"Black Swan" (2010) Directed by Darren Aronofsky

Black on White. White on Black. Reflections. Mirror Images. Perfection. Obsession. Genius.

“I just want to be perfect”.

The metamorphosis of the pure, virginal white swan into her evil black swan twin is the insignia for Aronofsky’s fifth film set against a continuing visual motif of white on black throughout and a day in, day out striving for perfection in this brilliant psychological thriller. From the simple premise of casting for Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake we follow a similar theme of obsession and perfection which is brilliantly juxtaposed in a horror/psychological drama that never relents and although following a linear narrative always reinforces a darker, obsessive side to many characters.

Written by Mark Heyman, Andres Heinz and John McLaughlin, however it was Aronofsky’s original idea of a relationship between a Wrestler and a Ballerina that spawned both The Wrestler and Black Swan and is perhaps why they both share the obvious theme of dedication and obsession to their art but more importantly is perhaps the physical toll exacted on these perfectionists. Both films showcase this but importantly they both portray the psychological and physiological breakdowns brought on by their obsession. Whereas in The Wrestler we see an aged Wrestler trying to recapture his glory days in a failing body, here the close ups are of a frail, tender and young “Nina Sayers” (Natalie Portman) rigorously training at every available opportunity, foregoing the delights of a normal diet and indeed a normal, regular life to achieve her dream. The close ups are of the excruciating pain ballerinas go through to achieve a nubile and flexible body, the constant pressure on their legs and feet (forever shot in close up) and whereas The Wrestler depicts camaraderie between the professionals, here there is intense competition to be the best, to stand out amongst a high calibre field of your contemporaries and never settling for being a member of the cast.

#blackswan #swanlake #darrenaronofsky #movies #moviereview #cinema #film #filmreview #reading #readalong #readaloud #audiobook #ebook #writing #blogwriting #blogging #blogger #writingcommunity

The above paragraphs are taken from my original spoiler free review of "Black Swan" penned and published over a decade ago, re-released as a tribute to my dearly missed Mum and Sister, and available to read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and updated original article linked immediately below:

https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/a-black-swan-3-white-swans-and-a-whole-load-of-regret-b2fa09124b0b

This spoiler free review is also integral to volume 1 of my 7 volumes of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available as an e-book and priced at £4.99 per volume, however should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package, each and every volume can be read for free:

Volume 1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HHDL56

All 7 Volumes

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn

https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub
https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford

Thanks for watching!

Please "like", subscribe, comment and perhaps consider supporting your favourite independent writer!

Thank you.