Sunday, August 1, 2010

Black Swan



Last week, Black Swan was announced as the opening film for the 67th Annual Venice Film Festival. It's a new dark thriller directed by Darren Aronofsky about the pressure, rivalry and paranoia behind a ballet stage. It stars Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis and Winona Ryder.

My ears are usually attuned at the mention of Aronofsky. I think it's a subconscious thing because he had also directed Pi, which is pronounced like my last name "Pai." I immediately took that fact as a blind liking and fortunately I enjoy his films. They are very beautiful and well-paced. I can only imagine the scenic stages, costume design, exaggerated makeup and illumination for this coming film.

The title of the film suggests the Black Swan Events, a theory founded by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. According to the theory, black swans represent the unpredictable circumstances infused in life. Since they are rare, these events make a dramatic impact which can affect your reality and mentality. They can change the course in history and/or result in psychological meltdowns.


With that in mind, I am even more intrigued to see what Darren Aronofsky will bring to the screen this time.

jeanie