Black Swan: not for the faint-hearted

Art film lovers, rejoice! Black Swan is the quentissential "art film." We have shakey camera work, dark shadows, an offbeat plot, mind-bending dream sequences, and enough creative inspiration to fill a museum. Hipsters can sip lattes, wear argyle (is that still hipster fashion?), and discuss the deeper undertones of Black Swan.

If what Natalie Portman claims is true, then Black Swan was a work-in-progress for nearly ten years. I suppose it's true that every movie has a horrible uphill journey to aquire funding, interest, and enough talent to get it made. Then, if that all comes together, you have to promote it, distribute it, and pray that people buy tickets. So, in a sense, it is miraculous that a movie like Black Swan not only got made, but that it is as widely known as it has become. But, here we are, celebrating that Black Swan survived!

This is the story of Nina Sayers, a dye-in-the-wool New York ballerina. Her mother was also a ballerina. They live together in a NY apartment, working together to help Nina stay successful in fulfilling her ballerina dreams. She has been a part of the dance company for quite some time, and is increasing her notariaty and technical skill. Things are great. But, as the old cliche addage goes, the only thing constant in life is change. So, things begin to change. The dance company decides to put on a production of the old tride and true "Swan Lake". The director of the company admits it's a bit overdone. But, hey, it's a classic. Whatever sells tickets, right?

Auditions are tense. Negotiations occur, dreams are put on the line, and dancers dance their hearts out. New dancers are introduced to the company, and old ones retire. Rank and seniority among the dancers is changing. Change is the only certain thing in life. Where will Nina fit in with the new changes? (The vibrant new dancer, Lily, is played perfectly by Mila Kunis)

The Black Swan director tells Nina that she is very sweet and innocent. That is perfect for the role of the white swan. However, the role requires that she play both sweet, and dark. For the black swan, he's not sure Nina has what it takes. So, she must prove that she can play the compelling and uncompromising "black" swan. The lead role is just within her sites. Before long, Nina's relationship with her mother begins to creep into the foreground as well.

I should let you know that if you decide to watch Black Swan, there are some things you need to understand. First, know that it is disturbing. Even that poster with Natalie Portman as the Black Swan, with those piercing red eyes, gives me the creeps. There are some "dream sequences" that are basically delusions. In certain parts, we do not know if we are watching reality, or delusion. This disturbing aspect of the film is one of the things that is so enchanting about it. Will Nina pull through this? Can she get her mind together? Is she already together, and these things are really happening? All you can do is grit your teeth and root for Nina.

Should you see it? I say yes. However, give it some thought. Do some research. Understand that this is not a typical popcorn movie, and it may hurt your brain. My wife and I sat in the theater during the ending credits, discussing at length what we just experienced. We personally loved it. But, Black Swan is like a movie equivelant of espresso. Strong, dark, and bitter. So, if you like Coke, or bottled water, don't drink espresso.

My rating: 5 out of 5

This movie is filled with disturbing, borderline violent, and highly sexual sequences.