Black Swan

The general narrative I kept hearing around this film was it's very similar to Whiplash, while it is somewhat similar. This is very more than just a Whiplash but in ballet. It also isn't just a horror/thriller drama, it’s a brilliant exploration of the Jungian concept of the shadow self. Also a subtle critique in the brutal demands of the art world. I suggest everyone check out the true history behind it, very very interesting. If I'm not mistaken this is my first David Aronofsky film, and my gosh was this directing just a masterclass. He creates an atmosphere that is elegant but yet claustrophobic at the same time, his hand held camera work and close ups immerse you into Nina's increasingly fragile mental state. Making her paranoia very evident. In the mean time, he continuously blurs the lines between reality and delusion with his captivating dream like sequences. The feathers sprouting, the reflections moving independently, and the scratching sounds aren't jump scares. Rather manifestations of her own fractured mind, paranoia, and the increasing pressure upon her. David makes it an unreliable narration, leaving us to decide what's real or if it's just a product of Nina's unraveling psyche. Back to the Jungian concept, it focuses on the relationship between conscious and unconscious realms of the mind, aiming to achieve personal wholeness through the integration of different aspects of the psyche. Nina's journey isn't just about playing a role, she has to confront her repressed desires, her aggression, and her sexuality.. all the things her overbearing mother and sheltered life have denied her. This is where the play comes into affect with the concept, simply because it's Swan Lake. Nina perfectly represents The White Swan, but The Black Swan on the other hand is everything she isn't, but desperately needs to become to achieve true artistry. The struggle isn't with the dance it’s herself trying to reconcile these two opposing forces within herself. Then you cast someone like Natalie Portman who's been out acting great actors since she was 14.. Plus Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, and WINONA RYDER. Simply amazing choices! There's a lot more I could talk about in this film but the rest truly does speak for itself. All in all Black Swan is a disturbing depiction on the nature of art, identity, and the terrifying pursuit of an idealized self. This film leaves us to wonder if the price of artistic greatness is sometimes too high.