BLACK SWAN

Black Swan awoke with a stunning opening sequence, gathered some speed, but ultimately failed to take off. 

While most elements of the film impressed and entertained Aronofsky could still learn a lot from the white swan.  In places the characters were drawn with a lack of control - less is more - the relationship between the artistic director (Vincent Cassel - La Haine) and his lead ballet princess' were over played.  For example we did not need to see him groping the white swan (Natalie Portman - Leon), it was obvious early on he was a chauvinist - this broke the tension between the two instead of creating more suspense.  More illicit scenes were questionably over done and did not mirror the a tone of beauty that this film had the opportunity to offer.  Yes, the story does portray a journey 'to the dark side' but this can be shown whilst retaining the characters integrity.

The tone of the piece was fragmented like that of the leading character.  The film did not seamlessly pirouette from drama to fantasy/horror - there seemed to be some genre confusion.  Even though there was a metamorphosis required this could have been more effectively dealt with through Portman's absorbing performance rather than using computer effects to illustrate her fantasy sequences - her mothers paintings coming to life, the black swans red eyes... suspense of disbelief was broken.  Computer effects were at odds with Aronfsky's directorial style - one that otherwise matured and settles well in this film - the hand held, vérité, off the shoulder shots were choreographed wonderfully with the dancing.

This film was a let down not because it was bad but because it could have been so great.  The poetry of the the swans curve from white to black, perhaps expectations from the ballet were too high.  It is also disappointing that serious themes that arose in the film such as self harming and excessive parental pressure were not properly examined.  These were brushed aside in favor of masturbating jokes, passé nightclub scenes, and lesbian fantasies from a male point of view.

I do not know anything about ballet but it gives the impression of being a complex and subtle art.  Imagination is far more powerful then what can be spoon fed to an audience - there is little accommodation in this film where one can pursue thier own fantasy.

If you want to see ballet, go to the ballet.  If you want to see a Darren Aronofsky film then watch The Wrestler, because it gets the balance just right.