You know when your anticipation for something is so great you think that any second now you’re in for an enormous let down? Like there is no way what sounds so good on paper can possibly be so good in reality? Well, fear not little lambs: the first Black Swan trailer is not the letdown you were looking out for. In fact, it’s the exact opposite.
The dark psychological drama starrs Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis as ballerinas in the New York City Ballet staging a performance of “Swan Lake.” Natalie (Nina) is a technically excellent veteran finally getting her chance at the prima ballerina spotlight and Mila (Lily) is a newcomer who brings a sexuality Nina lacks to the company. Also, you might have heard, but they make out — and more.
Holy expletive deleted, right? That was intense, impressive, scary, sexy, confusing, crafty, foreboding, fantastic. That was, well, wow. I’m not sure the last time I’ve been both this freaked out and turned on. And that kiss, damn.
The interplay between Natalie and Mila is perfect in the trailer. They are, as film synopsis suggests, the yin and yang of one another. And, just like a yin yang, they’re quite possibly two parts of one whole. Is Lily real? Also, I’d sure like to know where her hand is going on Natalie’s lap.
While known more for comedies, Mila seems custom-made for the role imbuing Lily with a loose, seductive, dangerous energy. And, best yet, no sign of Ashton Kutcher for miles.
Natalie, in turn, looks brittle and cracked, her natural delicate features given an ominous quality. And then there’s the weird patch of skin on her shoulder. Is that a feather? Oh, man, she is definitely doing to want some sort of ointment for that. Also, may I suggest some Visine?
Rounding out the cast are Barbara Hershey as Nina’s mother and Winona Ryder as someone in the trailer you will miss if you blink for a second — literally.
But let’s go back to the kiss because, let’s not kid ourselves, it’s what everyone is talking about. As far as kisses go it’s pretty good. Though I’m more interested in how it happens. Mila has already said the sex scenes aren’t “smut” or “two girls making out and pillow fighting.” Since Lily is clearly being positioned as a rival to Nina, my money is on hate sex. Hey, it happens, even to ballerinas.
Directed by Darren Aronofsky, the man behind Requiem for a Dream and The Wrestler, Black Swan has a frantic, claustrophobic feel to it. Is Nina mad? Is Lily after her? Is dude in the creepy black mask real? Is Mirror Nina out to kill us all?
I don’t know, but I know I want to find out. Black Swan premieres at the Venice International Film Festival Sept. 1. No word on the general release date yet, but when it comes you’d better bet I’ll be there ticket in hand. How about you?
