Caleb’s review published on Letterboxd:
What could a 15-year old want to do with a film that revolves around ballet? At first, seven years ago, I had seen the Blu Ray cover art depicting Natalie Portman as the Black Swan. Intrigued, I bought the movie. After all, I've always had these impulsive purchases, especially for movies. I had no idea what I was in for. I was quite aware of director Darren Aronofsky's work such as Pi and The Wrestler. I was really disturbed but enthralled at my first viewing of Black Swan. It would be not until my viewing recently as last night that would cement Black Swan as one of my favorite films of all time.
The film stars Natalie Portman as Nina Sayers, a talented ballet dancer who still lives with her overprotective mother. Nina is obsessed with taking the part of Swan Queen in the ballet, Swan Lake.
In Swan Lake, the White Swan falls in love with the Prince to break the spell of her curse as a swan from the evil sorcerer Rothbart. The Black Swan is a twin of the White Swan, and she would seduce the Prince. The Black Swan is the polar opposite of the White Swan. It is peculiar in this story that Nina plays the part of Swan Queen, who must embody the two Swans who are completely different from each other.
Nina's director insists she's perfect for the White Swan, but not the Black Swan. Nina is affected heavily by her director's thoughts but she begins her journey of self-discovery. Thomas tells her that to be perfect is also about letting go, rather than being precise. Natalie Portman's magnetic performance as Nina Sayers carries this fantastic film that revolves around perfection, insanity, obsession and sexual awakening. Make no mistake, there are scenes where Nina touches herself, but it's clear that it's her first time, and it's how she begins to develop her Black Swan. It's a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of an artist being born, although by different means. Here, we see a woman who is repressed sexually and possibly personally, but we witness her awakening, and it's quite something to behold. It's very clear why Natalie Portman won the Best Actress oscar, and quite deservedly so. The film is, dare I say, a perfect study of descent into madness. It's beautiful.
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