Somewhat Perfect

Rating: 9/10 (3 April 2011)

Nina (Portman) wants to win the lead in the Swan Lake ballet to play both the White Swan and the Black Swan. She strives for perfection but choreographer Thomas (Cassel) sees her as the White Swan, and not the Black Swan. She is awarded the lead anyway.
One would not normally think of a ballet story as a horror story, but there is some horror in here. Ouch! Also, those who normally do not like ballet and who would never watch a ballet story would probably watch this one because they know they would only see snippets of dance in here; and also because of the intensity of Nina throughout and her drive toward perfection. But, One would believe that winning the role of a lifetime would bring huge smile to Nina's face and it did .for one minute.
When Nina, happily crying and smiling, calls her mother and tells her: He picked me, Mommy, I would have given Portman the Oscar for that scene alone. That was pure gold. It was the only touching moment in this story.
For the rest of the time we watch a never-smiling Nina struggle with her overprotective mother, her inhibitions particularly towards sex, friends, and not being perfect enough. At times, we in the audience, had a tough time realizing what was happening in real time with the sexual fantasies and hallucinations Nina conjured up. Even she believed some things were very real – as did we. This reminded me of those imaginary friends some writers like to bring in to confuse the audience (read me).
When Thomas kept saying to Nina to let go, have some fun with the dance, never once did he tell her to smile. That, for me,would have helped, but it wasn't in the script. Pity. If this were, indeed, a true story I suppose volumes would be written as to why Thomas picked Nina when he believed she didn't feel the part of the Black Swan. But, hey, this is fiction.
The way ballet dancers primp and prime themselves reminded me the way thoroughbred horses are cared for. There are similarities, but the dancers must do all themselves. Were the split toes, webbed feet, cuts and stems of wings in the flesh real or were they also a part of Nina's hallucinations? We will never know.
Production wise, this was a complete success. The camera work,direction, dancing, dialogue, editing, pacing, cinematography and yes, the CGI (What? You didn't think you would see CGI in a ballet story? Where do you think those black wings came from?) and the supporting cast were all excellent. But, make no mistake, this was also a dark production with some horror thrown in. Yes, I jumped several times as I didn't expect horror in a ballet story. Who would?
But, the question for us is: Did WE care for Nina? Yes, we did because we always care for and feel the pain of someone who wants to be the best, and. um okay.strives to be perfect.
If you keep in mind that Nina considers herself THE BLACK SWAN you will understand all. And, finally a somewhat smiling, perfect Black Swan.
Violence; Yes. Sex: Yes, there is a lesbian scene. Nudity: No. Language: Yes. Also included are graphic sex terms.