Black Swan

Been wanting to watch this since I read about it in the paper prior to its release, was intrigued by the Swan Lake-ness as well as allegations that Portman’s acting in this film was great/wonderful/etc.

The movie turned out to be as good as everyone says and Portman played her tragic role very well. However, it wasn’t a very entertaining film to watch, exactly because Portman played her role very well and also because of the very very very dark mood. Was quite devastating and stressful to watch Portman’s transformation, and after the movie, one would feel that being a ballet dancer must really suck. Even moreso if one has that kind of mother.

Great movie, but not enjoyable. 90/100 for being a good film, but after factoring in personal enjoyment, Black Swan gets a 78/100.

On a side note, in retrospect I think that Black Swan could do quite well as an anime or manga adaptation. It could be a dark “anti-shoujo” series, much like Madoka Magica is trying to be for the mahou shoujo genre. There are many shoujo manga that’s about working hard to go into beautiful and nice occupations (Yumeiro Patisserie - Pâtissière, Delicious! - Chef, Swan - Ballet Dancer, Glass Mask - Actress), but they don’t talk about the dark side when one actually becomes a Pâtissière/Ballet Dancer/Actress..!