Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan is an examination of obsession.Obsession in striving for beauty,acceptance,and most of all perfection.It explores the dichotomy involved in both loving and hating yourself.
Though the themes in this movie may be formulaic and familiar,the arena in which it takes place,as well as the circumstances of each of these characters is what makes the film unique enough to stand on its own feet.Leroy,the dance instructor,announces to his company in the beginning that he wants to open with "Swan Lake",which as he acknowledges has been done to death - but not like this.
The portrayal of the dancing world with all of its gossip and back biting was very realistic as was the competitive edge and deep fear of failure that was always present.The overbearing mother who was a master manipulator and control freak added another level of dread and creepiness to the atmosphere.I immediately felt uneasy every time she was in the scene.
As Nina (Natalie Portman) begins to lose her mind it becomes more difficult for the viewer to tell what is real and what isn't.This is the point at which the film starts blurring the lines between psychological thriller and horror.Aronofsky knows how to put focus on the cringe worthy moments and make them even more disturbing than normal.The movie can make one feel uncomfortable at times,grossed out,and tense.The whole audience moved and gasped as one or flinched and turned their head away from the screen multiple times throughout the movie,showing just how powerful the Black Swan can be.
Lily was played perfectly by Mila Kunis.Though she's no stranger to the temptress role her seductive eyes and sly smile steal the show when she's on camera.You can see exactly why Nina would be intimidated by her.While some of the symbols and metaphors were a bit heavy-handed and obvious like the giant black swan tattoo on Lily or the constant use of mirrors that reminded me of Donald from Adaptation,overall the devices used were well timed and effective