Black Swan

Finally I'd have the pleasure to watch this astounding film by Darren Aronofsky, with Academy Award winner Natalie Portman, newly married and soon to be mum, with her trusty dark and daring side-kick Mila Kunis. Both young, both hard-working, both fortunate beyond their short years to be given opportunity after opportunity to top their last performances yet; time and time again.

Black Swan gives an unsettling and real view of the competition and seriousness of performers everywhere; whether it be dancer, musician, actor or any person hard-working in the arts. This film didn't by any means hold back any disgusting detail of the melancholic grip most aspiring and troubled people of their craft go through when they have an unhealthy relationship with perfecting their craft.

Although Natalie's performance was marvelous, alongside the remarkable camera techniques and special effects, without the beautiful musical score written and performed by Peter Min, the film I don't believe would be as thrilling or larger-than-life as it was. Classical music does something magical for the human soul, and if ballerinas or musicians can't tell you this, you can give a whirl for yourself by tuning in to one of the late and grand masters.

Winona Ryder as well as Mina Kunis whom I have great respect for throughout the years also gave sensationally powerful performances, and I found that even though most scenes were extremely violent and upsetting, I had a hard time peeling my eyes away from the screen.

I tremendously enjoyed the way Nina played by Natalie Portman completely transformed herself to her version of 'perfection' by letting herself go finally at the end. I've heard some say that the film dealt with issues several young women struggle with, however found it not one bit helpful as to what girl's outlet or solution may be when found trapped in similar situations.

Nina's relationship with her mother (parent figure and nurturer) was a strained and a disconcerting one, her dance instructor Thomas played by Vincent Cassel was one of a manipulator and abused his power over her, and none of her classmates, including Lily played by Mila Kunis, offered her deliverance from her evident and self-plunging doom. Must one lose oneself to gain or garner so called 'perfection', and is letting oneself go the answer to this 'perfection'?

The interpretation be your own, but after watching this gripping and phenomenally well-made film, it will leave you bursting with emotion, for not only seeing the main character's rise to success and fame, but also pity at her plummet to death and impending fall at losing herself for not finding the balance we all so dearly strive for.