Rating: A -
Black Swan is a character drama mixed with psychological
horror. I have always preferred films with fewer characters not necessarily because
I'm against big ensemble but rather due to the fact that fewer characters make
the premise interesting and the plot tighter. There is no time wasted in
introducing the big line up and the story is almost always more personal
reflecting the characters inner struggle. It's fascinating to see one character
trying to overcome its inner demons and the daily struggle which it goes
through rather than watching Captain M saving the world from the imminent war
or alien invasion. Because in character piece the story becomes much more
personal and you bond with the character quickly. That's what Black swan is
about.
Premise:
It's a story of a ballet dancer Nina (Natalie Portman) who
is eyeing for the role of Swan Queen. Once she gets the role, she realizes her
struggle has just started. While White Swan part comes naturally to her it's
the Black Swan which proves to be too guile and sensual for an innocent Nina to
portray. Then starts her struggle to overcome her fragility and explore her own
dark side to be that perfect Black Swan. But things are not easy for Nina as
she faces an obsessive mother Erica (Barbara Hershay), a mysterious competitor Lily
(Mila Kunis) and an overtly flirtatious teacher Thomas (Vincent Cassel) proving
too much to bear.
Review:
We embark on an emotional journey watching Nina as she tries
to overcome the obstacles to get in touch with her dark side. There is this
constant fear to see her break down or worse because she is just too innocent
and fragile. Her mom still treats her like a little girl and her room is full
of stuffed toys and pink colour decor. The story is beautifully crafted as
there are many subtle signs laid out throughout the film which represent Nina's
transformation and her deteriorating sanity. Add to the fact the meticulous
direction and superb performances and you get a mesmerizing film of poetic
perfection. Mila Kunis has a breakthrough in this film as I never saw her before
more than an eye candy in mainstream comedies. Here she proves she has that
previously unexplored variation in her performance. She is sexy, captivating
and equally mysterious just the way Lily was written. Barbara is just superb as
an over bearing mother. She has a class in the way she performs and she manages
a perfect balance of mystery and obsession without coming out as cruel. Vincent
Cassel at this point doesn't even need any more admiration because everything
he does, just leaves me in awe. Then comes Natalie Portman who vowed everyone
with her complete transformation. Holding her own in front of Vincent Cassel is
an achievement in itself but she almost overpowers everyone in the film. If
there is anyone who deserved an Oscar this year more than Michelle Williams (from
Blue Valentine), it is Natalie. She completely immerses herself into the
character both physically and mentally. A particular scene in the first act
when Nina calls her mom to tell her that she is chosen as a swan queen is both sweet
and heartbreaking at the same time. It was also a testament that the girl we
are watching is not Natalie Portman but Nina. A great accomplishment when
character overpowers the actor completely. As film progresses, Nina's innocence
dissipates slowly and the boundary between sanity and insanity blurs. In a way,
all the people around her represent the fragments of her own personality . She
learns gradually to abandon some and welcome others. But this obsession of
achieving perfection can also serve as a tool for self destruction. The climax
is both sad and satisfactory and will linger with you long after the credits
roll. The soundtrack of the film is superb to say the least as it produces the
eeriness and the indulgence in equal measures. Clint Mansell does not need any introduction.
His soundtrack for Requiem ( another of Darren's films) is a classic and is still
used in trailers and videos. Darren Aronofksy is the captain of this ship and
delivers once again. The Wrestler and The Fountain were very good films but
didn't quite reach the level of Requiem. Black Swan reaches that level.
I would struggle to find anything bad in this film. Little
things like the digital grain at times was a little off-putting and sometimes
the usage of hand held cameras was a little excessive too. I know Darren is
quite fond of using stylish transitions and new innovative angles to shoot. But
for me, long static shots work best as they invite the audience in and let them
focus more on the characters. The jerky camera movement can be a little
distracting and specially in Nina's final performance where one shot of her
bulging eyes right in our face was a bit of a turn off. But these are minor
aesthetic choices which in no way dissipate the experience.
Conclusion:
This film contains all
the right ingredients which would make a great film. Few characters, fewer sets
and a strong script. Black Swan did a successful business considering the genre
but I would have liked more commercial success so it could set a precedence.
Such dark and psychological themes need
to be explored more often in mainstream films. This film is about a personal
journey, a route to self discovery. It's a rare treat to experience such a film
where it steers away from the glossy slapsticks and dares stripping to bare
human emotions. That's when it touches the heart and leaves you with the
lingering sensation. Black Swan has that power and Nina's journey needs to be
experienced by everyone.
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