Critic underwhelmed by ‘Black Swan’

I will openly admit that I am not the biggest fan of Darren Aronofsky’s particular directorial style.  It was with great skepticism, then, that I selected his 2011 film Black Swan for review, though I thought perhaps that its slew of award nominations indicated that it might impress me.  Sadly, my hopes were dashed.  Black Swan is little more than a very expensive B-horror movie, and its attempts to shock and titillate do little more than cause vague discomfort.

The movie stars Natalie Portman as “Nina,” a ballerina in a New York City ballet company who is chosen to play the the dual role of the White Swan and the Black Swan in  the season’s opening production of Swan Lake.  However, she has competition in “Lily,” (Mila Kunis), a new dancer who possesses the freedom and sensuality needed to play the Black Swan.  The two form a twisted friendship, all the while competing for the attention of artistic director “Thomas Leroy” (Vincent Cassell).  As the story progresses, Nina draws closer and closer to a dark side of herself that threatens to destroy her life.

I get the impression that the film is supposed to be thrilling in some way, what with all the gore and sexuality. Unfortunately, Aronofsky lays it all on so thick that it quickly becomes gratuitous – and tedious.  It feels like he’s going for maximum impact at all times, but he tries so hard that the effect is weakened.  Had he approached the story with a bit more subtlety, he could have given select moments more punch.

As for the actors, everyone cranks it up to 11, and the result is not terribly pleasing.  Portman’s girlish speaking voice and air of stiff neurosis make her a good fit for Nina, but her capability for emotional expression is woefully limited, and listening to her simper and shriek for nearly two hours is quite unpleasant.  Kunis fares a bit better, given that she at least gets to have a bit more fun, but she doesn’t bring much to the thinly-written character that isn’t already there. The two have decent chemistry with Cassel – though, to be fair, he could have chemistry with a fencepost.  He is a highlight in an otherwise mediocre cast.

All in all, Black Swan feels like a lousy horror movie in fancy dress.  Those who do not appreciate it when a film beats them over the head with its own self-importance should give it a pass.