Black Swan (2010)
Stars: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel
Runtime: 108 minutes
Synopsis: A committed dancer struggles to maintain her sanity after winning the lead role in a production of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake".
Performances: 5/5
Screenplay: 4/5
Special Effects: 3/5
Costumes/Makeup: 5/5
Editing: 3/5
Cinematography: 4/5
Score/Soundtrack: 5/5
Verdict: When it comes to psychological thrillers, Darren Aronofsky has proven time and time again with movies such as "Requiem for a Dream", "Pi", or "The Fountain" that he has become a reference in the genre. A lot of people consider "Black Swan" to be his masterpiece, and while there's certainly a lot to appreciate about it, a recent rewatch shined a light on a few flaws that refrain it from being perfect, which is ironic considering the fact that the film's main theme is the heavy cost of perfection.
Now don't get me wrong, I still believe that "Black Swan" is a great movie powered by career-defining performances from Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, and especially Natalie Portman, whose transformation is one that will stick with you for a very, very long time. The abundance of mirrors is a nice touch that helped develop the main narrative, which ingeniously parallels Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake", a ballet that served as the film's blueprint. The final 20 minutes are also absolutely phenomenal, and, by far surpass what came before it.
Because the first two acts, while still being great, did contain a few flaws that took me out of the film's narrative more than once. Poorly handled exposition, a couple of cheesily written interactions, some questionable jump scares, and a crying lack of subtlety in a few scenes did somewhat take away from the movie's genius concept. Technically, the constant shaky cam and quick cuts were distracting and don't really add anything to the main character's descent into madness.
For these reasons, I can't quite call "Black Swan" a masterpiece. It remains a great and smart movie that benefits from multiple viewings. It'll certainly stick with you for a long while after you watch it, but unlike what the immortal last line in the movie says, it isn't perfect.
FINAL GRADE: 8/10
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