Just too dark - didn't enjoy it

Rating: 3/10 (2 March 2011)

I understand this was a thriller set in the ballet world and did not expect a 'Turning Point' kind of ballet world movie. But there was too much unpleasantness that it seemed one dimensional. I wouldn't really want to watch this again. They succeed in making one of the most beautiful ballets in the world ugly.
There are some good points - like the blurring of reality and fiction was like an actual delusional person. It does succeed in keeping you on edge.
The main actors: Natalie Portman does the anguish and fear well she has evolved as an actress. She used to have a high school drama class expressions on her face now she is clearly better and deserves her awards. However physically she does not look like a ballerina. She is bit stunted and doesn't have the lithe long look of a ballerina or an arched back. She didn't really have to train so hard since her dancing moments were actually quite short. But I see why they couldn't use a real ballerina for this role - it wasn't really about dancing.
Mila Kunis is a good bad girl but the trashy look is a bit overdone for a proper ballet company - it seemed more appropriate for a Step Up kind of dance company.
Winona played her crumbling aging ballerina well could hardly recognize her but wasn't given enough screen time they didn't focus enough on her face. Also her storyline of collapse is a bit exaggerated. Retirement cant be that bad.
Vincent Cassel is a bit too unattractive and predatory for the role. He doesn't look the part either - bad casting.
Barbara Hershey was quite effective. Her crumpled face was probably the most frightening thing about her.
The main fault is the screenplay and story. The sexual elements were just too much and distasteful. About 10% would have been enough. It distracted from the story. It should have had more beautiful elements to contrast with the ugly. Showing things from just one perspective can be limiting. The horror elements were a bit too cringe inducing.
Overall worth one watch but just didn't enjoy it.