How Long Is “Black Swan”?

Natalie Portman gives an Oscar-winning performance in Darren Aronofsky's brooding psychological drama. Nina Sayers is an exceptional ballerina who may get her big break when a New York ballet company decides to retire their current star. But to achieve her dream she must overcome three potential obstacles. First there's the suffocating influence of her mother, whose vicarious ambition has relentlessly bulldozed Nina to the brink of success, but which also continues to make her life hellish. Thomas Leroy, the company's director, thinks Nina is perfect as the Swan Queen, but says she lacks the required edgy sensuality for the other half of the lead's twin role, the Black Swan; and predictably enough he's more than happy to help her with this. Lastly there's Nina's mental health, which is fragile at the best of times, though more often she's on the edge of a full-scale breakdown. Into this heady mix comes another new dancer, the beautiful and alluring Lily, who offers Nina support, and more. But is it genuine friendship, or does Lily intend to claim the lead role for herself?, Ballet dancer Nina experiences traumatic hallucinations as she pushes her body to the limit in order to win the lead role in a production of "Swan Lake" in this dark, mesmerizing psychological thriller. Meanwhile, she must also deal with competition from a rival dancer and the sexual advances of the ballet company's director.