Darren Aronofsky’s powerful ‘Requiem for a Dream’ (2000) reveals darkness projected by unobtainable ambition. The theme song brings back emotions to many, even to this day. His latest offering, ‘Black Swan’, elevates ‘the struggle’ to a personal level, with ballet as its backdrop. The story begins with the New York City ballet company re-making ‘Swan Lake’. Main character Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) finds herself up against the demand of Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel), director of the company, struggling to channel the purity of white swan and the femme fatale black swan simultaneously. Caught between two extreme personalities, she also has to fight off the competition of Lily (Mila Kunis); her stress soon escalates to an impossible level and Nina cracks under the pressure.

Darren Aronofsky reassures his ability to thrill and surprise his audience in ‘Black Swan’. In fact, his name is often compared to Roman Polanski in ‘The Tenant’ era. Natalie Portman won Best Actress at Golden Globe this year, for her captivating performance in the film. Sponsored by Swarovski, sparkle is not sparse in the film’s costume and props – over 250,000 crystals of them, no less. There is nothing like light to contrast with the dark.

Text: Vincent Lau | Translation: dilettante
Edit: Carmen Lee
Photo Courtesy: 20th Century Fox Film HK
Update: 21 Feb 2011

Director: Darren Aronofsky
Cast: Natalie Portman、Vincent Cassel、Mila Kunis
Release Date: 24 Feb 2011

BLACK SWAN
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