The Black Swan: Brilliant study of insecurity

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 16 December 2010 12:39

Each week, the Reel Dad checks the nutritional value of a movie — new or classic — to help parents choose what to watch. This week’s pick is a new film from director Darren Aronofsky, The Black Swan.

Stage fright can kill. No matter the performance, the hunger to succeed, for success to acknowledged, and the fear of failure can drive people in any type of work to neglect reason, hurt others and penalize themselves.

The Black Swan is a brilliant new study of stage fright. The film centers in the excessive world of ballet, a competitive landscape explored in such classics as The Red Shoes in the 1940s and The Turning Point in the 1970s. Yet as detailed as its examination of toe shoes and tutus, The Black Swan could be set in any world of heroes and villains. That it happens on stage at Lincoln Center, and off stage in a ballerina’s mind, fascinates.

Darren Aronofsky, a brilliant director who explored diet medication in Requiem for a Dream and sports entertainment in The Wrestler, creates a world of ballet unlike any seen before. No illusion is saved, no ego is spared. Beautiful dancers emerge as driven men and women who wll do anything to land the right parts, push anyone aside to capture attention. Think of Wall Street or All About Eve on the ballet stage.

Enter Natalie Portman — a gifted actress who, until now, has had few opportunities to live her potential — who is a revelation as Nina, a reliable technical performer cast by surprise for the lead in a new interpretation of Swan Lake. But the ballet director — perfectly pitched by Vincent Cassel — sees something beneath her exquisite control that will bring energy to the role. But Portman is afraid. Her fear, clouded by a turbulent relationship with a passive-aggressive mother (perfectly played by Barbara Hershey) and her awkward adoration of an aging star (a memorable Winona Ryder), prevent Nina from exploring the depths of the role. The film details her efforts — real and imagined — to confront her demons and conquer her stage fright.

Unlike his fictional ballerina, director Aronofsky is fearless. He demonstrates, in the breathtaking ballet sequences, a depth of visual instinct that his leading character longs to discover. His exploration of Nina’s demons never hesitates to push. Like her, we may fear what he reveals, but we can’t wait until the revelation is complete. Yet Aronofsky shows restraint, too, by refusing to let the emotions of the piece get in the way of what he wants us to discover.

Aronofsky gives Natalie Portman the role of a lifetime. Nothing she has done before — except her supporting work in Closer — prepares you for the depth of her performance, the spontaneity of her emotions, the magic of her transition from hesitant dancer to determined star. That she makes the ballet sequences ring with truth is testament to her ability to transform.

Stage fright can rule anyone’s life and cause even the most confident performers to believe, think and do what can never be explained. The Black Swan uses the world of ballet to tell a story about any world in which people permit each other to lie, steal and cheat to the top, and then do the same to protect themselves.

Film Nutritional Value:

The Black Swan

* Content: High. With its compelling story, director Darren Aronofsky examines fundamental issues of ambition, greed and professional fear, and how they can impact lives.

* Entertainment: High. Despite the somber content, The Black Swan is hugely entertaining with rich characters and beautiful ballet sequences.

* Message: High. This nutritious film gives us a lot to think about, no matter what professional stage we try to command.

* Relevance: High. Any opportunity to view film makers with full command of their skills is always relevant.

* Opportunity for Dialogue: High. While this is not a film for younger children, there’s a great deal to talk about after sharing this most memorable film.

(The Black Swan is rated R for strong sexual content, disturbing violent images, language and some drug use. It runs 108 minutes.)

5 Popcorn Buckets

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