OK, let’s get the positives out of the way. Natalie Portman gives an Oscar-worthy acting performance, and the level of commitment she must have shown to master the physicality of ballet deserves respect. That’s the only positive thing I can find to say about Black Swan.
Portman plays Nina, a dancer in a ballet company about to start a production of Swan Lake. She is selected for the leading role which will require her to dance both the white and black swan roles. Conveniently for the story, Nina is already a bit of a schizophrenic, so dancing both characters should be a breeze. But with the added pressure from her mother, and a perceived rival in the form of Lily (Mila Kunis); Nina slowly descends into madness; which is just what she needs if she is to become the Black Swan. Allegedly.
I know that director Darren Aronofsky is highly regarded; but I just don’t get the appeal of this movie. It’s billed as a thriller; but there is no suspense. Nina is clearly deluded, and it is pretty obvious when she is deluded and when she is not. There are no surprises, no plot twists; in fact there is not much of a plot at all, just endless ballet practice. I realise that ballet requires incredible fitness and skill; I just don’t want to watch Natalie Portman pretending to do it for two hours; even if she does lighten the mood by pretending to have lesbian sex with Mila Kunis for two minutes.
Black Swan is a trivial thing; dressed up as something more. She who must be obeyed gave it 5 out of 10; I think she was being kind. If this gets the best picture Oscar, I’ll show my arse in Tesco’s window for a week.
Comments 🔗
2011-01-25| Paul Garrigan saysIt took me about five attempts to watch Black Swan all the way through. I understand now what instantly forgettable means. It wasn’t the worst film I’ve ever seen - just the same old same old.
2011-01-25| Camberley saysYou show great faith in the Oscar selection process. I’ll pop round to our Tesco’s later to book you a place.
2011-01-25| Pete saysJust been nominated …..
2011-01-25| Spike saysIt’s got to win before Tesco’s features my excellent posterior.
2011-01-25| genuinej says“my excellent posterior” ?? Time you looked into the rear view mirror. Let’s just hope it doesn’t win; for everyone’s sake.
2011-01-26| Q’on saysthanks for saving me the bandwidth
2011-02-28| Spike saysTesco’s window is safe for another year.