Black Swan Review

• 18th May 2011

Natalie Portman goes the way of madness in leaps and bounds, literally, in Darren Aronofsky’s psychological ballet drama.

The film finds Portman as a rising dancer who’s put centre stage to play the lead role in a new adaptation of Swan Lake. But she’s having problems letting herself go when it comes to performing the part of the Black Swan. With a neurotic mother, a passionate director and a rival dancer to contend with, her world begins to disintegrate when she starts seeing all sorts of mad things, even spouting feathers from her skin – quite an issue for a young woman who has already passed puberty.

Portman won an Oscar for this role, which remains a debatable win as she hasn’t really grown much as an actress over the years. That isn’t to say she isn’t any good. Her work is fine, but it seems more the role that won the award rather than the actress in it. Thinking of various other actresses that could have really gone to town in this role does make you wonder just how classic this film could become. But, with the reception the film got, it isn’t an issue as to whether people will remember it. It veers between Hollywood awards seeker and cult psychological thriller.

Stylistically, the film looks good. The handheld approach can be a bit grating at times, but when the film is really delving deep into the emotional messes of its players, the camera isn’t at all for the viewer.

The dancing has come under a lot of scrutiny lately, but to be honest it’s a fairly minor piece of the puzzle. Although we watch rehearsals and elements of live shows, we aren’t watching full performances so authenticity for this is hardly an issue. What matters is the performances and the supporting cast deliver – especially Mila Kunis as a rival dancer (who perhaps really should have got the role) and Barbara Hershey as Nina’s mother.

I suspect that Black Swan has hidden depths that come out on repeat viewings and is therefore worth every penny on its packet. If it isn’t what you thought or hoped it would be first time round, watch it again and see the film come to life in a new light.

The DVD doesn’t come with any extras save for a digital copy.

Steven Hurst