FMN celebrates both iconic films that have shaped fashion in a significant way and documentaries offering a behind the scenes look into the fashion industry. In a series of blog posts following our FMN viewing parties, I analyze the impact of each film on fashion.
Black Swan (2010), the self-proclaimed "psycho-sexual thriller" about a young ballerina's dark struggle against her mother, fellow dancers and herself, is already getting a ton of Oscar buzz.
The film stars Natalie Portman as the innocent Nina, who is chosen for the role of Swan Queen in the classic ballet "Swan Lake," while Lily, played by a perfectly cast Mila Kunis, tries to tempt Nina to the dark side. This movie was extremely dark, but so exquisitely edited that it keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Full of twists and turns, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys suspenseful films.
High Fashion cred: Two of the fashion industry's "it" designers du jour, sisters Laura and Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte fame, designed the costumes.
Best dress: The gorgeous silk, tulle and chiffon white gown with a stunning crisscrossed back that Nina wears to the cocktail party when her coveted role as the Swan Queen is announced. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a pic of Natalie wearing the gown, but I did find Kate's sketch of the dress (above).
Most visually stunning scene: The contrast of makeup, costumes, attitude and choreography between the White Swan and Black Swan finale dances.
Most unexpected scene stealer: TIE. The total physical and psychological transformation that Nina undergoes to become the Black Swan for her dance, including sprouting an enormous pair of wings AND The super creepy and deranged performance by Winona Ryder as the aging ballerina Beth Macintyre.
Substance score: 8. While the costumes play an essential and beautiful role in Black Swan, the plot is thick on its own. This film is a truly suspenseful drama that would thrill those who have no interest in fashion.
