Black Swan - a movie review

one of my favourite things to observe in a film or novel is a character's descent into madness. i find it fascinating. it is not simply macabre entertainment for me; i am truly interested in the topic of mental illness and would love a position working with people who suffer from such disabilities.

Black Swan was a descent into madness that was simultaneously intense, horrifying and beautiful. at times, it was difficult to watch. the film itself was immersed in contrast after contrast: Black Swan/White Swan; pink bedroom/dark metropolis; childishness/lust. the line between reality and madness was not so much blurred as completely obliterated. many of the gorgeous visuals i originally interpreted to be symbolic: black feathers growing from Nina's slim arms, joints breaking to resemble the legs of a bird, painted icons that taunted and yelled. but after some thought, i believe these images were not symbolic at all. Nina's psychosis was indeed her reality. in the same way that a healthy mind works, the character's senses received information - as false it was - and her brain interpreted it. one may wonder if this or that scene actually happened, but truly, to the person with a severe and persistent mental illness, they are genuine experiences.

it was not the Black swan role that caused Nina's psychosis. prior to the audition, we are shown glimpses of her illness (although it did indeed come on full bore with the increased stress of her lead role). but unlike the majority of those with such mental difficulties, Nina achieved perfection and genius, the likes of which she may never have accomplished had she not descended into the Black.

i had a clinical placement in forensic psychiatry, providing therapy for people with severe and persistent mental illnesses who had committed crimes. one client's psychosis was successfully treated with medication but she told us she missed the voices - that they kept her company. if you asked the ghost of Nina: if you could choose to do it again, would you? knowing what would ultimately happen? i believe she would say yes. every time.