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Black Swan stars Natalie Portman and Mila
Kunis and follows the story of Nina (Portman), a ballerina in a New
York City ballet company whose life, like all those in her profession,
is completely consumed with perfection.
Upon landing the lead role in Swan Lake, Nina’s life is turned upside
down thanks to both the incredible pressure of the role as well as the
presence of the sexy and elusive Mila Kunis.
There is also a healthy dose of paranoia.
Despite using every University Film Student trick in the book
(mysterious mirrors and multiple personalities), it’s not until the
final credits of Black Swan roll that you realise that you haven’t been
able to breath since the opening credits.
While The Wrestler purposefully meandered to it’s eventual melancholic
crescendo (realistic, without bells and whistles), Black Swan bleeds
intensity in it’s characters pursuit of perfection.
It’s by no means subtle, but it’s impact will stay with you long after
the the cinema lights have gone up.
Darren Aronofsky’s reliance on unflinching graphic sexuality (the type
that made his cult hit Requiem
For A Dream so disturbingly memorable) is once again
present – although entirely necessary.
Natalie Portman's performance is a culmination of her years playing the
eternally introverted and wilted lilley. But just like her character,
this star making role allows her to flourish into a new era of
sexuality and colour and it's hardly surprising she was given an Oscar
for all her good work here.
Wonderfully shot and utterly engaging, Black Swan is as graceful as a
film exploring the wicked nature of narcissism will ever be.
Just imagine Black Swan and The Wrestler stayed as the one film –
instead of two brilliant films, we may have very well been witness to a
genuine, unparalleled classic.
DVD Special Features
It was a strange year for low-budget movies
raking in the cash. As mentioned, Black Swan cost a measley $13M to
make, yet went on to take more than $300M around the world. In the same
year, The King's Speech spent $15M making it's story come to life and
went on to take in over $427M worldwide. It's truly mind blowing.
Not surprisingly, there are a few DVD extras floating around (sure,
let's jam pack the DVD just in case enough money hasn't been squeezed
from punters).
Included here is a the three chapter "Black Swan Metamorphosis" which,
while the only major extra included on the DVD, runs close to one hour
and looks at the production process, is jam packed with interviews and
endless behind the scenes footage.
It's a must watch for any Aronofsky fans - as well as those who think Black Swan was more
than just a lucky film at Oscar time.
Conclusion - Movie: 90% Extras: 70%
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