"Black Swan"

NYC magazine editor and fellow blogger Rachel Zar was able to see a special early advanced screening of "Black Swan" in New York City about a month ago. See below for her thoughts on the movie.

A dancer myself, I’m always first in line for a new dance movie. “Center Stage” fans be warned, however, as “Black Swan” is nothing like the sappy love stories you’ve seen in the past. This movie will keep you guessing until the end, and seriously questioning your grip on reality; I certainly never stopped gripping my seat. In true Darren Aronofsky form (think “Requiem for a Dream”), the film, at times, goes over the top with disturbing, bloody scenes, but juxtaposed with stunning ballet choreography by New York City Ballet’s Benjamin Millipied, you won’t be able to keep your eyes covered for long.

The story is of sheltered ballerina Nina (Natalie Portman), who struggles to embody both the innocent White Swan and sensual Black Swan characters in a fictional NYC ballet company’s production of Swan Lake. Her fellow dancer and rival, Lily (Mila Kunis) embodies the Black Swan’s persona perfectly, and drives delicate Nina to the edge—of both fear and desire. If you’ve seen the gripping scene in the “Black Swan” trailer of Portman pulling a bloody feather from her shoulder blade or heard of an intense girl-on-girl love scene between Portman and Kunis, that’s only the beginning of where this psychological thriller will go.

Yes, see this movie - just remember that it’s creepy. I went with a fellow writer who had nightmares the next night about waking up with webbed toes ... while some of the gore seemed unnecessary and the white vs. black imagery sometimes seemed a tad redundant, this movie is truly a work of art. Dancers won’t be disappointed with the impeccable technique of American Ballet Theatre’s Sarah Lane (Portman’s dance double) and others will be blown away by the beauty of the music, cinematography, costumes and sets. All of the hype and Oscar buzz is not for nothing, this film is a must see. Personally, I can’t wait to see it again.

"Black Swan" is in select theaters on December 3rd and will be released on either December 10th or December 17th in additional cities. It is scheduled to release on 12/10 in the Detroit area. Click here to see the full list of release dates from Fox Searchlight.


Natalie Portman in BLACK SWAN; Photo by Niko Tavernise
To see more press photos, check out my "Black Swan" Facebook photo album.

Popular Posts

Review: Polar Pizza at Baskin-Robbins

Image
*Disclosure: I received a gift card to try the new Polar Pizza at Baskin-Robbins. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own. Baskin-Robbins launched its Polar Pizza last month (July), as I talked about in my recent post about them, and because this past month was crazy busy for me, I didn't get to try the Polar Pizza until this past Sunday. My parents and I went to the combined Dunkin' Donuts / Baskin-Robbins near them, in Novi, MI, to split one of the ice cream pizzas.
Read more

Upcoming and GIVEAWAY: Mamma Mia! at the Fisher Theatre, Detroit, April 23-28 {ends Dec. 12}

Image
*Disclosure: I have an ongoing media relationship with Broadway in Detroit. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own. MAMMA MIA! will be playing at the Fisher this April, from April 23-28, and I'm excited to see it—I'm a big fan of the movies but I've never seen the Broadway show. About the show: Since premiering in London in 1999 and on Broadway in 2001, the irresistible musical has captured the hearts of millions around the globe. The sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads on a Greek island paradise, all unfolding to the storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs, has now been seen live on stage by 65 million people across the world and turned into two record-breaking movies – MAMMA MIA! The Movie and MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again. To date, MAMMA MIA! has been seen in 50 productions in 16 different languages grossing more than $4 billion at the box office. MAMMA MIA! opened on Broadway in 2001 where it played for a record-breaking 14 year
Keep reading

GIVEAWAY: Duel in the D, February 10 at Little Caesars Arena, Detroit {ends 1/10}

Image
*Disclosure: I have an ongoing media relationship with 313 Presents. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own. I had a great time at Duel in the D last year—I'm a UM alum, but I had only ever seen ONE hockey game in my life at that point, and this was the second one.  I'm looking forward to it again this year, and one of my lucky readers will win a 4-pack of tickets to experience it as well! About the game: The return of college hockey is headed to Little Caesars Arena with the annual “Duel in the D,” presented by Meijer, set for Saturday, February 10 at 8:30 p.m.  The fans of Hockeytown will be treated to one of the most intense and exciting rivalries in college hockey, as the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans men’s ice hockey teams will add another chapter in their storied rivalry and clash for the “Iron D” Trophy.  The “Duel in the D” matchup features the most-played rivalry in college hockey. The game will mark the 346th all-time meeting between the h
Keep reading