Sometimes movies are over hyped. I’m not saying that Black Swan is undeserving of all the awards and recognition it received. I just think my own circle of friends built it up way too high. Or maybe I just didn’t fall in love with the movie as I hoped I would.
Truthfully, Black Swan was frustrating. Perhaps it was over hyped or maybe the film simply wasn’t for me. It happens I suppose.
I can still appreciate the film for what it is. An incredibly intense and disturbing look into the mind of a troubled ballet dancer struggling to stay on top.
I thought it was brilliantly shot too. I’ve always been a fan Darren Aronofsky’s style. The Wrestler was one of my favorite movies of it’s year. Unfortunately, I was never fully interested in Black Swan. The more messed up visions took place, the more I felt disconnected from the story. I spent most of the time waiting for the decorated Best Picture nominee to emerge.
For me, it never did. I always tend to get a little worried when successful films like Black Swan fly over my head. What does that say about my taste in movies if I don’t agree with all the critics and audiences out there?
I thought about that a lot actually. I’ve decided it makes me honest. Black Swan isn’t a horrible movie but it certainly wasn’t for me. I wish I had seen it at the height of it’s popularity before too much time had passed. Maybe my experience would have been different.
There’s always a chance I’ll come across the film again someday and love it.
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I agree with you. It’s not that it wasn’t for you, it’s just that the award winning movie is not there. Not everything praised by everyone is good.
I probably would have just liked the movie, said it was good and that would have been it, but it was so overhyped by everyone.
It was a weak story about an already pretty unstable woman with an oppressive mother which might or might not have abused her, breaking down over a simple role play.
What’s your opinion on Aronofsky’s use of symbolism in the movie?
I thought it was so much of it, blatant and obvious, it could have been nailed into our heads with a hammer.
Duh! Black and White! The girl playing the Black Swan had black wings tattoed on her back! Body morphing! Hallucinations! Those are just the list getting started!
It was like Aronofsky wanted to make a deep art film, but ended up wanting it to be liked by the masses – dumbing it down way too much, and piling obvious eye-gouging symbolism everywhere.
That way most arsty-fartsy people would feel smart when they have finished watching and would go praise the **** out of it on imdb.
Sorry if I sound like a total hater, but overhyped movies undeserving of praise are a far too easy target.
For a way better movie, which Black Swan ripped off, go watch Perfect Blue.
I think Aronofsky’s style was really the one thing I liked. The way the film is staged and shot is absolutely gorgeous but like you, I just thought it was over hyped. At some points it was over the top. Although, her stretched out neck was pretty intense. I have to admit I’ve never heard of Perfect Blue though. I’m going to have to add that to my impossibly huge list of movies I have to see.
Just less forced symbolism and less hype next time and I’ll be fine. Otherwise Black Swan would have been OK, and Natalie Portman’s acting was fine itself.
About Perfect Blue – it’s anime, probably the reason it’s not on your list. Most people overlook it. Now there is the essence of what Black Swan was desperately trying to be, and it was done perfectly.
Spread the word of overlooked anime gems! lol
Watch Paprika as well, very possibly inspired Inception, although it’s much much more confusing, and therefore not perfect, although still good.
Both directed by Satoshi Kon, whose movies I like very much, although Paprika still confuses the hell out of me.
Sorry for the multiple posts, but some more interesting trivia:
Darren bought the US rights to PB just so he could film the bathroom scene in Requiem for a Dream.
http://www.fanboyscloset.com/?p=1070
Finished about this movie now, promise.
Appreciate the comments as always! I honestly think the one genre that I love but regrettably ignore the most is anime… I must change this. Thanks for the recommendations! And the fun facts!