MOVIE REVIEW - Black Swan

They don't make many movies about ballet these days, but Black Swan is getting a lot of buzz around the movie community.

There has also been lots of Oscar talk about this new artsy-thriller, as it is nominated for a bunch of Golden Globes. And after seeing it, I have to say to those who are crowning this as the years best.....hold on a minute.

Black Swan stars Natalie Portman as Nina. Nina is a long time ballerina in New York City, who finally gets her chance at the big time by being cast as The Swan Queen in the classic ballet, Swan Lake. But she is demonized from within. From years of being around very competitive, caddy behavior in her troupe, she has become extremely paranoid. Her mother (Barbara Hershey) is a one time ballerina who Nina wonders about her motives, as mom never rose to such heights.

Lilly, (Mila Kunis) is a rival ballerina to the group. Is she sabotaging Nina, or is it Beth, (Winona Ryder) the recently fired for being past her prime ballet star. Or her male coach? Just who on earth is the Black Swan, and who is out to get Nina seemingly to the death just as in the Swan Lake Ballet itself.

First off, Black Swan is the kind of movie that Hollywood loves to honor itself with. You take art like ballet. Toss in the art of actually being able to cast this movie. Then of course the incredible art and chore of being able to film this in a way that is compelling and moving. All of this is done very well. And the fantastic music of Swan Lake. It is so well done, with such terrific orchestral arrangements that cannot be ignored. the music throughout this movie is really great. All of this is simply brilliant. Hollywood will be slapping itself on its own back over this one for months to come.

But with the general movie going public, Black Swan is limited. The story in its shell is a good one. They do a nice job taking you backstage of professional ballet, and show you the hurt, the heartache, the jealousy, and the physical toll this can take on these young women. Now, you have to decide if that's your cup of tea or not. But that's the deal it makes with you. Also this is a very adult R rated movie that deals with some very delicate subjects behind the scenes as well. All turn in nice performances, and the dancing is exquisite. Word of honest caution. You better have some patience with ballet, because there is a lot of it here.

Black Swan. Much of this is very good. But even though Hollywood won't be able to stop honoring itself over this one, I will. Black Swan is good, and solid. But overall certainly a upper crust movie, but not the best picture of the year.