I have developed a new sense of respect for Natalie Portman as an actress. She has never struck me as an exceptional actress. The first time I was able to witness this raw talent in a film from beginning to end, was in the film Black Swan. Then again, a week later in No Strings Attached. I was taken aback at how effortless it seemed to concur the roles of characters so dissimilar .
So I looked her up on imdb and saw that she has some pretty impressive credentials under her belt. She even produced and directed a few of the films she starred in. I feel as if I have been missing out on so much. I only saw parts of V for Vendetta, Star Wars and a majority of Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium and I can honestly admit I did not realize it was the same person in all three movies. She doesn’t just take on roles, she becomes them, they engulf her completely.
The film that led to this pivotal moment was Black Swan. I watched it twice and it is definitely reminiscent of something I’ve seen before. I just was not sure what. Then I was read that Black Swan was directed by Darren Aronofsky. If this name sounds familiar it is because he also directed Requiem for a Dream and The Wrestler as well. Black Swan definitely Channeled the theme of ”
Black Swan is centered around ballet dancer Nina Sayers who yearns for the spotlight in her ballet company. As she vies for a the leading role in the Swan Lake, she is told that she is is is perfect for the role of the white swan, but is not dark and edgy enough to portray the black swan. Throughout the film we are able to gradually witness her shocking transformation into the black swan.
Warning : This film gave me chills, made me cringe at the sight of nails for a while, and by the end I was frightened of Natalie Portman and swans.
Natalie Portman has recently won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for her performance in Black Swan. And from my point of view she deserved it. I recommend this movie to everyone who is able to see it. Black Swan is rated R for sexual content, disturbing violent images, language and some drug use. [This movie also stars the adroit Mila Kunis.]
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