Obsequiousmelon followed his sisters advice and was glad he did.

Name of the Film: Black Swan     

Format: Cinema  

I’ve really enjoyed all of Darren Aronofsky’s films but they have always felt somewhat detached from the audience.  I’ve never been able to quite put my finger on it but they seemed cold somehow, almost documentary like.

Of course that might have just been me but although I thought they were great I couldn’t quite connect.

Until, that is, The Wrestler came along.  Suddenly I got it.  I thought that film was real and true and I was moved by it.  I didn’t feel that I was watching a story, I was pulled into it.  It spoke to me and it has been one of my favourite films ever since.

So along came Black Swan and I was concerned, which Aronofsky would turn up, the one I think is amazing or the one I merely respect?

I shouldn’t have worried.  Black Swan is his best film by far. 

At some level all his films are about obsession and this film is no exception.  Natalie Portman plays Nina, a Ballerina newly cast as the lead in Swan Lake.  She is repressed and timid.  A technically gifted dancer but not an emotionally free one.  Because of this the white swan role comes naturally but she must also play the role of the black swan, a more sensual, darker role.  In to the mix comes a new dancer called Lily played by Mila Kunis who seems perfect for the role of the black swan.

Aronofsky shows true brilliance throughout this film.  He uses the story of Swan Lake to tell a story about a ballerina trying to perform in Swan Lake.  If that sounds like a head trip that is because this film is.  It is constantly playing with your thoughts and feelings.  Is Nina going insane?  Is she having hallucinations?  Is Lily her friend?  Her enemy?  A manifestation of Nina’s darker self?

Aronofsky keeps you guessing until the very end and the conclusion of the film is intense without feeling forced, emotional without feeling overly saccharine and truly rewarding, such is your emotional investment with Portman's character.  Speaking of which she must be applauded for the performance of her career so far.

It is difficult to go into details without spoiling much of the film and so I shan’t.  It is enough to say that at the end of the film I was swept up in the story and the characters.  Believe the hype, this film is everything people are saying it is.

Bizarre, flamboyant, dark, twisted and epic.  A glorious film, truly magical in places, I was genuinely moved by Aronofsky’s best work to date.

Did I enjoy the film?  Yes so much! 

Would I recommend it to my friends?  Yes, to evangelistic proportions.   

Will I buy it on DVD/Blu Ray?  As soon as I can. 

If it was a mate would I let it date my Sister?  Well, we already know that she loved it, just read her review...  http://filmstodatemysisterby.blogspot.com/2011/01/darren-aronofsky-is-bloody-genius.html