At the Movies with Fatwayne

This film was, at times, a beautiful experience thrilling the audience with the wonderful music of Swan Lake and the artistic performances of professional ballet dancers. Living amongst all of this ecstasy is a dark and brooding personality who is plunging deeper and deeper into psychosis. So you might ask yourself, just what genre is this film? I found it to be a psychological thriller which boarded on horror but with a classical theme and background. WHAT?! You heard me, at times I was mesmerized and in a musical lull–until something happens and I all but wet my britches.

Natalie Portman plays Nina Sayers. Nina has a fragile personality and she is pursuing a career in a most heartless business, the world of professional dancing. To further complicate her life she is dependent on her domineering mother who is a frustrated ballerina herself. She is presented the opportunity to star in Swan Lake if she can personify the role of the White Swan as well as the Black Swan. Both of these “Swans” are polar opposites as far as their characters go. Nina has the White Swan down pat displaying perfect technique. The Black Swan is a different question as she can not seem to emote the passion of the darkly sensual part. Herein comes the problem in the person of Lily (Mila Kunis) who can dance the Black Swan part effortlessly. As pressures begin to build up from all areas of Nina’s life, things begin to go terrible wrong.

Quite often it is hard for the audience to ascertain what is actually happening on the screen versus the dark delusions of Nina’s mind. In other words, what is real and what is not? Does she really pull a black feather from the rash on her shoulder? As she gazes into the mirror does her legs actually dislocate and become the legs of a swan. Does she really have red eyes? These instances are obvious examples of her delusions but there are many more occasions that will leave you guessing.

The movie is rated “R” due to sex, language and violence. I suppose you might say it has it all. Definitely not for the younger set. For the older among us it should prove to be a thought-provoking experience.

Rated  -  R  -

Fatwayne’s Rating  -  

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