Territory of Swans

Rating: Null/10 (26 January 2011)

I've always harboured a resentment towards ballet. After all, what kind of 'art' forces a person to starve herself, cause severe damage to her health and when she's reached a certain age (usually 30), chuck her out because she's not wanted. A few years ago, Aronofsky took us to the dark and difficult world of wrestling. Now he takes us to the depressing painful world of ballet. However, 'Black Swan' is by no means another 'The Wrestler'.
In a way, like his first three films 'Black Swan' is sort of a mindf*** to an extent as the darkness of Nina's paranoia unfolds as she spirals towards paranoia. Yet, the director also gives behind the stage glimpses of ballet, stressing on the struggle of this so-called art.
Nina's dream comes true when she finally gets the lead role in 'Swan Lake'. Raised by an over-protective mother who has ensured that her daughter becomes a top ballet dancer, Nina makes her mother proud. Yet she is haunted by visions and constantly scratches herself in her sleep. The main challenge for her is playing Odile the Black Swan. As she struggles to own up to the part, her insanity gradually begins to take more severe tolls to the extent that the line between reality and insanity seizes to exist.
Lighting is kept to a minimum which supports the dark theme and works atmospherically. The score is also kept to a minimum and that, with excellent sound effects, works very well. The cinematography, especially the hand-held camera-work, adds to the claustrophobic atmosphere.
Natalie Portman delivers a wonderful performance. It is her best work after 'Garden State'. She captures most of the nuances of Nina's torment and ambition. Barbara Hershey, Mila Kunis, Winona Ryder (effective in her few scenes) and Vincent Cassel are superb. It's good to see Hershey after a long time.
Aronofsky has not only tapped the world of ballet, he's taken us through and involved us in another mind twirl cinematic experience.