This Darren Aronofsky film was thought provoking from the viewpoint of a creative writer as it reveals the lengths that creatives will go to for the sake of art. Black Swan shows us that determination to get what you want, in this case the leading role in Swan Lake, can have a toll on the body and mind. And, while creativity often has beautiful results there are darker forces within that can impact.
Here we are presented with far more than a story of a ballerina, Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman), who desires to play the leading role. We see that when we set our minds to something anything is obtainable but that it is possible to want something too much and determination can turn to obsession. The real irony is that the prima ballerina becomes so fixated on perfecting her role that the beautiful, graceful art of ballet is shown in a different light; it’s tainted through competition, jealousy and greed.
There’s certainly evidence of good and bad in the vast majority of us and Nina embraces her darker side to identify with the Black Swan. We quite literally see Nina embody her art form; the dark force of the black swan over taking Nina’s body and mind as she starts to see her feet web and feathers sprouting from her back. It’s also interesting to note that Nina’s “alternative” or understudy (Lily) is everything that Nina’s not – into taking drugs, open with her sexuality and laid back when it comes to her dancing career. This conflict within is something that artists often draw on to fuel their creativity. However, there are boundaries and the old adage that there’s a thin line between genius and lunacy comes to mind here. The gifted Nina Sayers pushes her body and mind so much that she begins to lose a grip on reality and show psychotic tendencies.
The story is revealed through Nina’s eyes and, as such, her life becomes a performance; the audience is left wondering which parts of the action are real and which are a figment of Nina’s imagination. Seeing things from Nina’s perspective also teaches us a lesson in control as we see hers slip away. Nina is advised to “let go” so that she can embrace the passion needed to perfect her performance and show the raw emotion, sensuality and desperation of the Swan Queen. Nina learns to give in to her art but with this she forsakes self-control, the control that allows her to distinguish fact from fiction, or life from art.
That’s not to say that we shouldn’t strive for what we want and be determined in our journey to get there but this really gives you enough insight to see how powerful the creative forces within us really are. It’s worth bearing in mind that quite often it’s letting go of ourselves a bit and pushing those boundaries that allow us to express ourselves through art. However, we all have our limits and broken artists aren’t good for much. We need not be restrained but we should look after ourselves and embrace wellbeing to breed productivity rather than work ourselves ragged. Quite often the most beautiful creations on the page are a result of happiness and health.
All images property of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.
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