Black Swan ***** (15) Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel. Dir Darren Aronofsky.
Beautiful, dark, mesmerising. Three adjectives out of a plethora with which to describe Darren Aronofsky's latest film, due to hit UK cinema's on Friday (Jan 21).
Following ballerina Nina's (Portman) striving for perfection, and eventual descent into madness, as she builds up to play the part of the Swan Queen in Swan Lake.
It is easy to see why Portman won a Golden Globe for her performance in this film. Amazingly portrayed, and beautifully choreographed, she leaves no doubt as to her developing madness, as she is pushed by the perverse company director Thomas (Cassel) to let herself go, and an overbearing mother (Barbara Hershey), she slips further and further from the white swan, 'sweet girl', her mother so fondly calls her, to the black swan she desires to perfect for her role.
Her deterioration is exacerbated by Lily (Kunis), the newcomer to the ballet company whose appearance makes Nina ever more paranoid that she is out to steal her part.
And then you get to the special effects. Highlight Nina's insanity and her transformation into the black swan, they are amazing, especially with the use of 'doubles' and reflections.
With exquisite camera work, and a brilliant score by Clint Mansell, this film will mesmerise and terrify.
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