Film Review: Black Swan

I went to see Black Swan having heard that it was a must-see, but knowing little of the plot and having few expectations. I can honestly say I was blown away.

Natalie Portman's portrayal of Nina, a young ballerina feeling the pressure of being cast in her first leading role, is spot on. Portman manages, impressively, to present the fragility of a young girl in a seductive world suffering with mental illnesses and a difficult mother. Yet, is also pitch-perfect in Nina's darker moments where she is ambitious and deceitful. This is Portman reaching new heights, showcasing her acting expertise.

Nina's part in the production depends on her ability to delve into her darker side, as she does panic attacks and delusions become a regular occurrence. The viewer watches as Nina's performance improves and her mental health rapidly deteriorates. There is a fusion between an artistic breakthrough and a nervous breakdown.

The film is glossy and glamorous, exciting and very scary. Putting to one side, the astounding acting and the 'on the edge of your seat' plot, the film is also visually impressive. No detail is left to chance. The close up camera shots, grainy photography and behind the shoulder tracking of Nina may seem like obvious tricks to build tension, but the truth is these tricks work. And a consistent palette of black and white interior serve to emphasise the battle between Nina's own black and white swan. And, the dancing alone is reason enough to see this film; it is beautiful.

This is a thoroughly accomplished film. I would be surprised if Portman does not win Best Actress at the Oscars, she definitely deserves to.

The Fighter: Film Review

Despite not being a fan of boxing, I've always been a keen viewer of films that focus on the sport. As a genre, I find boxing films tend to be very 'edge of your seat' viewing and often have a great back story for the key characters - traits I can't help but appreciate.

This film is no different. The scenes of "Irish" Micky Ward, played by Mark Wahlberg, in the ring are made of serious stuff. Yet, the tension is really in the interaction of Micky and his family.

Christian Bale shines in his role as Micky's older step-brother, Dicky Eklund. A boxer who lives off the memory of a night when he floored titleholder Sugar Ray Leonard, years later he is a drug addict, a womaniser and Micky's coach. He fails to turn up for training, persuades Micky to participate in unevenly matched and dangerous fights and along with Micky's mother Alice, played by Melissa Leo, is gradually destroying Micky's boxing career. Cue Charlene (Amy Adams), a spirited barmaid who believes she can free Micky of his family's control, giving him a chance to prove his real talent.

Though some critics suggest Bale's performance is so loud it verges on the side of grotesque, I feel it was a brave and almost pitch-perfect attempt. Bale does not shy away from the task of honestly portraying Dicky's awfully embarrassing actions, nor does he attempt to sentimentalise or justify them, despite how uncomfortable this may make the audience. Wahlberg's Micky, is also excellent, though a very quiet performance in comparison.

Though usually I dislike films shot in a documentary style (I tend to feel it has been done one too many times), on this occasion it worked. It showcased Bale and Wahlberg's characters more intimately, and fitted well with the boxing genre.

This is a surprisingly funny and moving film, but I can't help but compare it to Michael Mann's Ali ( 2001), and if I'm honest it would be tough for any boxing film to top that epic movie.

Morning Glory: Film Review

We already know this story: ambitious, hard-working young woman, with no time for a special man in her life, struggles to work her way to the top of her career and be recognised for her raw talent. This does not stop the floods of women who will flock to see this feel-good, romantic comedy. Any, why should it?

Yet, despite the high calibre of the cast: Diane Keating, Harrison Ford and Rachel McAdams, this film never really develops. There are moments of humour and charm, and though a TV studio does not seem like the most original setting for a chick flick, there was something inspiring and interesting in the side of television production painted.

The characters felt one-dimensional, and Becky's (Rachel McAdams) romance was given such little screen time that it was almost irrelevant.

A pleasant but inconsequential watch.