ChanFamous I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Asad Almond A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

Darin One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

thegornie I will it up front that I am no fan of ballet and failed to appreciate the pains that Natalie Portman endured to become a convincing dancer for this role. But it didn't matter. She absolutely earned her best actress award through conveying three metaphors behind the wrapper of a ballerina's quest for perfection:1. Perfection requires balance. You cannot appreciate the beauty in light without darkness. There is no sunrise without sunset, no day without night, no good without evil. Nina's struggle to understand this was the focus of her conflict with Thomas.2. Personal growth happens when you expand beyond your comfort zone. Nina had mastered the white swan because the role was so consistent with her daily life; continuing to practice it was a waste of time. Only when Lily inspires her to pursue the black swan does she unlock the path to perfection.3. Once you've stretched outside your comfort zone you can never go back. Personal growth changes you forever. Nina, in her quest for perfection, loses her innocence forever.Yes, perhaps the story could remain powerful without the gratuitous gore that hurled a dark drama into the horror genre. But this film is worth watching just to see Natalie Portman shatter all the boundaries of her acting career up to that point. A powerful performance, particularly memorable in the final scenes in which she successfully transforms into the black swan.

Pjtaylor-96-138044 The most compelling moments in 'Black Swan (2010)' come when the sanity of the central character is called into question, with several sequences featuring stunningly surreal imagery and bizarre body horror that means that the validity of almost anything onscreen can be questioned. Rather than becoming frustrating, this instead becomes a gripping look into the damaged psyche of the perfectionist protagonist. The story is compellingly told with a confident cinematic verve. 8/10

Matthew D Booth Psychologically satisfying film. If you are like me you might have to peek through your fingers on some scenes though. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes while viewing. Natalie Portman is Awesome !

Tyson Hunsaker "Black Swan" is a brilliant combination of Darren Aronofsky's gift for psychological thriller and influences from "The Red Shoes" and "Perfect Blue." These combined with prestige editing, breathtaking cinematography, and haunting direction make for an unforgettable and strongly rewatchable psychological thriller.Nina, played wonderfully by Natalie Portman is a gifted ballerina who lands the role of the Black Swan in a take on Swan lake directed by a tough and driven director and coach. As her work in the role progresses, she gradually embraces the role of Black Swan and simultaneously begins to see the darker and more dangerous side to herself. The viewer, along with the character, goes insane and loses their grasp on reality and what's imaginary. Perhaps the biggest strength "Black Swan" has going for it is its ability display a variety of meanings within its scenes. It's not uncommon to divulge different meanings and interpretations from different viewers and that makes it fun to discuss and re-watch. From the beginning inferences to the ending's climax, I pull different interpretations from that of friends I have. The film beautifully blends its tones and has wonderfully smooth pacing throughout. No wonder "Black Swan" was nominated for best film editing. Not for one moment was I bored or anxious. Instead, I found myself riveted from beginning to end. If I have any negative criticism for "Black Swan" it would be length and duration. It's quite rare for me to want a larger run time but as the film ended, I thought to myself, "Not only do I want more, but I think more would have taken the film to greater heights." In several scenes in Act I and II, further development of where Nina comes from and her relationships with other dancers could've have better impacted some already solid payoff in Act III. Criticism aside, this is an incredible piece and my personal favorite Darren Aronofsky film. It's riveting, beautiful, and haunting with something profound to say.