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Download, Watch online Black Swan Movie.
| Genres: | ThrillerDr |
| Starring: | Winona Ryder, Mark Margolis, Barbara Hershey, Vincent Cassel, Natalie Portman, Kristina Anapau, Tina Sloan |
| Director(s): | Darren Aronofsky |
| Available Quality: | DivX, Hi Def, iPod, Hi Def, Hi Def |
| Country: | USA |
| Year: | 2010 |
| IMDB Rating: | 8.2 |
Nina (Portman) is a ballerina in a New York City ballet company whose life, like all those in her profession, is completely consumed with dance. She lives with her obsessive former ballerina mother Erica (Hershey) who exerts a suffocating control over her. When artistic director Thomas Leroy (Cassel) decides to replace prima ballerina Beth MacIntyre (Ryder) for the opening production of their new season, Swan Lake, Nina is his first choice. But Nina has competition a new dancer, Lily (Kunis), who impresses Leroy as well. Swan Lake requires a dancer who can play both the White Swan with innocence and grace, and the Black Swan, who represents guile and sensuality. Nina fits the White Swan role perfectly but Lily is the personification of the Black Swan. As the two young dancers expand their rivalry into a twisted friendship, Nina begins to get more in touch with her dark side - a recklessness that threatens to destroy her.
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Black Swan (iPod) | Resolution: 480x208 px | Total Size: 305 Mb |
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Black Swan (Hi Def) | Resolution: 852x352 px | Total Size: 522 Mb |
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Black Swan (Hi Def) | Resolution: 1920x800 px | Total Size: 14309 Mb |
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Black Swan (Hi Def) | Resolution: 1280x534 px | Total Size: 6687 Mb |
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Black Swan (DivX) | Resolution: 640x272 px | Total Size: 699 Mb |
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Black Swan (DivX) | Resolution: 720x304 px | Total Size: 1751 Mb |
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Movie Photos: We have taken some photos of "Black Swan". They represent actual movie quality.
Visitor Reviews: (20)
Kristen Dial 16 May 2012
Black Swan- Blown Away
If there's one thing I could say about Black Swan, it would be that itis definitely not overrated. Obviously, the movie is supposed to win agazillion academy awards and such, but in all honesty, it deservesevery single one.With such a great cast, how could one go wrong? Natalie Portman hastruly outdone herself in this one, her character escalating from a merenervous perfectionist to a textbook case schizophrenic. I found theanalogy of the transformation the white swan and the black swan toNina's transformation very interesting. The hallucination scenes wereskillfully done and felt real every time. I also felt that thebeautifully rendered Tchaikovsky music contributed greatly to the toneof the music.We have all heard about how dark, disturbing, and depressing this movieis, but when I came and saw it I found that it was also strikinglybeautiful. The visuals were simply amazing- I especially loved thedance at the very beginning of the movie. The lighting was great and sowas the camera work. The story was also beautiful in a kind ofheartbreaking way, as I find destruction to have its own kind ofbeauty. Nina's journey to the top and her fall were fascinating andbeautiful.The only complaint that I have about this movie was that it wasconstantly intense, all of the time. There was no lull in the actionfor the audience to catch its breath. Still, Nina's character wasdeveloped very well even while all of these events were going on.I loved it so much I feel like everybody should go see it, but ofcourse it contains profanity, blood and gore, sex scenes, and intensehallucinations, so of course it's not everybody's cup of tea. However,if you can stomach all of these things, you must see it!
alex 16 May 2012
Who would think ballet was this exciting?
Quite enjoyed this movie although not quite figured it out and willhave to view it again. The acting was very good and the story quiteabsorbing. Sort of Jacob's Ladder with less explosions and more tutus.The scenes with Portman and Ryder were the best part of the film and ifthe director has indeed cut Ryders participation then he needs toreinstate it pronto for the DVD as the two were electrifying in theirfew moments together. Portman/Kunis were good as well but not on a parwith Nat and Noni. Supporting cast did a good job and the film keepsyou guessing as to what exactly you are seeing. In the end it's down toyou. Some good ideas generated on the IMDb boards about this and it iscertainly a film for people who think about what they are watching.Unlike a film such as Inception this actually is a smart movie and onewell worthy of your time. Would really like to see a film with bothRyder and Portman together in major roles as they are both reallywonderful actresses. Overall for a film about Swan Lake it's a damngood thriller.
pulkit-avadakedavra 15 May 2012
Nightmarish Perfection
I came across the trailer of this movie in August and thought it wasgoing to be some complex and melodramatic horror movie too obsessedwith it's style to develop any characters or be interesting. Thesynopsis on IMDb didn't alter my impression.Frankly, I didn't even knowwhat ballet actually was prior to watching the trailer of this movie asI have no interest in any dance form, thanks to Bollywood'ssong-and-dance inclusion in about every movie. Moreover, it's rated Rand I'm just 14. All these points led me to avoid this movie. But a poster of the movie caught my attention and didn't let go for along time. Even before watching the movie, I had a nightmare which wasbased solely on the image of that poster. It was then that I decided towatch this movie. Somehow, I had this hunch that it was going to becomeone of my all-time favorite movies. That boosted my eagerness and thusI downloaded this movie. It's about a ballet dancer, Nina who is nothing like the stereotypicalimage that pops into your head at the very thought of the wordBallerina. Physically, yes, but emotionally and personally, no. Fromthe very starting, you get to know about her fragility, shyness andmental instability. Living with an overprotective mother, sufferingfrom horrific hallucinations and experiencing inevitable loneliness,her only escape or rather pathway to happiness is a successful careeras a ballerina. Soon enough, a glimmer of hope crosses her way with the announcement ofimminent opening of the season with "Swan Lake." The role of the SwanQueen becomes her ambition. It is then that her obsession overshadowsevery other aspect of her life.This is clearly the most artistic movie I have seen. From theperformances of the marvelous dancers, their magnificent costumes andgrace to the psychic gravity of Nina's personality, everything gripsyou and refuses to let go. It's controlling you, just the way Ninacontrols each of her movements and The Black Swan's controlling her.There isn't a scene in the whole movie where you feel like, "Come on,move on." From the very first scene, you want to know what will happento her next and with each scene, the tension intensifies. It's visuallyintriguing and has a brilliant screenplay. The background score, thatgoes aptly and beautifully with the plot, is the best of the year.There aren't many characters as 75% of the screen time is occupied byNina alone. Still, among the few there are, one can't afford to dislikeany. From the mean and passionate director Thomas to the conservativemother, each is diverse and has a meaningful role to play in thetransition Nina goes through from being the White to the Black Swan.The most important, besides that of Nina of course, is the role oflily, the existence of whom exacerbates Nina's condition to the powerof ten. Each character is played perfectly by the consummate cast andwhat the characters demand and how the actors quench their thirst isstunning. Natalie Portman got the Globe and is definitely getting theAcademy Award, though I wouldn't mind if Mila Kunis gets one, too.Darren Aronofsky's direction is nothing short of breathtaking as hisvisceral vision has so much happening at the same time. He certainlydeserves an Oscar for this masterpiece, though I'm sure The SocialNetwork will get it. His direction made this nightmare an attractivewoman whom you'll like to watch again and again. Beautiful but sad. Healso proves the point that sad can be beautiful and it often is. The best aspect for me is the ultimate realization. Nina doesn't knowthat the her life is actually taking the form of the Swan Lake untilthe end, where her mind reveals the very thing that can make her actperfect and she unconsciously learns how to let go, just like Thomaswants her to. The ambiguous ending adds to the seductive quality of themovie and will leave people like me gasping, satisfied beyondpossibility. And for the third time in my life, I cried while watchinga movie and for the first time, really felt the tears, the pain theprotagonist had to go through. My favorite movie of the year, of the decade and of forever, taking thetop spot above Citizen Kane. In one word, it's devastating.
15 May 2012
Black Swan
This review is from: Black Swan (DVD) I saw this movie in the theater but missed alot of the dialogue due to a hearing loss. With this video, I was able to select subtitles and it made all the difference in the world in terms of enjoyment of the story.
kinggoldenboy24 15 May 2012
unique, special and a bit crazy...
There is one massive reason for watching this film. Natalie Portman.This film takes you on the haunting journey of a naive and innocentballet dancer as she embraces the darker sides of life in order tofulfil her dream role.Black Swan will make you feel uneasy, it will shock you, it will suckyou in and you not be able to look away. It is a unique piece of film-making, and it's final scene is perhaps one of the best final scenes incinematic history. Natalie Portman's performance is absolutely stunning and easilydeserved her Oscar. The film is definitely not for everyone, but forthose who can cope with it will have to respect her career-toppingrole. There are part's of this film i like, love and hate! It will dividepeople, I didn't know what to think after seeing this film, but giventime I could see how special it is. Viewing comes with a warning, butviewing is essential - if you can stomach it!
rbrb 14 May 2012
Psycho joins So you think you can Dance(?)!
This is a highly impressive dark and intense drama.A ballerina gets the chance to take the lead in "Swan Lake". But she isengulfed by the part and by the demons in her mind. Her mother,co-workers and ballet director add further fire to the madnessconsuming her.Super production and first class acting all round.Its' said that insanity is one step from genius, and with the gnawingintensity of this drama it is only one step from high camp and blackcomedy but fortunately this movie stays on the side of brilliancehence:10/10.
Ahmed Amouri 12 May 2012
A modern masterpiece
In Black Swan, Natalie Portman plays the role of a talented balletdancer, Nina Sayers, who wins the lead in "Swan Lake". The plot isstrongly constructed about facing and overcoming inner-weakness. Nina,weakened by her insecurity and haunted by the fear to be replaced byLily -which seems more perfect to play the Black Swan, while Nina isnaturally fit the part of the White Swan- she starts to have strongdelusions and elaborate visual hallucinations, which ends, eventually,when she stabs herself -thinking she is stabbing her rival, Lily- onlyto find out that her only enemy that she has to conquer is herself.Darren Aronofsky ends the movie in the same way he ended his previousone The Wrestler, with the main character satisfied of what he\shealready achieved in his lifetime. Portman plays the role of Nina Sayersperfectly, and I think it's safe to say that she's going to win theOscar for best actress in a leading role. The direction was superbalong with the score and the cinematography, but I'm pretty sure thatno Oscar will go for any of them.
12 May 2012
Natalie's tour de force; Darren Aronofsky's excellent casting choices
Vincent Cassel said in a recent 'Fresh Air' interview that there are a couple of roles in one's lifetime that require you to make a physical transformation. He mentioned Mesrine 1 & 2 (2008, France) *ULTIMATE* 4 Disc Set (R0) for him - he took on considerable weight for Part II of that film. Here so, in 'Black Swan,' it was for Natalie Portman. She's riveting as ballerina Nina Sayers - the once gamine Portman is all sinew, bone and iron here. She'll get a well-deserved Oscar nomination for sure.Beyond Natalie, Darren Aronofsky's casting choices are excellent. Barbara Hershey's brittle face (the result of one-too-many scalpels) give her the perfect countenance for someone with her character's infantilizing tendencies (Nina's stuffed animal-laden bedroom is a set designer's delight). Vincent Cassel was a dancer throughout his youth - his posture, carriage and air of authority all ring true here. Aronofsky's choice of Winona Ryder as the soloist Portman's character is replacing is his most inspired choice (there's a whiff of Mickey Rourke in that one). Her fallen star and push from the limelight trades a bit on the public's perception of her as a fallen-from-grace starlet. Ukraine's own Mila Kunis is good here, too - her lithe physique and hard body make her a believable threat to stand in the way of Nina's dreams.There's a joke here about how you get guys to attend a movie about ballet: you put Portman and Kunis in bed together. It's that scene that have led some reviewers to call this Aronofsky's "psychosexual thriller." Whether that attracts the wrong type of crowd, I don't know. But I will say that the scene isn't gratuitous. It figures heavily in Nina's mental meltdown: did she dream that event? Probably so, but even the audience is left not knowing for sure given Kunis' character's little head game.
Ahmed Mohamed 11 May 2012
A piece of fine art.
I have to admit I saw this film 2 times in 2 successive days, I wasjust amazed by 'Natalie' performance that I have to see it again soonand could not just wait for the DVDNegative : OK this film is basically simple one, it is not 'eyes wideshut' it is about the basic idea ''good and/versus evil'' it is aboutgood and evil together and against each other is what makes lifeperfect .. the director make no subtle complicated hints, everything isclear and obvious (sometimes I felt he thinks that the audience arebloody stupid, which, let us face it, is just true).Positive: the performance make this a master piece .. Natalie Portmanwas amazing  her performance was nerve wrecking .. she actually makeus feel the Horror rising in her as she discovers that she is slowlymoving from the good to the evil side (she had to otherwise she wouldloose everything she ever worked for) .. she simply must get the Oscarfor a such a performance.this is not a classical film with beginning, climax and end. it is morelike a documentary with only beginning and climax with very very veryexciting plot that makes it may be the first horror documentary ever.PS: it is lovely film but not really everybody cup of tea.
11 May 2012
Horrible!
This review is from: Black Swan (DVD) First, anyone who wants to see a real ballet movie should dig through their old VHS tapes and watch "The Turning Point" instead. I like Natalie Portman, but this was awful. All of the dancing sequences are shown from the waist up..no legs, and that was a huge mistake. The dance scenes instead seem like you are watching through a porthole. The story line was weak, and while I am not a prude, I can't help but think if they'd spent the same amount of time developing the movie as they did on the 4 masturbation scenes and one lesbian sex scene it would have been a better movie. I'd only recommend the movie for the closing scene of the black swan where she grows her wings onstage, that was done well. Aside from that I'll be selling my copy.
Terrell Howell 07 May 2012
A seductive masterpiece
Darren Aronofsky proves once again that he is an absolute genius in themodern world of cinema and he can work in any genre and make it lookbeautiful, real, visceral, and always keeping with his specific visualstyle, proving himself to be an absolute auteur. Black Swan isAronofsky's fifth feature film, and it shows how his directing abilityis somehow getting better. The movie is about a ballet dancer, Nina(Natalie Portman), who is dealing with the pressures of playing TheSwan Queen in her companies production of Swan Lake. The pressuresbrought about by this demanding role cause her to begin to slowly crackunder pressure, especially when she has to worry about a rival dancerpossibly taking her spot. My synopsis doesn't do the film any justicethough, and the result of this story is a disturbing and breath takingthriller that combines beauty with visceral intensity, and keeps you onthe edge of your seat and your eyes glued to the screen.Aronofsky's directing style is incredibly sophisticated and mature inthis film. It is grand and beautiful. The ballet scenes are all verydelicate and soft, yet there's always an underlying tension. Thistension eventually breaks through as the film at times switches to amuch darker and more disturbing mood. We are lulled into a false senseof security in many aspects of the film, as it builds and builds to theshocking and chilling climax. The movie flows so beautifully and itdelicately weaves in and out of its multitude of moods that keeps uswatching and waiting, as the film only grows darker and darker. As themoods of the film change, the style does as well in a very minusculerange, but it is always fitting wherever the film moves. Black Swan issensual, seductive, lustful, and intense, and Aronofsky's directioncaptures it all perfectly.With a style as complex and masterful as Aronofsky's, it is hard forany aspect of the film to look bad, but this wasn't a problem because Ifelt that every aspect of this film was nearly flawless. One suchaspect was the brilliant acting from the small yet very important castthat really helped a movie that needed no help at all. Natalie Portmanas Nina was incredible. Her transformation through the movie isdisturbing and very intense, and Portman handles it incredibly well.She plays a very flawed character, making the role even tougher. Ninais not the greatest ballet dancer in the world by any stretch of theimagination. She has all the technique and is in fact a master at it,yet it is her emotion that she has the problem with. Portman almost hadto act her character poorly to capture the multiple layers correctly.The unfitting facial expressions and awkward movements are part of thecharacter of Nina, and Portman somehow makes it all work to a greatadvantage that makes the film even more fascinating.The rest of the cast is incredible as well. Mila Kunis takes on a muchmore serious and more complex role than she is used to. Her characterhas very many layers, and doesn't fit into one specific archetype,mainly for reasons that would spoil the movie. Vincent Cassel is thesleazy and inappropriate director of this ballet production. He is thedriving force behind much of the tragedy of the film, and he is acharacter you love to hate. Then perhaps one of the most disturbingcharacters is Barbara Hershey as Erica, Nina's mother. Erica livesvicariously through her daughter and is constantly pushing her tobetter while also sheltering her from the world and everything that isout there past ballet. She is the reason for Nina's rigid structure inher life that is a constant pressure to do better. The introduction ofErica's true motivation is one of the most stunning and tragic elementsof the movie. We are shown only a facade of the mother at the beginningof the film, being tricked into believing that Nina and her mother livea happy and beautiful life together as a loving mother and daughter.But further down the road as the film grows darker we realize just howskewed and disturbed their relationship is. It is a great bit ofcharacter development that has a very important role in the filmsoverall progression.If I could use one word to describe Black Swan it would be seductive.The movie is ripe with sexual tension, and it drags you in whether youwant to be or not. It grabs ahold of your attention, as well as youremotions. The film is so beautiful, yet so tense and so powerful. Itfascinates and hypnotizes, and you want nothing more than to know whatis going to happen to these people in this disturbed story. It is afilm that wraps itself around your brain, rendering you speechless forits entire length. There is just something so unique and so incredibleabout this film that it almost felt awkward stepping back into realitywhen it was all over. Black Swan is a masterpiece, and definitely oneof the best of 2010.
melapostolidis 07 May 2012
Black Swan, Dark Mind!
Black Swan was overall an amazing display of cinematic excellenceblended in with amazing performances and a great plot.It must be admitted that the previews and trailer do not expose thefilm for all its horrific glory. There are some seriously disturbingscenes which include self mutilation. I didn't like the fact that theopposing character had black wings tattooed on her back, as some of theplot lines were too obvious. You knew exactly what was going on inevery scene and that everything was just a hallucination. Then againyou don't need to be deceived to realise that Nina (Natalie Portman)was extremely unstable in in the end reached her obsession to be"perfect".Other than the obvious plot line, Black Swan was an amazing cinematicexperience. Many audience members were surprised by some scenes and itleft me even more proud, that such a movie could show and move peopleto understand the great pressure that is put on ballerinas. Not onlythe pressure that is present physically but also psychologically.Overall, the movie gave me goosebumps and left me wondering and wantingto explore more. Natalie Portman greatly deserved her Oscar. If you areamazed and intrigued by the human mind and just how little it takes tobe pushed over the edge, then Black Swan is the movie for you!
05 May 2012
Phenomenal !
This is one of the most "BRILLIANT" films I have seen in long time. Its the story of a girl who goes mentally INSANE to say the least. Natalie Portman has always been one of my favorite actresses. And Mila Kunis I have always thought had such a straight forward and hard edge about her. The movie delivered everything and anything you could ask for. Beautiful cinematography - high sexual tension - fantasies and lurid intense horror and mayhem ! Her performance was amazing very much out of her character. I have never seen Natalie Portman like that and never thought she was capable of such. Beware, there are a lot of disturbing images in the film as well as mutilation sequences. I can't wait to own this film when it comes out finally on Bluray. In my opinion this is a cross between Showgirls and Mulholland Dr. But I think this movie is definitely in a league of its own for sure. I waited two hours before I could even get into the theater but it was worth it. I just don't want to spoil the film for anyone out there so this will be a short review. Go see the film it's her best since "Closer". The thing that you will have do decipher the most is what is happening. You have to depict between what is real and is not real and some of the sequences are obvious. "Black Swan" is like one long Nightmare that shows how the mentally insane thinks. Some images will make you cringed in your seat for sure.
CircuitsOfBone 05 May 2012
Black Swan, Graceful as a Duckling
To say that I was highly disappointed in this film would be quite theunderstatement. While the storyline provides the possibility for acomplex character piece, every element of the film is heavy-handed andpoorly executed. The screenplay was overly basic, lacking any attemptat creating believable characters. The acting was elementary with nointention of fleshing out character motivation, etc. Perhaps all ofthis is due to the directing. The cinematography was jumpy and poor,shot much in the manner I would expect from a Horror film. Overall, themovie came off as perfect material for a rushed MTV After-SchoolSpecial, not an Oscar-nominated flick.
02 May 2012
"Natalie" - Need I say more?
Clearly some people dont know a great movie/performance when they're sitting there watching one! I guess you can always find someone who hates everything. Natalie Portman was nothing less than spectacular. The thing I like to see from actors is their ability to demonstrate the full gamut of human emotion. Sometimes it takes a few movies or shows to get that but a good roll, coupled with a great actor or actress, can bring a lady from being a pretty good co-star to a must have leading actress. Natalie Portman has seriously stepped up with this fantastic movie.The last time I saw this kind of "tour de force", of acting was from Dwight Schultz on Star Trek:TNG Season #4 Episode #19. That too was impressive.
Jonny_Numb 02 May 2012
Dark Beauty
Darren Aronofsky has a thing for ambiguity. For those who like theirfilms to leave some food for thought once the credits roll, he has away of subverting our expectations, making us question all thathappened before giving us a coda that inspires its own set of queries.What really happens after that final shot in "The Wrestler"? Whattranspires the following day in the lives of the junkies who have hitbottom (but still remain alive) in "Requiem for a Dream"? Just what theheck is "The Fountain" all about? For most of his career, Aronofsky hastoyed with viewer expectation, and while his works up to this pointhave never approached the out-there, sexually provocative dreamscapesof David Lynch or the deeply distorted psychoses conveyed through theeyes of Roman Polanski's tortured protagonists, "Black Swan" comespretty damn close to capturing a claustrophobic waking nightmare onfilm. Slim on character history or any sort of background detail,Aronofsky weaves the tale of Nina (Natalie Portman, in a role of equalparts beauty and visceral horror), a young ballerina who lives with herunhinged, washed-up mother (Barbara Hershey), and pines to take thelead in her troupe's production of "Swan Lake." When she snags the part(under the menacingly perverse and perfectionist eye of directorVincent Cassel), her waking life spirals into a hallucinatory madnessthat is at first subtle, but becomes increasingly otherworldly as thecurtain nears. Things are compounded by Lily (Mila Kunis), thethrill-seeking Yin to Nina's naive Yang, who may have ulterior motivesin befriending the newly minted lead. Aronofsky established his cameraas an invasive stalker as he followed Mickey Rourke around (withsometimes uncomfortable physical closeness) in "The Wrestler"; with"Black Swan," he uses physical closeness to not only push us up againstthe fatigue and dissolution of his characters, but to immerse us in aunique sphere of activity (the last film I recall using ballet as afocal point is Dario Argento's "Suspiria"); the result is a film thatis always in a state of motion -- sometimes fluid, sometimes jerky; butalways progressing toward something. True to its title, "Black Swan" iscentered on the darkness of the soul, the dark motives of men, and whatpeople do in the name of perfection; it is a troubling, stylisticallyassured masterpiece that would make a great (and near-equal) doublefeature with Polanski's "Repulsion."
01 May 2012
Black Swan Theory at it's best!
This movie was nothing expected and beautiful in so many ways. Natalie Portman was absolutely perfect for this role and she gave an Oscar winning performance that I am sure will be one of history's finest.
01 May 2012
Confusing as all get out
The very basic plot is about Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) trying to prove that she can play the role of the Swan Queen in the next upcoming play. She has the tools to be the good half of the Swan Queen but the instructor played by Vincent Cassell is skeptical about Nina's ability to be dark and seductive. But beyond that it's hard to describe what exactly is going on because it's a very intriguing yet difficult movie to understand and on top of that can take on many different interpretations. What some people believe is nothing more than a dream or a hallucination, others might watch the movie and say that Lily (Mila Kunis) is Nina's doppelganger and watch the events unfold as real events and not a dream. Either way this movie is deep, confusing, and it's one of those movies that you can watch twelve times and still have many unanswered questions but discover something new that you didn't notice the first time.The rumors you hear about a lesbian sex scene are true to a certain extent -- nothing to graphic but an interesting scene nonetheless. But the scene when Nina is alone touching herself was borderline jaw-droppingly good. Natalie Portman deserved the Oscar that she received but I will say that everyone involved did a great job on their parts! And it's also clear that Darren Aronofsky has a talent for creating dark, intellectual movies that are fascinating and well depicted on film. I graded this movie as 3.5 stars out of 5.
imrankane2005 30 April 2012
Not a weekend movie
What you are going to read here will be completely different from otherreview posted for this movie. I am really very much disappointed withthis movie. I am not a big fan of drama movie. This movie definitelylooks good with artistic respect but i feel that story was really awefull. This definitely doesn't connect real world and is something whichis hard to believe, seeing other review's and comment i was veryexcited to watch this , may be i thought that it will be something incomparison to inception ( w.r.t excitement ) but me and mine friendboth were sleeping at the end. In short don't waste your time on thismovie during weekends otherwise be ready to cry at the end
gradyharp 30 April 2012
White Jekyll to Black Hyde
BLACK SWAN is a clinical examination of psychosis vs borderlinepersonality dichotomy and as such it succeeds well. It is not unusualfor director Darren Aronofsky to plunge into controversial subjectmatter ('Requiem for a Dream', 'The Wrestler', 'Pi', 'The Fountain')but his mastery of a new zone of cinematic investigation of mentalillness based on a story by Andrés Heinz who also wrote the screenplaywith Mark Heyman and John McLaughlin is his most daring work yet. BLACKSWAN is as disturbing a film to watch as it is a richly rewardingtestament to storytelling based on age-old themes. The setting is a ballet company preparing a new version of the familiarPetipa and Ivanov choreography of the ballet Swan Lake, a story basedon Russian folktales about a young girl transformed into a white swan('Odette') and the darker malevolent black swan ('Odile') who underspells from the evil Rothbart vie for the love of Prince Siegfried. Thechoreographer Thomas (Vincent Cassel) must retire the reigning whiteswan queen (Winona Ryder) because of her age and has tryouts for a newswan queen. The shy, introverted, frightened but excellent dancer NinaSayers (Natalie Portman) seems perfect for Thomas' new concept of thewhite swan, but she lacks the visceral and sensual passion for theextension of the role as the black swan. Nina is the daughter of afrustrated ex-ballerina Erica Sayers (Barbara Hershey) who gave birthto Nina and missed out on becoming a prima ballerina. Erica iscontrolling and forces Nina into rigorous training and discipline sothat Nina will become the star Erica failed to realize. Nina devotesher life to ballet, participates in behaviors such as self mutilationthat suggest she is an unstable personality. Thomas continues toattempt to bring out Nina's passionate personality but the attemptsbecome Nina's obsessive delusions regarding her fear of being unable tobe perfect: she imagines all manner of events and body changes, findingthat her only friend Lily (Mila Kunis) leads her into an even moredistorted lifestyle - or does she... The manner in which Ninatransforms herself into the black swan is breathtaking and the climaxof the film leaves the audience wondering about the real ending versusanother version of Nina's broken mind. The cast is excellent, with Natalie Portman (who trained into her ownballetic role so that she could perform Odette/Odile credibly)delivering a brilliant performance as the fragile, vulnerable, mentallydisturbed Nina. Her partner in the ballet, David, dancing the role ofthe Prince, is Benjamin Millepied - a remarkably magnetic actor/dancerwith whom Portman is now engaged and pregnant. Vincent Cassel andBarbara Hershey raise their characters to an even higher level than thescript - wholly and terrifyingly credible. At times Aronofsky couldhave used some restraint in showing the repeated delusions of Nina'sbroken mind and the impact would have been a bit more subtle. MathewLibatique provides elegant cinematography and Clint Mansellreinterprets the Tchaikovsky score - sometimes it works, other times itis maddenly warped: the most successful plagiarism is in the piano-onlyreduction during the credits. But the overall impact at film's end is astunning work and a tribute to the talent of Natalie Portman. Grady Harp