Cast slams home another solid Aronofsky film about achievement at great personal cost

Rating: 8/10 (29 January 2012)

Aronofsky's protagonists are often masters of their crafts who accomplish incredible feats at great cost (I wonder if he is projecting his own feelings into his movies). Accordingly, the success of his projects depend heavily on the performance of the lead. In this case, Portman is amazing. She loses herself in her role like her character, Nina, loses herself in hers. But what is often underrated in films like this is the importance of the supporting cast, because they, in essence, play reflections of the central character's personality, motivations, inspirations, and, ultimately, madness. Thus, Kunis is seductively enchanting as Nina's wild, dark, and sexual side. Cassel nails (no pun intended) Nina's insecurity and unrealistic self-expectations. Barbara Hershey drives home Nina's arrested development, but also her innocence and rational side. Winona Ryder convincingly embodies Nina's greatest aspirationsand simultaneously, her greatest fears.
I am not much into ballet (although I appreciate the beauty and grace of those extraordinarily talented women), but this film certainly kept me interested, entertained, and on the edge of my seat. Everyone should see this movie at some point, as it is brilliant. However, it's probably a one-time view, unless you're a ballet enthusiast, or you need to watch it again to figure some things out.