This film is not about surprise. Most of it is laid bare quickly, especially if you know your “Swan Lake”. Aronovsky’s (and the co-writers’) display of sexuality, his (and the director of photography’s) way with the camera, not to mention Portman’s true acting skills make this a must for a second return; I feel like there’s more to recover by a second viewing, maybe not having caught everything at a first glance. The soundtrack is a little disappointing, but the contrasts, the apparent and what is just below the surface makes this a film that makes me think of Ingmar Bergman. Recommended.

Black Swan is so effectively written and powerfully directed that I find it necessary to pause every few minutes. I think the next screening will be smoother, and this viewer less distracted.