Portman is a beautiful swan...

Rating: 9/10 (5 December 2010)

Darren Aronofsky, the director of the Oscar snubbed films "The Wrestler" and "Requiem for a Dream" has created his most emotionally and visually charged film yet, "Black Swan." Showcasing a career best performance from Natalie Portman, this dark, demented, and at times brilliant take on the world of ballet assures any doubt of Aronofsky's depth. He goes back to his roots while revamping and maturing his own style. A complex yet simple concept from screenwriters Mark Heyman, Andres Heinz, and John J. McLaughlin marries with the director artistic capabilities like a great love story. Cinematographer Matthew Libatique nearly narrates this tale with such ferocity, it leaves the viewer breathless. Clint Mansell who has been ignored for far too long orchestrates once again, a magnificent score that hopefully will not be ignored. Supporting players Mila Kunis and Barbara Hershey respect their roles and deliver them poignantly throughout. But once again, enough cannot be said about Academy Award Nominee Natalie Portman. This is the role I will remember Natalie Portman for forever. She balances a broken, wounded character and breathes a hungry, cannibalistic woman tearing through the screen, frame after frame after frame. Definitely one of, if not, the best performance by any actor this year. "Black Swan" should be proud to be standing on its own merit with no obvious plot or clear ideas, just pure imagination and curiosity keeps us involved. Brilliant execution Mr. Aronofsky, just brilliant.