OK - this is a MUST SEE. I've been telling EVERYONE about how much I loved it. It is truly mesmerizing. Natalie Portman transports the audience through her trials magnificently. I am most amazed that they created this strong strong role for her. First of all she is in practically every scene. And she's ballet dancing like a real pro. It gave quite a behind the scenes look at the dance world. Pretty scary to tell you the truth. Obviously these artists do it for the true love of the sport/ art. It just seems incredibly gruelling and painful for a short time up on stage in front of the people. And the driven directors, and parents (like her mother - surprisingly played by Barbara Hershey - who really was almost unrecognizable). Loved the psycho thriller part of it too but had to hide my eyes at parts. Great to see in the theatres to really get engrossed in it all. Personally this is Natalie's big moment - to win during the whole awards season, like she did with the Golden Globes and now with the Oscars. What a challenging experience it must have been. Of course the feel good story coming out of it that she is engaged to her leading dance partner and choreographer for the movie and pregnant with his child is great for the tabloids. Not to forget the brilliant direction of Darren Aronofsky, as well as her supporting stars Mila Kunis & Vincent Cassel.
- IMDB link: Movie review – Black Swan by Julie
- Rating: *****
