Black Swan (2010)

I don't know whether or not to admit that I love a good dance movie, and by dance movie I don't mean musical, I mean all perfect pirouette-ing, all jazz hands dance movies like that of Centre Stage where the character's constantly obsess over their pas de deux and get eating disorders or enter some sort of dance-fight-battle. Considering that I have all the grace and elegance of arhino, dance is not something I could do particularly well but that can't stop me from enjoying a good movie with a cheerful 2 step and a generally lively soundtrack.

Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan is equal parts typical dance movie and psychological thriller. After an older ballerina(Winona Ryder) has been retired by the company, dancer

Nina(Natalie Portman) has been chosen to play the role of swan queen in the upcoming production of Swan Lake. While Nina is great at being the white swan, she also has to embrace her dark side and become Odile, the black swan. She has competition in the form of new dancer Lily(Mila Kunis), who dances instinctively and seductively in a way she cannot. Nina also must cope with the constant advances of her choreographer Thomas(Vincent Cassel). As the pressure begins to build, we see Nina literally pirouetting out of control, losing her mind and becoming the black swan.

All the elements of a predictable dance movie are there; you have the controlling mother, lecherous choreographer and competitive rival; however the strong performances

by Kunis and Portman and the fabulous costumes really make it something special. Let's just say it kick's the proverbial asses of other dance movies like Step Up 3D or Take The Lead for that matter. If you're a fan of ballet you'll enjoy the well choreographed dances. You can only admire the dedication Portman and Kunis have shown in being able to become quite competent dancers in such a short time.

The delicate ballet costumes worn by Portman and Kunis were designed by Kate and Laura Mulleavy, the wonderful minds behind Rodarte. It is a beautiful film, Tchaikovsky's adapted score from the original Swan Lake fits the melodramatic state of mind we see Nina descend to perfectly.

If anyone does come out of this with a hankering for more ballet I would recommend the National Gallery of Australia's current exhibition: Ballet Russes: The Art Of Costume which will be running until May. Or you could check out the what the Australian Ballet will perform during their 2011 season (Romeo and Juliet is what I'm hanging out for). Until then I leave you with a quick video of what is arguably the most memorable part of Swan Lake, or at least the music everyone can identify. Yep, it's the dance of the cygnets... take it away girls