The Freak's Rating: B+ : I once heard a trusted critic say, "life would be perfect if I could have a maid that looked like Natalie Portman". He went on to say how simply adorable she is with nearly every character she plays and how simply having her around all the time would no doubt bring joy into his life. THIS is not the Natalie you want around. In fact, you might be terrified if this character was in your house.
Awards season is just around the corner and Black Swan has some of the early buzz in the best actress category. At this point, Natalie's best competition is that of Winter's Bone's Jennifer Lawrence and if I had a vote I'd side with Natalie. Many scoff at awards given for acting, saying it is all just playing make believe. Portman went through months of dance training to be convincing with minor use of a body double and puts every ounce of her talent on display here as we are truly run through the gauntlet of emotions in this film. When the audience connects with a character, you have done your job. When they feel what the character feels as you do in Black Swan, you've excelled. She is captivating with every moment on screen.
Darren Aronofsky can be over the top with symbolism, as he was with The Fountain, and completely lose the audience in a sea of creative madness. He has been reigned in here a bit, but still teeters on that edge. It is the element of direction that makes him as attractive a prospect as he is to studios. Direction is tight using nice angles, well edited to keep the pacing and far enough away from mainstream cropping to keep indy-film lovers entertained.
The biggest flaw in the film is the confusion. I followed along, but at times it was difficult. There are moments in the film where we are thrust over the edge into creativity and are unaware of what is actually happening. Though it does prompt me to watch the film again, some viewers may be lost enough to lose interest in the storyline altogether and discard the film's creativity as over-the-top artsy.
Black Swan will no doubt garner attention for some of its sexual antics, but truly most are required to keep the story so character-driven. This is a beautifully made film, and one I would watch again, but it truly is on the border of a recommendation due to its indy-filmish edginess.
Brian's Rating: A :Rarely do I leave a movie theater in complete awe of a movie. I did so in this case, the movie was simply excellent. Natalie Portman is beyond amazing the entire time.
There is very little plot to this movie, without any spoiling, the entire movie is watching Nina's (Natalie Portman) descent into insanity. Shown from the perspective of the character, I have never seen anything like it, and quite enjoyed it.
It is so masterfully done that the viewer simply cannot tell what is real and what isn't, much like Nina. Weaving delusion into reality really put me on edge the entire film wondering what was going to happen next. And you know what? I don't think we as the audience are supposed to know what is real. I don't think it matters. What matters is that we experience her oncoming madness, and the film totally nails it.
I quite liked Fountain, although it had some plot issues. This movie is better. Darren Aronofsky is a creative genius, and I am now very excited to see his take on Wolverine.
I would have given it an A+ except for s fairly large plot-hole that I can only explain to myself with weak rationale. A solid movie. I hope it wins awards. Its the type of thing I like.
