The Black Swan (2010)

Directed By - Darren Aronofsky

Starring - Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel

When i had downloaded the "The Black Swan" the first thought that came to my mind was "BALLET" and i was definite i'd find it boring but what followed was 108 minutes of cinematic brilliance. Then i gave it a thought and i relaized i had skipped one of the most important facts of the film , it was made by the maker of "requiem for a dream" so it was hardly expected that this film will be below standards. To talk about standards, it is something that aronofsky has set for himself and which he surpasses with ease.As has already been noted Aronofsky excels in films dealing with hallucination and psychological upheavals.Black swan is about Nina Sayers (Portman) a shy and introverted new yorker suffering from possibly an extreme case of inferiority complex. She gets the role of her life in the ballet company in which she performs. but the role requires a perfect execution of two alter egos, One good and One dark, Nina excels in the good one (White Swan) but is somehow uncomfortable with the darker one ( Black Swan) . Enter Mila Kunis as Lily , and intern in the company who is perfect for the role of the dark alter ego.What follows is Nina's Obsession with role of the black swan and an inbuilt fear which threatens to destroy her. Of the cast, Vincent Cassel as the ballet director Thomas excels in a bit role. Mila Kunis shows an earnestness hardly seen by relative newcomers and gets into the skin of the character with ease.But the real stunner in the film (as you have already guessed ) is Natalie Portman as Nina Sayers. Portman delivers a performance which is creepy, endearing and soulful.Watch the scene where she goes and kisses Thomas after the first performance as the Black Swan.This performance will go down as a benchmark. Such films are very difficult to handle, but The Black Swan glides on Darren Aronofsky's uninhibited and bold direction and a killer performance By Natalie Portman.Seldom have you ever seen a film which is so alternately disturbing and exhilarating.

Rating - 9.2/10