Movie Review : Black Swan

I could not have imagined a thriller set in such a delicate and improbable setting. But in the Black Swan (the film gets its name from the a character in the ballet “Swan Lake”), Darren Aronofsky creates an arresting, psychological thriller about a hapless, beautiful ballerina mired in unhappy circumstances. Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) is a delicate beauty, a dancer dedicated to her art, and striving for perfection. It seems as if all her efforts have come to fruition when she is chosen for the lead part in her ballet company’s premier production of Swan Lake.

Now that she has the prime part, Nina is the focus of the company members and their boss, the brilliant and arrogant Thomas Leroy (Cassel). Leroy blows hot and cold, and other cast members are jealous of her accomplishment. Diffident and demure Nina, till now almost cocooned in her claustrophobic home by her over-protective, domineering mother (Barbara Hershey), wants to break free and reclaim her independence. But everyone it seems, is conspiring against her.

The story is told from Nina’s point of view, so naturally one is sympathetic to her outlook. Especially because she seems to be such an underdog – a fragile, insecure character, unsure of her ability and plagued by self-doubt. Portman gives this role her all, and is quite superb as Nina. Hershey, who plays Nina’s mother is also fantastic as a strong-willed mother harboring notions of martyrdom.

This is a fascinating film. It is a subtle, nuanced, toned-down thriller, all the more intriguing because one is never really sure of reality in the film. The lines between fact and fiction are blurred and one is never really sure if the events that happen are actually happening or are figments of a really creative imagination. The characters in the film are quirky, and the director stresses upon the quirks, making the people seem a little unhinged. This film also has some elements of borderline horror which are effectively used – and this from me, a total non-fan of horror.

Highly recommended.