Day 26: "I just want to be perfect."

Darren Aronofsky has done it again.  Black Swan is an amazing piece of storytelling.  In his fifth picture, Aronofsky has put together the harrowing, tense, beautiful story of Nina, a newly crowned prima ballerina and her compulsive pursuit of perfection.  She is surrounded by her controlling mother, an HR nightmare of a director, and competition in a new, talented dancer; this movie relies, almost exclusively, on its characters to deliver the tale.  From her director's wildy inappropriate behavior, to her mother's insanity, to Lily's impulsiveness, it all plays into Nina's transition to her ultimate form.  This movie is similar to another of Aronofsky's films: The Wrestler, only Black Swan is by far much, much bleaker in its outlook.  A very heavy drama, there were enough twists, turns, and wtf moments for me to be reminded (in spirit alone) of Silence of the Lambs.  Yes, there, I said it.  The mental descent of this poor woman was vividly portrayed like it was a documentary.  This movie succeeds on nearly every level of storytelling.

Natalie Portman (Nina) plays her best role to date (although it was a tough call, Matilda in Leon: the Professional is still my favorite), always pushing herself to reach that edge of insanity that the character required.  She deserved that Best Actress Oscar.  Period.  Mila Kunis played a much different role than I have seen her in before, and my hat is off to her as well.  It is very refreshing to see an actor break the mold of what I once thought they were capable of.  Vincent Cassel should have been nominated for his role as Thomas Leroy.  He portrayed this director as a man who would stop at nothing to get the performances he wants.

This was one of the best movies from last year, and the best that I have seen to date while writing this blog.  You need to put this movie in your Netflix queue, buy it on Blu-ray, do what you must to see it.  Darren Aronofsky has established himself as one of the great modern directors, and this does nothing but add to his amazing resume.  A work of art.  9.75/10

Tomorrow's movie: something a bit lighter, I think. Disney's Tangled.  See you then, and GO WATCH A MOVIE!!