Black Swan

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Who would have guessed that a little art film like Black Swan that cost less than $13M would go onto make over $300M worldwide, more than Russell Crowe's Robin Hood (which cost over $215M just to make)?

Not me, that's for sure, but it's certainly a step in the right direction for a worldwide population that seems to get dumber every year.

Black Swan was originally written as part of Darren Aronofsky’s Oscar winner The Wrestler, essentially as the graceful yin to the rough and bloody yang of Mickey Rourke’s role as a down-and-out has been.

Two lives, world’s apart, but inescapably similar.

Of course, both stories in the one film would have resulted in a Peter Jackson style 5 hour epic. Thankfully, both stories were then developed as separate films – what results are two of the most impressive character driven films of all time.

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%