Is Ballet Really For The Sane?

Before you turn off this entry hear me out. Ballet may not be eveyone's cup of tea, but "Black Swan" is ready to prove even the most classical settings can be a scene for a gripping thriller. Coming out this holiday season, Black Swan is a small independant feature but with same major star power and a very talented director. Black Swan tells the story of Nina (Natalie Portman finally coming back strong after boring audiences with the latest Star Wars) who is up for the part of the major role in Swan Lake. After Beth, Winona Ryder, (hey girl where you been) the lead drops out it is Nina who wants the role more than anything. She has the skills, the drive and the attitude to get her there. She feels she will be the number one choice. However, a rival soon appears by the name of Lilly played by Mila (I am going to be the movie star I deserve to be) Kunis. Lilly has it all and soon is making a big impression with her talent. This soon drives Nina further than she has ever gone, and may even drive her crazy to succeed. Not much more is known about this movie, but if we know anything about the director Darren Aronofsky we are in for a bit of a crazy journey. Remember, this is the man who brought us "Requiem For A Dream" one of the most, let me put this right, f&*ked up movies this reviewer has ever seen. He also brought us "The Fountain" with Hugh Jackman and Mickey Rourkes triumphant return to film in "The Wrestler." So the man sure knows how to make a movie that audiences will remember, as well as achieving classic performances from his leads. The man works on a shoe string budget and delivers big. This is a man who knows how to tell a story. But will it work again, and will people be interested in the setting and the nature of the story? To me it looks like people are embracing it, with the buzz around this movie strong at many major film festivals. We may even see this pop up come award season. I have to admit I am very intrigued with the story line, and the trailer that I have seen gives not much away. But going on the talent and director alone, this is one ballet I think I may enjoy.