 age rating. But all in all, it's not gratuitous and all works to the films advantages. It's not there just to be there, it really does make you think whether or not it's actually happening. If I was to recommend anyone to this film, I personally encourage as many people as possible to see it. If your a surrealist, dancing, or psychological fan, I couldn't recommend this more.
Final Verdict: A triumph of work like "Swan Lake" itself, I think this movie could appeal to just about anyone. 9/10.