Where's the depth?

Rating: 6/10 (11 April 2011)

Here we go again. The key to perfect art is sex. Hollywood's holy grail trotted out once again as the be-all and end-all; instant (or at least overnight) transformation.
So Portman's virginal (that was once a compliment) Nina needs only to try a little masturbation, lesbian sex (it's 2011, right - straight, horizontal hetero sex is now passe') once or twice, and having shed frigidity and plunged into what is purported to be the real wellspring of her art, will now automatically turn into a prima ballerina worth the title.
But any real authority on ballet will tell you that the depth of balletic perfection, of its transcendent artistry, comes from somewhere far more complex than simple physical orgasm. It takes years of practice and heroic concentration and focus in expressing those deep feelings so that they leap over the foodlights from the stage and touch the heart.
Sure, an artist's sexuality is part of the deal - but it's not the whole enchilada. Neither is sexual inexperience a detriment to once's art - in fact, there's something to be said for the power of unfulfilled desire to drive powerful artistic expression.
Having said all that about the film's shallow premise, I would also say the Black Swan was visually entertaining - beautifully photographed, compelling imagery, seamless storytelling, and glorious special effects that drove home the emotional content. I loved - and wanted even more of - the increasingly mad dance sequence that led up to those gorgeously flapping black wings.