“Black Swan” has caused a stir for everyone who has seen this psychological thriller. Since its release in early December, it has already created an Oscar buzz, and for good reasons. The film has passionate acting with exceptional dance and direction.

Natalie Portman portrays lead character, Nina Sayers, a dedicated ballerina in a New York Ballet Company. When company director, Tomas (Vincent Cassel), chooses “Swan Lake” for the company’s season’s opening performance, Nina is chosen to play the Swan Queen, a role that demands the ability to portray both innocence and sensuality. Nina is ideal for the White Swan Odette, innocent and pure, but has trouble letting go and becoming the lustful, evil Black Swan, Odile, who seduces the White Swan’s true love.

Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey, and Winona Ryder all have roles in this wonderfully choreographed masterpiece. It was reported that Portman studied and trained for 10 months prior to filming. Both Kunis and Portman had dance doubles from the actual American Ballet Theatre, but were rarely used. Portman, under the instruction of now fiancé Benjamin Millepied, danced as expertly as any professional who had studied for all their lives. Kunis danced with ease and passion, parallel to her character’s personality.

Director Darren Aronofsky definitely excelled at translating Nina’s unstable hallucinations into a visual symphony, using broken mirrors and shadows to illustrate the dancer’s fragmented and delusional mind. Portman’s acting is superb, never breaking character, yet allowing Nina’s character to be pushed to the limits in the search for perfection. A chilling film, “Black Swan” will be sure to discourage you from trying too hard and open your eyes to the sacrifices we take to be perfect.