Black Swan, Cert 15, Odeon Blackpool 24th January 2011We hadn’t been to the cinema for ages (when I say “ages” I don’t mean “1958 black and white film ages” but probably 2 or 3 years..) but we thought that the release of this ballet- related drama might be worth a look.
Now, don’t go to this film expecting it to be a nice fluffy cosy film about ballet because it isn’;t really – what it is is a deeply moving, thought-provoking, complex psychological drama, the story-line of which is constructed around the much-loved classical ballet “Swan Lake”.
It is convincingly acted with wonderful leads, a strong supporting cast, wonderful dance scenes, including classes, rehearsals, back stage insights and on-stage performances.
However, there are also scenes of violence, bad language, drug taking, eroticism and all sorts of weird behaviour and, on a higher cerebral level, the director would have you think that the characters in the films are also taking on the characteristics of the characters in the ballet - heavy stuff but only if you want it to be...!
A note for the boys: don’t be put off that this film is about ballet it’s a great psychological thriller in the mould of “Single White Female”, there’s a “Top Gun” style rivalry to be the best, some almost Freddy Krueger scary bits, a bit of sex, bits of violence and - let’s face it: lots of “fit” girls....
We found the film truly brilliant - however it is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
