Black Swan proved and stamped Natalie Portman's career as one of the best actresses of our era. Driven by her astounding acting prowess, she delivered a performance transcending time.
Some may say that Black Swan's story and characters are inspired by Satoshi Kon's magnum opus, Perfect Blue. It still revolutionized stories like these about people who want to be perfect.
Plot Overview
The movie follows the story of Nina Sayers, a young and enthusiastic New York City Ballet company. She lives with her over-protective mother, Erica, also a former ballerina. The company decides to perform the popular ballet piece Swan Lake. After one of their dancers, Beth was forced to retire, the director, Thomas Leroy, decides to hold an audition that will perform two roles, White and Black Swan. The White Swan is sensual and graceful, while the Black Swan is dark and emotional. Nina auditions for the role but is only deemed fit for the White Swan role.
Nina asks Thomas to reconsider the role. He forcibly kissed her, and she bites him in return before leaving. She was surprised when she learned she received the lead role later that day. Beth accuses Nina of doing sexual favors to grab the titular role. Nina knows Beth had an accident the next day and visits her at the hospital. She was horrified by her leg injury and concluded that Beth could not go back as a dancer anymore.
During the rehearsals, a newcomer named Lily dances as the Black Swan. Thomas asks Nina to observe as Lily dances gracefully to the role. Even though Nina and Lily have almost the exact physical resemblance, they also have the quality that the other lacks.
Determined to go to great lengths to perfect the Black Swan role, Nina begins hallucinating and striving for perfection.
Review
Darren Aronofsky and his ensemble of actors and actresses include the super-talented Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, and Winona Ryder. The actor who played the Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Sebastian Stan, has a minor role in this film.
Driven by the excellent plot structure, characters, screenplay, and character development, Black Swan is one-of-a-kind. Despite closely resembling Perfect Blue, I think this film has a different take. I can't say for sure which movie is better, but they both did a terrific job.
Black Swan thrives in its excellent storytelling, which gives both enjoyment and thrilling vibes. It has a well-structured plot with an impactful ending. Nina's character as she spirals down to her desire for perfection is an excellent way to describe her character development. The last line she delivers at the end is a chef's kiss.
A deserving 4.5 out of 5 stars.