Film Analysis: This 2010 dramatic thriller is about a woman named Nina who is a ballerina. Her life pretty much consists of dance. The dance companies artistic director chooses to replace his head ballerina with Nina for the opening production of ‘Swan Lake’. However, there is a new ballerina who comes in, Lily, who becomes competition for Nina. Nina is perfect for the white swan role while Lily becomes to represent the role of the black swan. Competition between the two dancers becomes to take place along with a warped friendship. The dark side of Nina begins to make an appearance.
Opening Scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kd-81VRVQXw&t=45s
In the opening scene of this film, it introduces the main character who we know as Nina. It establishes the setting which is on a stage in a dance building. Her costume which is a white dress and pointe shoes shows us that she has to be a ballerina. The music that is playing is extremely intense which creates a serious and deep tone. The surroundings of Nina are black with the spotlight shining right on her. The white dress she is wearing seems to symbolize purity and youth and makes her really stand out in the darkness surrounding. The man who emerges while Nina is dancing on the stage is dressed in a black costume and begins to dance with her. His costume seems to represent death or terror which makes the audience wonder what is going to happen next. The change in costume for both characters creates a mysterious effect which grabs the audiences attention.
This clip from the opening scene is an example of what was explained above. Nina’s white costume appears to stand out from the darkness around her. The spotlight draws attention to just her. As the guy with the black costume emerges, he is visible but he still blends in with the black around them. Attention is still drawn on Nina who is the main character and focal point.
Sources:
Ebert, Roger. “Black Swan Movie Review & Film Summary (2010): Roger Ebert.” RogerEbert.com, 1 Dec. 2010, www.rogerebert.com/reviews/black-swan-2010
The Vanished 