Good movie. Natalie Portman did a good job with this character. She earned the Oscar. They should of given credit to ABT soloists Sarah Lane. I don't know why they didn't do that. Most all dance movies give credits to the doubles. I felt like they were hiding the truth and made it look like Natalie Portman did all the dancing. They did it so she would get the Oscar. Natalie did not even acknowledged Sarah Lane. She said nothing. I feel her acting earned her the Oscar. There was nothing to hide. They insulted and disrespected all the ballet dancers that worked really hard for their love of ballet. Still a good psychological thriller.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This movie is not made for the viewer; it is intended to win the praise of critics, who value quirky camera work above entertainment. The camera follows Natalie Portman's head around almost as if attached to it. Rarely is it more than about 12 inches' distant. Long or broad shots are rare in this film; I estimate not four minutes of the entire movie is other than a tight close-up, and it gets really tedious--actually oppressive. The only salvation is a bit of superb dancing (if you like ballet) and the wonderful score at the end with plenty of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake." If you close your eyes, you can enjoy the soundtrack without the wretched experience of trying to see a movie where there is nothing but artsy camera trickery. I practically memorized every pore on Portman's face. She is pretty, to be sure, but I was soon tired of looking at her from a virtual distance of about 10 inches. I wanted to see more of Winona Ryder, but her role was vanishingly small. I plan to give away the DVD. It would be unconscionable to take money for it. Maybe the recycling bin is the place to put it. I have not seen such a visual disaster since "Pieces of April" some years back, which was similarly ruined by the relentless close-ups. What ails these so-called filmmakers?Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is a brilliant piece of film-making. Natalie Portman's performance is incredible.I cannot honestly give it less than 5 stars. However, be forewarned: this is not a sweet ballet movie, despite the authentic setting behind-the-scenes at a ballet company. This is a film about a ballet dancer who craves the role of Swan Queen. When she finally gets it, the pressure to be perfect drives her crazy --- literally. Neither the audience, nor Nina herself (Portman) can tell what is real and what is Nina's delusion. This is fascinating but not what I'd call enjoyable. I'd compare it to watching a suicidal person jump off a cliff. You KNOW she's going to crash on the rocks below, and you know it won't be pretty, but you keep watching anyway. An explicit lesbian sex scene, some clothed but obvious heterosexual groping, and several scenes of self-mutilation make this appropriate for adults only.Read full review
It could have been a really good movie, however as most "modern" movies go there has to be gore, sex, profanity and girl on girl encounters. Please do not get me wrong I am not a prude but why does every movie and every movie star lend themselves to this kind of trash cinema?
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I bought this DVD because I am a fan of Director Darren Aronofsky, and the talents of Natalie Portman and Vincent Cassell. I loved the movie, the thematic elements and storyline, and the Special features. This product was worth the time and effort. This movie was one of the Nominees for Best Pictureof 2010. Ms. Portman did win Best Actress Oscar for 2010 from her performance in this movie, "The Black Swan".
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