i thought they over-used sexuailty in the film as it appears alot around 5+ scenes but apart from that, I thought it was good although the scenes worked well some where very intense and I believed in the character and her persona she was creating so im my opinion it was a sucess!
i saw black swan at home and i went to the cinema just for the expirience, and they cut ther movie. the scene after she danced the black swan she returns to her room and lilly knocks and says what she has to say and suddenly nina holds a piece of glass in her hand. there was no part when she goes to the bathroom and realising what she did. did it happen to any of you, or should i blame it on the cinema i was in?
film Hollywood trash !! funny like show Girls !! over the top!!! some would say piss on the wall is art!!! but no its just piss on wall!!! Gab you watch this with your Dad ?? with the girl on girl action!! Gross!!! and let your Dad talk stop talking over him its very RUDE!!
I love ballet and I love to dance which is probably why i understood it better.If you'd like to understand the movie better you should view Swan lake or at least research it because the film is an echo of it.Also if you understood dance better it's a lot like acting and dancer's try to become their character while they're dancing they just use their bodies and let it become art like a sculpture but living and breathing, and moving and they tell a story in that way.
I'm really surprised you guys didn't mention the masturbation/lesbian scenes. Were people laughing in your theater? I was annoyed when people laughed in my theater because I didn't find it shocking or unintentionally funny at all. I thought it showed her attempt to delve into The Black Swan role very well.
@MatthewLedZepfan Well, I try to avoid mentioning masturbation in my father's presence - lol! And also, other than the (unintentional/immature) "shock value", I agree it's part of the story/character; so no special need to mention it... don't want to feed into the impropper attention it has received! But luckily, when we saw it at the film fest, I guess it was a more "sophisticated" audience, so there wasn't any snickering or hooting as I recall!
@GabnDad haha yeah I understand! Although I remember in the review of I love You Man, you mentioned how there were blowjob jokes in the movie haha. talk about awkward haha
Although this is a very insightful review, don't let their doubts about Portman's dancing in it fool you. She started training a year ahead of time and faced an incredibly rigorous schedule doing three hours of ballet, an hour of swimming, and then an hour of toning, everyday for a year. And then adding the choreography several months prior to shooting.
In this film, she had to perform not just one art, (acting) but two at the same time. (acting and ballet)
@lauralovesbach I (Gab) don't doubt Portman's dancing in this film - I do say that I think she pulled it off splendidly (from what I can tell, as a non-dancer!). I've read a lot about the training she did, and it paid off; the film would have failed if she wasn't believable. I have heard some things about it not being her in the long shots, for which I can't comment!
I actually thought Natalie was a little controlled and stiff as a ballerina. Both the white and black swan. However, I did believe her during the Black Swan dance number.
I thought this movie was incredible from beginning to end! I think the reason that alot of people are having some problems with this movie is that it has a HUGE amount of symbolism in it, and I honestly think that if you watch it again (this is for you Dad) and just look at it for what it is and try not to take everything in it too literally, you will see that this is not only a movie but a piece of artwork that really is unique and masterful when compared to alot of the crap we see today.
I recently saw my first Darren Aronofsky film not too long ago, "Requiem For A Dream" -- I was blown away. A truly powerful film. I had no interest in seeing this film, but after hearing it's from the same director, I may check it out.
Thank you for messaging me. I am very excited to see the film!! I'm so jealous that you are attending the film festival, I hope to attend next year. Was there any other films that seemed promising?
@CallaLily88 Thank you for watching! ;) Yes, living in Toronto we are very lucky to get to check out the film fest here! This was my favorite I saw there this year, followed by 'Never Let Me Go' and 'The Town' - both of which have already come to theatres, and are pobably on DVD very soon...!
@mastmedia Millepid is an occasional NYCBallet choreographer, not "the" choreographer by any means. She had two doubles-- Sarah Lane, an ABT soloist, and then another girl who filled in for the smaller parts when Lane was unavailable. It's very clear in the film that Natalie isn't doing the dancing in the long shots (understandably.) She studied for 1 year.
Interesting. I didn't know that. Mary Helen Bowers, her trainer, said the harder turning scenes were done by the double but said 90% of the dance was Portman, as well.
Gab, I know you reviewed this a while ago, but as we get closer to this movie opening near me, I'm returning to your review. I wonder how this compares to Requiem for a Dream? Dad's description of looking at his watch and then suddenly finding yourself immersed in the story reminds me of my experience in Requiem. The final 30 minutes of that movie are among the most powerful and emotionally wrenching moments captured on film.
@uforeader I haven't seen Requiem for several years, but yes I would say they are similar experiences in the way you describe... Black Swan was odd in that sometimes it was like WTF? but at the same time you are mesmerized - if that makes sense!? I need to see it again when it opens, to help pin down my ultimate feelings about it one way or the other.
@GabnDad Dont mind roloug95's comments Gab (someones obviously being overserious and grouchy). I LOVE the Chemistry between you and your Dad. Its Entertaining as well as Informative. Love your views just the way they are! Keep it up!
@horrorfan1089 All the supporting performances were great... I don't know about award-worthy, other than Ms. Hershey. It's really Natalie Portman's tour de force.
I love ballet (just for the record) and from what I can gather from your review & the film's trailer, I don't think it will appeal to ballet fans. With ballet the story telling is graceful, elegant and sensitive... This movie looks noisy and over the top.
I can't watch this review until I see the movie.. But I just wanted to say I am SO JEALOUS that you got to see this so soon!!!! I wished I lived close to a major festival.. Oh wait... I live 3 hours from Sundance.... But anyway..
Great review, nice to see Dad back doing reviews again, can't say though I'm looking forward to this movie though, the trailer just didn't do much for me.
Sounds a bit like Fight Club. I've read that one major character doesn't actually exist, a bit like Brad Pitt or some of the characters in A Beautiful Mind. Don't tell me, let me guess...
Definitely going to go check this one out. (December's a long way off! LOL you lucky dogs!!) I like Darren Aronofsky's films (Pi, The Wrestler, etc.) and I'll definitely go in with an open mind. Natalie Portman's really good as well!
Reviews like this are the reason I'm glad I subscribed.
I cannot BELIEVE you guys got to see this! I'm been anticipating this film for quite some time. I'm highly intrigued now.
I really like the chemistry between you and your dad. You two are obvsiously two completey different sides of the same coin. His being the rough, yours being smooth. But both are honest and mostly unbiased.
I swear, you're as entertaining as the review syou give, and the reviews are excellent.
You guys rock. Great review. This is my second most anticipated movie of the year and these early reviews excited me even more, Darren Aronofsky is a director I admire greatly, I've seen two of his film (Requiem for a Dream and The Wrestler) and both are iun my top 20 favorite movies. And Natalie Portman is in this... HELL YEAH! Very beautiful and extremely talented actress.
i agree. really jealous of you guys. but nothing to do about it coz i started school so pretty much though i am in Canada i couldn't make it to this festival.
i cant wait to watch this movie. mila kunis + natalie FTW.
glorious failure---couldnt've said it better.
deeroks1 11 months ago
i thought they over-used sexuailty in the film as it appears alot around 5+ scenes but apart from that, I thought it was good although the scenes worked well some where very intense and I believed in the character and her persona she was creating so im my opinion it was a sucess!
patsybob 11 months ago
Gab, I love you for saying crapola!
nckossally 11 months ago
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i saw black swan at home and i went to the cinema just for the expirience, and they cut ther movie. the scene after she danced the black swan she returns to her room and lilly knocks and says what she has to say and suddenly nina holds a piece of glass in her hand. there was no part when she goes to the bathroom and realising what she did. did it happen to any of you, or should i blame it on the cinema i was in?
jumpin4smoke 1 year ago
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redrob62 1 year ago
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redrob62 1 year ago
film Hollywood trash !! funny like show Girls !! over the top!!! some would say piss on the wall is art!!! but no its just piss on wall!!! Gab you watch this with your Dad ?? with the girl on girl action!! Gross!!! and let your Dad talk stop talking over him its very RUDE!!
redrob62 1 year ago
Black Swan is my favorite movie of the year
Tebay71 1 year ago
I love ballet and I love to dance which is probably why i understood it better.If you'd like to understand the movie better you should view Swan lake or at least research it because the film is an echo of it.Also if you understood dance better it's a lot like acting and dancer's try to become their character while they're dancing they just use their bodies and let it become art like a sculpture but living and breathing, and moving and they tell a story in that way.
nekoru5 1 year ago
argument during a review? silly...
akathetruthteller 1 year ago
@akathetruthteller Sometimes we get worked up and can't help it!
GabnDad 1 year ago
EXACTLY! Reviewing movies with my dad can be a MINEFIELD...!!!!!! ;p
GabnDad 1 year ago
@GabnDad
what was up with her back?
LaurenBalletStar 1 year ago
I'm really surprised you guys didn't mention the masturbation/lesbian scenes. Were people laughing in your theater? I was annoyed when people laughed in my theater because I didn't find it shocking or unintentionally funny at all. I thought it showed her attempt to delve into The Black Swan role very well.
MatthewLedZepfan 1 year ago
@MatthewLedZepfan Well, I try to avoid mentioning masturbation in my father's presence - lol! And also, other than the (unintentional/immature) "shock value", I agree it's part of the story/character; so no special need to mention it... don't want to feed into the impropper attention it has received! But luckily, when we saw it at the film fest, I guess it was a more "sophisticated" audience, so there wasn't any snickering or hooting as I recall!
GabnDad 1 year ago
@GabnDad haha yeah I understand! Although I remember in the review of I love You Man, you mentioned how there were blowjob jokes in the movie haha. talk about awkward haha
MatthewLedZepfan 1 year ago
Although this is a very insightful review, don't let their doubts about Portman's dancing in it fool you. She started training a year ahead of time and faced an incredibly rigorous schedule doing three hours of ballet, an hour of swimming, and then an hour of toning, everyday for a year. And then adding the choreography several months prior to shooting.
In this film, she had to perform not just one art, (acting) but two at the same time. (acting and ballet)
lauralovesbach 1 year ago
@lauralovesbach I (Gab) don't doubt Portman's dancing in this film - I do say that I think she pulled it off splendidly (from what I can tell, as a non-dancer!). I've read a lot about the training she did, and it paid off; the film would have failed if she wasn't believable. I have heard some things about it not being her in the long shots, for which I can't comment!
GabnDad 1 year ago
@anotherdumbmonkey Thanks!!
GabnDad 1 year ago
I think the "stupid line" is that transformation of the swan. I agreed it was a big weird.
mastergradeone 1 year ago
I actually thought Natalie was a little controlled and stiff as a ballerina. Both the white and black swan. However, I did believe her during the Black Swan dance number.
LVishere 1 year ago
I was eagerly anticipating this film. I'd read the script over a year ago and I just saw it yesterday.
While there was much to admire, I gotta go with Dad on this one. Overall, for me, it was a magnificent failure.
It seemed too rushed and I couldn't quite buy her descent into madness. It was like a not-so-scary horror film disguised as a thriller.
The story was beautiful though. But like an abridged version of a dark fairtale. The meaning was felt but the journey was lacking.
mastmedia 1 year ago
@mastmedia So true.
LVishere 1 year ago
It's a masterpiece of a film. I think it's Darren's second best film, second only to Pi.
It's brilliant on almost every level.
trentkill 1 year ago
I thought this movie was incredible from beginning to end! I think the reason that alot of people are having some problems with this movie is that it has a HUGE amount of symbolism in it, and I honestly think that if you watch it again (this is for you Dad) and just look at it for what it is and try not to take everything in it too literally, you will see that this is not only a movie but a piece of artwork that really is unique and masterful when compared to alot of the crap we see today.
beingjoshmc 1 year ago
I recently saw my first Darren Aronofsky film not too long ago, "Requiem For A Dream" -- I was blown away. A truly powerful film. I had no interest in seeing this film, but after hearing it's from the same director, I may check it out.
RullyisJRM 1 year ago
Failure? 4/5? that makes no sense...
DeraJa 1 year ago
@DeraJa I think Dad means it's spectacular but ultimately not exactly successful - like the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
GabnDad 1 year ago
Thank you for messaging me. I am very excited to see the film!! I'm so jealous that you are attending the film festival, I hope to attend next year. Was there any other films that seemed promising?
CallaLily88 1 year ago
@CallaLily88 Thank you for watching! ;) Yes, living in Toronto we are very lucky to get to check out the film fest here! This was my favorite I saw there this year, followed by 'Never Let Me Go' and 'The Town' - both of which have already come to theatres, and are pobably on DVD very soon...!
GabnDad 1 year ago
interesting
jewmangi 1 year ago
It was a beautiful dark and psychological film. I really liked it, I love artsy films.
Good review. =-)
LightsCameraAaron 1 year ago
@LightsCameraAaron Just to let you know, I totally respect your opinions, I understand that the film isn't for everyone. =-)
LightsCameraAaron 1 year ago
Just wanted to say i love you guys and this review :)
thefrickenfilmcritic 1 year ago
Natalie didn't do her own dancing. She had two different doubles.
EmmaTav 1 year ago
@EmmaTav There was definitely doubles used, but many shots it is undeniably her and she pulls it off.
GabnDad 1 year ago
@EmmaTav Benjamin Millepied, the choreographer of the film (and dance choreographer of the NYC Ballet) said Natalie did 90% of the dancing.
mastmedia 1 year ago
@mastmedia Millepid is an occasional NYCBallet choreographer, not "the" choreographer by any means. She had two doubles-- Sarah Lane, an ABT soloist, and then another girl who filled in for the smaller parts when Lane was unavailable. It's very clear in the film that Natalie isn't doing the dancing in the long shots (understandably.) She studied for 1 year.
EmmaTav 1 year ago
@EmmaTav
Interesting. I didn't know that. Mary Helen Bowers, her trainer, said the harder turning scenes were done by the double but said 90% of the dance was Portman, as well.
mastmedia 1 year ago
Gab, I know you reviewed this a while ago, but as we get closer to this movie opening near me, I'm returning to your review. I wonder how this compares to Requiem for a Dream? Dad's description of looking at his watch and then suddenly finding yourself immersed in the story reminds me of my experience in Requiem. The final 30 minutes of that movie are among the most powerful and emotionally wrenching moments captured on film.
uforeader 1 year ago
@uforeader I haven't seen Requiem for several years, but yes I would say they are similar experiences in the way you describe... Black Swan was odd in that sometimes it was like WTF? but at the same time you are mesmerized - if that makes sense!? I need to see it again when it opens, to help pin down my ultimate feelings about it one way or the other.
GabnDad 1 year ago
Good review
SkinsDegrassiGleek 1 year ago
@GabnDad Dont mind roloug95's comments Gab (someones obviously being overserious and grouchy). I LOVE the Chemistry between you and your Dad. Its Entertaining as well as Informative. Love your views just the way they are! Keep it up!
00tuoyo 1 year ago
stephinie meyer crossed the line of stupid
l0serpants 1 year ago
yeah it would be lovely if GAB would shut the fuck up and let dad fucking talk
roloug95 1 year ago 2
I Believe That Mila Kunis had the best performance
aaroncotham 1 year ago
What did you guys think of Vincent Cassell, Mila Kunis, and Barbara Hershey? Can you see any Oscar Noms coming their way?
horrorfan1089 1 year ago
@horrorfan1089 All the supporting performances were great... I don't know about award-worthy, other than Ms. Hershey. It's really Natalie Portman's tour de force.
GabnDad 1 year ago
December can't come fast enough, i'm so excited to see this film after seeing The Wrestler multiple times.
Great review G&D 5/5.
cores717 1 year ago
well, now i got to see what all the debate was about. another great review!
Requiem of a Dream is enough to keep me going to every Aronofsky film... even The Fountain... which I disliked. immensely.
uforeader 1 year ago
Great review, whether this is bad or good, the fact that it's Aronofsky means I'll see this.
BMLRProductions 1 year ago
I love ballet (just for the record) and from what I can gather from your review & the film's trailer, I don't think it will appeal to ballet fans. With ballet the story telling is graceful, elegant and sensitive... This movie looks noisy and over the top.
LisaJ4Liberty 1 year ago
@LisaJ4Liberty The ballet in the film is lovely, but yes the story is melodramatic.
GabnDad 1 year ago
It may have been shot beautifully, acted gracefully, editing,etc.... but if the story leaves much to be desired.... then I give my 'thumbs down'!
I don't care for 'artsy fartsy' flicks, that usually take you on an emotional roller coaster, only to end with the feeling of..... "WHY"?
MATTCOSSIN 1 year ago
I can't watch this review until I see the movie.. But I just wanted to say I am SO JEALOUS that you got to see this so soon!!!! I wished I lived close to a major festival.. Oh wait... I live 3 hours from Sundance.... But anyway..
videoclerks 1 year ago 9
I really want to see this!
So jealous!
dsclubhouse1 1 year ago 6
Great review, nice to see Dad back doing reviews again, can't say though I'm looking forward to this movie though, the trailer just didn't do much for me.
accountwithoutrules 1 year ago
Sounds a bit like Fight Club. I've read that one major character doesn't actually exist, a bit like Brad Pitt or some of the characters in A Beautiful Mind. Don't tell me, let me guess...
CineRam 1 year ago
I'm sort of interested in this film thanks for the review. Sounds like something I should give a chance.
dfan04 1 year ago
Definitely going to go check this one out. (December's a long way off! LOL you lucky dogs!!) I like Darren Aronofsky's films (Pi, The Wrestler, etc.) and I'll definitely go in with an open mind. Natalie Portman's really good as well!
Great review as always, you guys!!
christopherSmac 1 year ago
Reviews like this are the reason I'm glad I subscribed.
I cannot BELIEVE you guys got to see this! I'm been anticipating this film for quite some time. I'm highly intrigued now.
I really like the chemistry between you and your dad. You two are obvsiously two completey different sides of the same coin. His being the rough, yours being smooth. But both are honest and mostly unbiased.
I swear, you're as entertaining as the review syou give, and the reviews are excellent.
mastmedia 1 year ago
im jealous and I really cant wait to see this, great review
MikeBannShow 1 year ago
And Karl Popper rolls in his grave.
Sorry, I had to.
smaakjeks 1 year ago
You guys rock. Great review. This is my second most anticipated movie of the year and these early reviews excited me even more, Darren Aronofsky is a director I admire greatly, I've seen two of his film (Requiem for a Dream and The Wrestler) and both are iun my top 20 favorite movies. And Natalie Portman is in this... HELL YEAH! Very beautiful and extremely talented actress.
Gadder4311 1 year ago
so jealous you got to see this
Rzeman1 1 year ago
I am jealous of you, but to make me feel better, I already saw The Social Network last week. :) I love ballet btw. Great review!
ClockworkCaptain 1 year ago
i agree. really jealous of you guys. but nothing to do about it coz i started school so pretty much though i am in Canada i couldn't make it to this festival.
i cant wait to watch this movie. mila kunis + natalie FTW.
kronosleblu888 1 year ago
I'M SO JEALOUS.
Nicorice18 1 year ago
I AM JELAOUS BEYOND BELIEF.off to see this at the london film festival in october seriously can't wait
Thecriticwithamouth 1 year ago
you got to see black swan? I'm jealous :( lol
danielrobertwright 1 year ago