Preview: Black Swan (2010)

Synopsis:

Struggling to become Prima Ballerina in the New York City Ballet Company, Nina must move beyond the role of White Swan in Swan Lake and learn how to embrace her Black Swan without being consumed by it.

• Poster: B; A (4); C+; B-

Review:

A bit too sparse, and the image barely looks like Natalie Portman, but the look does seem to fit with the theme of the film. I almost wonder if we might expect a poster featuring the Black Swan as well.

These gorgeous art deco posters are so simple and yet so elegant and capture a stylistic reference that seems at one with the film yet stands out on its own. I don't even mind that the three colors used are black, white and red. The posters just sing.

It's not as inventive as the prior quartet of posters, but it's not an abysmal design either. However, they would probably be best served with a different, more interesting design.

The cracked facade is a nice touch, but nothing is better than the art deco set previously reviewed.

• Trailer: A

Review:

It's the strongest trailer I've seen in some time. You are instantly hooked and positive that this will be unlike anything you've seen before. The cast is strangely enticing and the premise downright engaging.

Oscar Prospects:

It may be a bit too twisted for Academy tastes, but with talent like Natalie Portman, Barbara Hershey and Winona Ryder, it could still contend in the acting categories. Even Mila Kunis doesn't look as awful as she has in the past and could be a surprise Supporting Actress nominee.

Release Date:

• December 3, 2010

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (August 17, 2010) Original

-Wesley Lovell (October 15, 2010) New Posters

-Wesley Lovell (October 17, 2010) New Release Date (changed from 12/1/10)

-Wesley Lovell (November 16, 2010) New Poster

-Wesley Lovell (December 10, 2010) New Poster