Get together...
Join our forums...
Fire your imagination...
Tell your friends...
Indulge yourself...
Log-in / Register
Take time out and find some inspiration
Becoming A Black Swan
With the Baftas and the Oscars mere weeks away, Be Fabulous’ resident movie critics Andrew Sheldrick and Faith Brotherston resume their his ‘n’ hers reviews, picking one of this year’s biggest tips for success – Black Swan, the psychological horror set at the New York Ballet.
Andrew says:
First things first, Black Swan is rarely ever about the ballet. Which, I’ll not lie, was somewhat of a relief, for my ability to spot an ill-timed brisé or poorly performed allegro is minimal at best. Sure there’s gorgeous dancing, stunning costumes and generous dollops of bitchiness throughout, but go in expecting 90 minutes of beautiful ballet and you’ll leave thinking you’ve walked in the wrong screen. Go in expecting a deeply affecting psychological horror, and you’ll not be disappointed. A light, throwaway film this isn’t. It craves attention, much like its protagonists.
Natalie Portman is terrific as the lead Nina, bringing a fragility and complexity to the role previously hinted at in V for Vendetta. Portman completely embodies the role, appearing in almost every scene. In much the same way that director Darren Aronofsky produced a career best performance out of Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler, Portman clearly revels in the pressure placed upon her. A more deserving Oscar winner this year you’ll struggle to find. The supporting cast are equally as compelling, with special mention going to Vincent Cassel. In what could easily have been your atypical, sleazy instructor, he brings a complexity that has you both loathing and loving his character in often equal measures.
The way in which Aronofsky shoots primarily handheld, is both a blessing and a curse. While it gives a real intensity to the close up dancing (think Raging Ballerina instead of Bull), in other occasions it has the effect of creating an almost documentary feel. How much this jars is very much a personal thing, but for me at least it felt better suited to The Wrestler than here.
So, a difficult film to watch? Perhaps. A rewarding one? Definitely.
Beautifully bonkers. In every sense.
Faith says:
It’s hard to type when your fists are still clenched through fear and imagined pain, but I’ll do my best. Be glad I’m not typing with my toes, or this review would never have been written.
While I’m sure Black Swan takes on, exaggerates and exploits every single cliché in the Ballet For Beginners book; obsession, eating disorder, bullying, self-harm and sexual experimentation, it does so in such a way that along with making the viewer (or at least, this viewer) think ‘Thank GOD I never had the inclination or willpower to take up ballet, while creating a painfully beautiful, albeit terrifying piece of cinema.
I’m not good with blood, suspense, violence or any combination of the three, so this did make me tense and uncomfortable – entirely the desired effect. But far from being Nina’s jealous violence toward her nemesis, the liberated, relaxed and effortlessly beautiful Lily (Mila Kunis), it was actually the cracking, bleeding toe nails and the harm the obsessive ballerina inflicted on herself in her quest for perfection that had me gasping, wincing and trying to pull all my body parts inside my clothes: always a sign you’ve created a compelling movie.
The movie is beautifully executed, the sets, costumes and dancing are exquisite, the acting superb. I can’t disagree with Andrew, Natalie Portman was utterly believable as the desperate Prima Ballerina, and thoroughly deserves the Oscar she can’t fail to win for becoming the Black Swan.
Have you seen Black Swan? Share your thoughts below …
Comments…
You must be a member to comment, please register here…
About the author
Name: Faith Brotherston
Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Share |
Think you can inspire thought and discussion? If you've got an article which you would like to submit just contact us.