Read Mixed User Reviews for Black Swan

6

jeremypDec 18, 2010

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A beautiful, seriously flawed, at times laughable, melodrama. The only suspense, soon disposed of, is whether we are witnessing the descent into madness or a ghost story. Descent into madness it is! Sit back and watch her unravel, or rather metamorphize. Vincent Cassell is out of his depth in a role that requires more than his usual fetid pathological intensity. Natalie is sweet but her ultimate transformation seems like more than she can, or is allowed to, emote. The ultimate problem lies in the often weak direction which seems engrossed in pulp fiction or comic strip camp instead of the exploration of driven ambition.… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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5

john_galactusFeb 11, 2011

I watched this because of all the hype and awards it was garnering. After watching this, I was quite surprised. It was not nearly as good as what most of the critics were saying. I mean, the whole movie is about Nina and how she descends intoI watched this because of all the hype and awards it was garnering. After watching this, I was quite surprised. It was not nearly as good as what most of the critics were saying. I mean, the whole movie is about Nina and how she descends into madness. And that's it. Everything else are just fillers. The ballet dancing, sure, it was great and Natalie Portman did a splendid job. There were, what I would consider "unnecessary" scenes that contributed much to the film's age viewing classification. Hmm... I don't quite know how to put this but we don't really get to see much love towards the "art of ballet" instead we get a tortured soul that happens to be in ballet. We never get to see Nina loving ballet. We just see her desire to be perfect. This is not a bad film, not it is definitely not. But it is not as good as I thought. I don't believe this film will bag the Best Picture Oscar, but Natalie Portman, sure, she will for Best Actress in a Leading Role.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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5

CrabbyCriticFeb 21, 2011

High art, beautiful photography, great costumes. So so acting, over the top plot, with a few memorable moments. Go to an afternoon showing or wait for it to come to your ondemand service.

This movie does not deserve an Academy AwardHigh art, beautiful photography, great costumes. So so acting, over the top plot, with a few memorable moments. Go to an afternoon showing or wait for it to come to your ondemand service.

This movie does not deserve an Academy Award nomination. It's good, but overhyped.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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4

JennetPJan 10, 2011

As I was watching "Black Swan," I started counting the times the camera lingered on Natalie Portman staring pointlessly at herself in a mirror and lost count at eight billion. Guess that means I'm not one of the many crying "bravo" for thisAs I was watching "Black Swan," I started counting the times the camera lingered on Natalie Portman staring pointlessly at herself in a mirror and lost count at eight billion. Guess that means I'm not one of the many crying "bravo" for this film. I love Vincent Cassel, but here he's wasted as one more catalyst for the flowering of Natalie Portman's neurosis into capital-A Art. It's interesting to me that Winona Ryder showed up as the has-been dancer because Portman seemed to base her character on the timid mental patient Ryder played in "Girl, Interrupted" (watchable only for Angelina Jolie's much more dynamic sociopath). The difference here is that we experience manifestations of Portman's disintigration and are clearly supposed to wonder whether she is, in fact, being sabotaged. That would be the thriller part. But it's evident from the first 10 minutes of the movie that this chick is way too screwed up for anyone to bother sabotaging; all an intelligent rival would have to do is stand around, smoke a cigarette or two, and wait for her to self-destruct. So "thrills," for me, along with surprises, were in pretty short supply. I was mildly interested in how she'd finally sex up her Black Swan (hint: no sex involved) but rolled my eyes when it finally happened. I'm happy for all the people who swooned with delight at this film, but I was definitely not one of them. Plusses: some nice dancing. Vincent Cassel putting the mack on Portman then walking off in disgust. Barbara Hershey's scary facelifts finally used to advantage.… Expand

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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4

movieboyDec 20, 2010

Considering all the laudatory reviews and the number of 10 ratings one might assume a masterpiece had birthed. Alas not for this viewer. Natalie did a fine job, no problem there, but talk about an overwrought Polanski rip-off. If this isConsidering all the laudatory reviews and the number of 10 ratings one might assume a masterpiece had birthed. Alas not for this viewer. Natalie did a fine job, no problem there, but talk about an overwrought Polanski rip-off. If this is masterful film making today, I'm depressed. It had the makings of an interesting, dramatic thriller. But where was the subtlety, the craft of a work that gradually seduces you. Not here. I'm only seen a couple major reviewers that have really questioned the artfulness of this project. I felt like I had been hammered by it. It was so over the top.… Expand

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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4

DAVID1966Jan 19, 2011

This is one of the worst movies made in the past 10 years. After all the buzz, my wife and I had hyped up hopes that were dashed halfway through this wannabe psycho-thriller. It's one of those movies in which, at the end, when you expect toThis is one of the worst movies made in the past 10 years. After all the buzz, my wife and I had hyped up hopes that were dashed halfway through this wannabe psycho-thriller. It's one of those movies in which, at the end, when you expect to have this "aha" moment that gives some measure of clarity or answers ... you see the beginning of the film credits. We expected a sophisticated, sexy thriller ... we got a goofy movie with a few titillating scenes with Portman squirming on a bed.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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5

Jim_SFeb 15, 2011

The first thing I did after seeing The Black Swan, was buy new socks. Comfort is not in the emotional vocabulary of this film. Think Requiem for a Dream without the laughs or the moral tale. Black Swan is a fable of self destruction.

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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4

juliet1000Feb 2, 2011

Way over hyped.

Natilie Portman acts in a movie that is both bland and banal.

I am amazed at the ridiculously high scores from the luvvie film reviewers.

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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5

SausageDec 29, 2010

Lets be honest, in 5 years time people are not going to be looking back saying " wow, remember that movie Black swan? It was amazing!!!" Nope, Once it has finished surfing its current 'hype' wave, it will sit among the 'pretty good' movies ofLets be honest, in 5 years time people are not going to be looking back saying " wow, remember that movie Black swan? It was amazing!!!" Nope, Once it has finished surfing its current 'hype' wave, it will sit among the 'pretty good' movies of 2010! Ill give credit where its due, Natalie Portman gives so much of herself that you wonder what depths she went too to portray this tortured soul...She is absolutely spellbinding. The Director 'Darren Aronofsky' however holds the reigns as best he can, but with such a bleak pallet and morbid tone, his raw technique, digs deeper than it needs and seems lost in its own pretensions. The Final 20 minutes however are breathtaking, with all the forgotten loose ends brought together in a truly operatic finale. To be fair maybe it needs another viewing to fully appreciate its complexities, but the thing is, " I don't want to watch it again"!!… Expand

14 of 24 users found this helpful1410

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4

bostonDec 21, 2010

This movie's plot was thin and played out in a shocking and gruesome way. Come on folks, give the viewer a little more credit for taste and intelligence.

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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5

figman5000Dec 19, 2010

I found this movie to be deceptively shallow--entertaining to watch but ultimately flimsy. It is a psychological thriller and a conventional one at that, often dependent on predictable horror movie cliches. It is generally well paced andI found this movie to be deceptively shallow--entertaining to watch but ultimately flimsy. It is a psychological thriller and a conventional one at that, often dependent on predictable horror movie cliches. It is generally well paced and effectively creates a mood of foreboding, but the payoff, when it comes, is not terribly interesting and is no surprise at all. It confirms what you'd already anticipated and resolves whatever mild curiosity you might have had. The acting is good. Mila Kunis is terrific. The relationship between Natalie Portman's character and her domineering, self-loathing mother is completely credible, and Portman is effective in playing an obsessive, egocentric, immature artist. Unfortunately for her, that sort of emotional unintelligence does not make for an absorbing character--the interplay between reality and her own disturbed psyche is just not that interesting.

Considering all the hype and critical acclaim, I'm tempted to give this movie a score in the basement, but it's not a _bad_ movie. It's an entertaining way to spend an hour and a half, but nothing more than that.… Expand

6 of 12 users found this helpful66

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4

RobE_inSFDec 6, 2010

I did not enjoy watching this movie and I would not see it again. I had two serious issues with it: (1) the premise that an emotional lightweight could get the lead role of Swan Lake in one of the world's premiere ballet companies and (2)I did not enjoy watching this movie and I would not see it again. I had two serious issues with it: (1) the premise that an emotional lightweight could get the lead role of Swan Lake in one of the world's premiere ballet companies and (2) the overuse of stock surprise elements -- over and over and over again to the point of distraction (and exhaustion). The basic story line is good and interesting, and some performances were very, very strong (especially Mila Kunis'). That said, the overall execution was very disappointing.… Expand

5 of 10 users found this helpful55

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5

phillyjeffMar 11, 2011

Creepy and disturbing at parts. Every person in this movie is severely screwed up in the head. Only good thing was the making out between Mila and Natalie.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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6

emkadvDec 19, 2010

The performances were strong, but the story just was not credible. It relied too much on the idea that to be a great artist, one must be at least a little bit mad. Although many artists have fought madness, it's hardly a requirement.The performances were strong, but the story just was not credible. It relied too much on the idea that to be a great artist, one must be at least a little bit mad. Although many artists have fought madness, it's hardly a requirement. Furthermore, much of Nina's madness was hard to accept. Finally, I didn't find any of the characters likable.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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5

BikerjamesJan 18, 2011

If I would have seen just one more scene of her picking at her bloody fingers or back I think I would have walked out. I am a fan of Natalie Portman so I went to see this movie with a friend. We both had the same reaction - "What is the bigIf I would have seen just one more scene of her picking at her bloody fingers or back I think I would have walked out. I am a fan of Natalie Portman so I went to see this movie with a friend. We both had the same reaction - "What is the big deal about this movie"? The film goes back and forth between reality and her dual personality which is a bit confusing. The lead is supposed to be perfection at playing the "white swan", but Natalie Portman looks like she's about to cry even when she dances as the white swan. Lots of mommie dearest scenes, drugs, masturbation, and festering bloody sores. Not what I would call entertaining. In the end, a very polarizing film. You either like this style or not. I didn't. I have to give it credit for some great visual style, however.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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6

DiegoFFeb 17, 2011

Aronofsky is brilliant as a director and Natalie Portman as an actress. But "Black Swan"doesnt have the psychological impact of "Requiem for a Dream" or the connection viewer-protagonist of "The Wrestler." The scares are predictable andAronofsky is brilliant as a director and Natalie Portman as an actress. But "Black Swan"doesnt have the psychological impact of "Requiem for a Dream" or the connection viewer-protagonist of "The Wrestler." The scares are predictable and somewhat ruin the atmosphere that Aronofsky tries to create. The music and cinematography are fantastic.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

DaynaJan 30, 2011

It was beautiful that's for sure. But honestly, do they think their audience is stupid? The ending ruined the entire movie! Portman was fine, but the real praise should be going to Mila Kunis & Vincent Cassel who steal the show each andIt was beautiful that's for sure. But honestly, do they think their audience is stupid? The ending ruined the entire movie! Portman was fine, but the real praise should be going to Mila Kunis & Vincent Cassel who steal the show each and everytime they are on screen.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

kormac66Dec 31, 2010

He pulled it together by introducing Kunis' character and a solid ending, but the opening half hour is atrocious. overall, it's a bit overwrought for my taste, but i did appreciate the campy humor and quality acting.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

moviebufferJan 14, 2011

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. the lead actress is very nice. She had a superb acting. the movie is good but it is not as exciting or thrilling as I expected it to be. Since from the beginning I already guessed that Nina has psychological disorder so its not thrilling for me anymore. however, it is still a bit confusing.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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4

MrCinnamonMay 31, 2011

I am deeply confused by Black Swan. On one hand it is an astonishing mix of twists and turns, displaying the very essence of madness and obsession. But it has quite a flaw. When I watch a film I feel for the characters. Whether its because II am deeply confused by Black Swan. On one hand it is an astonishing mix of twists and turns, displaying the very essence of madness and obsession. But it has quite a flaw. When I watch a film I feel for the characters. Whether its because I hate them or love them, I become attached and care about what happens to them. In Black Swan, I never really cared what happened to the characters. The director has created abominations. Extremely talented acting, but each portrayed in such a way as you cannot become attached to them. In it's main box office rival, the Kings Speech, I was infatuated by all the characters. For good or ill, i wanted to see what happened. In Black Swan, I was left un-moved.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

ovi_bzMar 6, 2011

Let's face it: the movie is poor. The only worth mentioning idea is the hallucinating part of Natalie; apart from this, i was very frustrated and nervous watching this movie. I somehow felt it from the beginning that is a poor movie, but iLet's face it: the movie is poor. The only worth mentioning idea is the hallucinating part of Natalie; apart from this, i was very frustrated and nervous watching this movie. I somehow felt it from the beginning that is a poor movie, but i give it a chance. i was disappointed. It is for sure not worth the Oscar. It will be forgotten in time.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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6

BairdoJan 5, 2011

I just plain didn't enjoy this movie. I'd give it another chance if I thought I could sit through it again. It's not a ballet thing either... I could enjoy watching anything if I found the story engaging. Vincent Cassel is great at playingI just plain didn't enjoy this movie. I'd give it another chance if I thought I could sit through it again. It's not a ballet thing either... I could enjoy watching anything if I found the story engaging. Vincent Cassel is great at playing douches...there, I found something semi-positive. Did anyone notice that there was a lot of crotch grabbing in this film? That's all positive.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

keep_yr_biasFeb 15, 2012

I finally saw this movie recently. If I were rating this on a scale of ballerina/dance movies, it would get a flawless 10 out of 10 score. I never would have thought that a ballerina/dance movie could be this interesting. A lot of theI finally saw this movie recently. If I were rating this on a scale of ballerina/dance movies, it would get a flawless 10 out of 10 score. I never would have thought that a ballerina/dance movie could be this interesting. A lot of the credit goes to Natalie Portman, who is phenomenal in this movie. All that being said, as a movie, it's just pretty good. It simply wasn't entertaining enough, and there were too many scenes that didn't seem to have much of a point. Worst of all, I didn't feel much of a connection with any of the characters (as good as Portman was). I've heard some people compare this to the Wrestler (which seems pretty fair). The difference between those two though is that Mickey Rourke's character seemed so much more human than Portman's character. It's pretty hard to really like Portman's character in this, considering she's a borderline pyscho. Decent movie, overhyped, probably won't see it again, but don't regret seeing it. Certainly gets points for originality.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

ExKingMar 29, 2013

sorry to break it to you fan boys but this movie is overrated the story is confusing Natalie Portman performance was solid but that can be said about anyone that will take her part in the movie the writing was awkward and don't even getsorry to break it to you fan boys but this movie is overrated the story is confusing Natalie Portman performance was solid but that can be said about anyone that will take her part in the movie the writing was awkward and don't even get me started on the homosexual parts of the movie.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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6

WJSMar 19, 2016

Natalie Portman is very good here, as is Mila Kunis, but unfortunately I just couldn't get into it. Just like ballet in real life, I just have no interest. I did really like the cinematography though.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

ScraperOct 26, 2017

It was hard to get used to Portman's constant tears and fragility. Her doomed destiny and the downward spiral towards it seemed too horror movie-like, intended to disgust the audience for disgust's sake. Kunis's character was ill-defined;It was hard to get used to Portman's constant tears and fragility. Her doomed destiny and the downward spiral towards it seemed too horror movie-like, intended to disgust the audience for disgust's sake. Kunis's character was ill-defined; used for both good and evil whenever it suited to help breakdown Portman. Characters came in and out of dream states so randomly. I became detached when I quickly realized there was no honor in anyone and that it was on a collision course of flesh-tearing till it finally landed in shambles.… Expand