When we first heard that Darren Aronofsky was going a ballet world thriller called “Black Swan,” we were definitely intrigued, if unsure how it would all play out. But now a full-length trailer has arrived and it goes far beyond what we could’ve ever imagined in the best way possible.
The picture centers on the relationship between a veteran ballet dancer (Natalie Portman) and a rival, played by Mila Kunis, who may or may not be a figment of the dancer’s imagination. The always excellent Vincent Cassel plays Portman’s demanding instructor and the cast is rounded out by Winona Ryder, Sebastian Stan and Barbara Hershey.
As the trailer bears out, the film draws upon a fascinating well of influences, including Roman Polanski’s “The Tenant,” “All About Eve,” and of course, the granddaddy of all dance films, Powell & Pressburger’s dazzling “The Red Shoes.” Recently, Portman told MTV that the film was reminiscent of another Polanski film, “Rosemary’s Baby.” And it certainly seems like Aronofsky is utilizing his wide array of visual techniques on the film with both the over-the-shoulder immediacy of “The Wrestler” and the choreographed design of “The Fountain” and “Requiem For A Dream” in full display. Also, did they manage to sneak in a shot of Portman masturbating? Here’s the official synopsis:
BLACK SWAN follows the story of Nina (Natalie Portman), a ballerina in a New York City ballet company whose life, like all those in her profession, is completely consumed with dance. She lives with her retired ballerina mother Erica (Barbara Hershey) who zealously supports her daughter’s professional ambition. When artistic director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) decides to replace prima ballerina Beth MacIntyre (Winona Ryder) for the opening production of their new season, Swan Lake, Nina is his first choice. But Nina has competition: a new dancer, Lily (Mila Kunis), who impresses Leroy as well. Swan Lake requires a dancer who can play both the White Swan with innocence and grace, and the Black Swan, who represents guile and sensuality. Nina fits the White Swan role perfectly but Lily is the personification of the Black Swan. As the two young dancers expand their rivalry into a twisted friendship, Nina begins to get more in touch with her dark side with a recklessness that threatens to destroy her.
This thing is brimming with sexual tension and raw, nerved emotion, and as if we weren’t already excited, this trailer put it over the top. And oh yeah, that Clint Mansell score sounds ace. The picture will premiere at TIFF this fall and hits theaters on December 1. Watch it below or in hi-def at Apple.