At the risk of not being taken seriously as a movie critic (that was a joke....), I'm just going to come right out and say it: I did not like this movie at all. In fact, I seriously disliked it. I honestly don't understand where all the hype is coming from surrounding this movie. I went and saw this today based solely on hype, and hype alone. My entire knowledge of the film was that 'it was pretty freaky'. I truly wish I had read more about it and had a better idea of what I was getting into, because to say I was unpleasantly surprised, and that the movie was 'a little freaky', would both be the understatements of the year.
If you're considering seeing this film, please know full well that it definitely should be put into the 'Thriller/Horror' section of your local Blockbuster Video. Now, I'm not opposed to these kinds of movies at all, but they certainly don't usually garner Oscar buzz (and nominations), and the previews usually make it pretty clear that this is the kind of movie that you're getting yourself into. Not the case here.... Again, I have no problem with that, I just want you to know what you're in for...
Natalie Portman (Nina) is a ballet dancer. Mila Kunis (Lily) is also a ballet dancer. Nina is the lead and new star, and Lily is the new girl who wants to take her lead role in the upcoming production of Swan Lake. The problem is that the role is completely encompassing Nina, who is quickly losing her grip on reality, growing increasingly paranoid, and developing a self-mutilation habit. In addition, she has the kind of mommy issues that we haven't seen since Norman Bates in Psycho.
Perhaps the most buzzed about scene of the movie involves a very steamy, simulated sex scene between Portman and Kunis. Yes, it is very risque. Yes, it is hot. No, there is no nudity (sorry to all my 14 year old male readers....). Interestingly enough however, it fits perfectly into the bizarre and sordid action throughout the film, and actually progresses the plot perfectly.
In the end however, the movie is just way too weird and, yes, freaky, for me to objectively take much of anything away from it. It reminded me a bit of 'Vanilla Sky', an utterly confusing and equally as bizarre Tom Cruise film from a few years ago, and I don't mean that in a good way. "Black Swan" is frequently creepy, often grotesque, and one of the most stress-inducing ways to spend 2 hours. I couldn't wait for the movie to end, not because I hated it, but because it was so cringe inducing and genuinely uncomfortable to sit through.
2 out of 5 stars, if only because Portman is completely believable in her madness and paranoia. If you're a fan of the thriller/suspense/horror movie genre, you may really enjoy Black Swan, but the casual movie watcher will absolutely hate this film. 2 out of 5 stars.
As a side note - I'd really love to hear from someone who enjoyed this movie and get their take on what I missed, let me know what you think in the comments below - and thanks for reading!
