virag's movie reviews: black swan (2010)

aronofsky is nothing without mickey rourke.  black swan is like showgirls without the subtlety--or charm.  ballet, like professional cycling, doesn't need a twit like aronofsky to dramatize the suffering and talent required.  at least in the wrestler, rourke was able to create a sympathetic and interesting character.  casting natalie portman is like casting mark wahlberg; it wounds your film, and unless you are a master, it will kill it.  i sat through requiem for a dream and the fountain.  aronofsky is an absolutely terrible film director.  black swan had all the drama and believability of a lifetime cable movie, and most of the actors came from tv, so let's hope they go back.  showgirls was a more sincere and believable portrayal of mental illness, too.