The transformation of the swan and the mind.

Rating: 9/10 (27 July 2014)

After seeing Black Swan, I feel comfortable stating that I recognized the style and touch of director Darren Aronofsky. It's driven as if the drive itself of successful Manhattanites has been cast. I felt this in the Brooklyn based "Requiem For A Dream". If you are not gripped from the beginning camera views and tension created, then stop the DVD and check your pulse. I found the cringe-worthy moments very Aronosky-esque and my inability to turn away even more. This is very smart and brought to life by good girl ballerina Natalie Portman. Her ability to bring us into the dance halls within the Metropolitan Opera and have us feel her emotional baggage of fears of failure and disappointment to others was tremendous. As a man, I found myself immediately in touch with her burden, Barbara Hershey was great as the mother now living through her daughter and Mila Kunis was so believable as a relaxed chorus dancer with a seduction that was clear to all. It is this expression that evades our lead and which overtakes her thoughts as her transformation is underway. What an experience. A smart thriller that places "Swan Lake" in another dimension. In its' own way, it is both beautiful and perfect.