BLACK SWAN

DECEMBER 3, 2010

This film is listed as a psychological thriller, but except for the possible schizophrenia of the lead character, Nina, who is portrayed by Natalie Portman, it has no real thrill.  Without the tremendous cast, the plot and pace of the film are vapid.  Alfred Hitchcock would have rejected it as neither thrilling nor exciting.  The lead-in is a long segment of ballet which sets the tempo to which the rest of the film develops.

Mila Kunis (Lily) has left her sweet personality in the dust to show that she has more to offer as an actress.  There was a moment when Kunis could be compared to Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kathryn Merteuil in "Cruel Intentions".  Lily is a dark yet uncomplicated character who lives life to the fullest but is seen as a threat to Nina at the New York City ballet company. 

Thomas Leroy is played by Vincent Cassel who really steals the show with his convincing performance.  According to Wikipedia, he is “well known in his native France as a leading man.”   Here in America, we love our villains and strong, no-holds-barred male characters of which Cassel is outstanding in the role.

Winona Ryder (Beth Macintyre) has been out of the limelight for so long that she was almost unrecognizable.  Seeing Ryder play a down and out character was shocking to say the least.  She had been defined for so many years with characters in "Mermaids", "Dracula", "Reality Bites", "Little Women" and "Girl, Interrupted" that to view her as a washed up impersonator of what once was is shocking.  This character put her back in contention for great roles and should keep her booked for years to come.

This story has been done over and over with each twist and turn so there really was not any surprise to the script.  Ballet is not the place for psychological thriller-based movies.  "The Turning Point", "All That Jazz", or "White Nights" are the framework for good dance movies.

RUSTY
12/3/10