Black swan

8.5/10  - Directed by Darren Aronofsky - 2010 - 108 minutes

It seems most important now, at this time in the world of art, to study this renewed fascination with the idea of a tortured artist. We could, if we wanted, discuss the impact of 2014’s Whiplash on the modern perceptions of the costs of greatness. But given the rampant criticism of that movie’s realism and the relevance of the content, the acclaimed Black Swan is simply a better choice. 

It’s too difficult to distinguish the most disturbing elements of this film. The body horror is subtle, yet it achieves the feel of madness that the movie looks for. But the traditional use of horror is not what makes the movie one of the most unsettling I’ve ever seen. It’s the tension in the mother’s demeanor as she becomes increasingly forceful and overbearing. It’s Nina’s eating disorder and her obsessive and impulsive habits of self destructiveness. It is every movement and every mannerism of Vincent Cassel as the controlling instructor Thomas as he manipulates and abuses Nina forcing her to madness. Darren Aronofsky directs masterfully. He delivers, as he often does, a well shot and unnervingly dark cinematic journey.

Black Swan is, like great works of cinema, a realization of something much more important than a movie. It’s the exploration of the destructive elements of an industry that is notoriously flawed and problematic. In all the best ways, it indicts the tyrannical rule of abuse, sexual misconduct, perfectionism, patriarchy, and beauty standards in the world of ballet. Admittedly, the world that Aronofsky displays is by no means a technically accurate depiction of modern ballet, nor does it claim to be. As I often do, I favor this approach as opposed to that which portrays its environment literally. Where an attempt at accuracy may falter, misrepresent or offend professionals in the dance world who have had different experiences, Aronofsky’s approach simulates the perception of an individual whose grip on reality is faltering. Nina’s life and the horrors she experiences are neither real nor particularly realistic, but they represent real issues. Between the excellent performances, writing and the brilliant use of handheld cinematography I struggle to identify what Black Swan does poorly.