5 out of 5

Director: Darren Aronofsky

Im angry at how stunning this was. I really have little to say, here, as Black Swan is all about the experience, which was mesmerizing, and painful, and up and down and the whole spectrum. Plot is as stated: Natalie Portman is cast as the lead role in Swan Lake, and between a possible emotionally-abusive mother, a sexually aggressive director, and possibly jealous rival dancers, she truly begins to lose herself in the role, fearing a doppelganger who wants to take over her life or her part. Aronofsky has just been getting better and better and winding his themes together, as emotional bits from all of his movies come into play here. This is, as intended, a companion to The Wrestler as we get to see how a physically exhausting art involves unbelievable dedication from its practitioners. There are some rather violent moments and an impending sense of terror throughout this whole thing, so dont go see it just if you like dancing (I preach, to the gasping old couples in the audience) – go see it if you want your guts ripped out.