Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Black Swan (2010)

What is it about? 

A ballet dancer is perfect in portraying White Swan in her role as Swan Queen, but eventually loses her mind in her attempt to become the Black Swan. 

Who is in it? 

Natalie Portman - Nina Sayers

Mila Kunis - Lily

Vincent Cassel - Thomas Leroy

Favorite Scene: 

Nina arrives prior to showtime and eventually has a fight with herself, thus releasing her inner darkside and her struggles with the portrayal of the Black Swan. 

Favorite Quote: 

"I just want to be perfect" 

Review: 

Black Swan is an amazing film in so many ways. The accreditation, Oscar nomination, and public hear-say has been very true - this film is great. The overall plot consisting of battling with two sides of yourself while including the art of ballet is one that is weird, but downright gripping. Quite honestly, a lot of what makes Black Swan remarkable is it's ability to be dark, twisted, and metaphoric. 

Adding to the film is the brilliant work of Natalie Portman as Nina Sayers. Her ability to portray the good girl attempting to please everyone before snapping around the issues and pressure that has consumed her is a tragedy that is reflected well, and is one of the best performances you will ever see. Mila Kunis and Vincent Cassel also help the greatness that was Portman in this film with their performances. 

Also, a review would not be complete if the unbelievable camera work/shots were not pointed out in this film. Mucho kudos to director, Darren Aronofski on this. As you watch, it will be one of the aspects a viewer will notice that adds to the piece. 

Overall, Black Swan is not hype. It is a brilliant movie. Very, very much recommended for everyone. 

Grade: 4.55/5

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

TNA Slammiversary 2026: "A great show that felt like it could have been epic with the proper buildup."

TNA certainly came into Slammiversary 2026 carrying some public relations (or perception?) baggage which affected the excitement for this event. For me, Slammiversary has become one of those wrestling events on the calendar that moves the needle for me. This is especially the case after attending last year's historic event.   This year, the hype was not there. And ultimately, the overall creative process for the product for most of 2026 was well...plain. It wasn't terrible. But yeeaaaaaahhhhhhh, nothing felt overly exciting. The company had no major storyline driver. And thus, we saw the removal of Tommy Dreamer as head of creative at TNA after being with the company for almost ten years. Much of Slammiversary 2026 felt like it was pulled together two weeks out. And even heading into the show, with the added drama of Dreamer's release, TNA once again felt unstable.  Fortunately, what we got was a great show that feels like - again, there is that perception thing! - TNA is ...

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Amateur (2018)

What is it about? The recruiting and exploitation of a teenage basketball phenom expose the immoral undercurrent world of amateur sports and business.  Who is in it?  Michael Rainey Jr. - Terron Forte Jr.  Brian White - Vince Josh Charles - Coach Gaines