The trailer for Darren Aronofsky's upcoming psychological thriller Black Swan has appeared online.
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.
Natalie Portman, Black Swan
The film also stars Sebastian Stan, Ksenia Solo and Toby Hemingway.
Black Swan will be the opening film at the 67th Venice International Film Festival on September 1st and will appear at the Toronto Film Festival. It will then hit theaters on December 1st, 2010.
I was reluctant to see this. I wasn’t blown away but the supernatural bit is what got me. Portman is watchable and it seems that Kunis is becoming someone worthy of some kind of praise. I’ll have to watch more darren aronofsky before seeing this though. Interesting cast. It sort of reminded me of All About Eve. It’s a black and white classic but I suspect anyone under 25 is allergic to black and white films. Ha.