THE BLACK SWAN

Gender Issues In the Film "The Black Swan"

Gender Issues In the Film "The Black Swan"

The Black Swan Theory or Theory of Black Swan Events, developed by author Nassim Nicholas, is a metaphor that encapsulates the concept that “the event is a surprise (to the observer) and has a major impact. After the fact, the event is rationalized by hindsight.” Not surprisingly, the movie that shares the name follows this idea almost steps for step. It is this that the movie builds off of, as the movie's momentum never slows—the surprise event is actually the entirety of the movie. The entirety of this “psychological thriller” revolves around a ballerina, Nina, who desperately wants to be the main character of the next play her company is performing: Swan Lake. However, her timid and obsessive-compulsive behavior holds her back, as she needs to be both the gentle white swan and the flirty, wild, and flashy black swan. The audience gets to follow her training for this role and the transformation she goes under in order to become the perfect person for the role, eventually accepting her own black swan but possibly sacrificing her sanity. The central character of the movie is played by Natalie Portman as Nina, who is a veteran ballerina, living with her mother.

It was decided by Thomas that replacement will be made in the upcoming show of the company Tchaikovsky's “Swan Lake”. The character which is to be replaced is Beth, role which is played by Winona Ryder. The opportunity is seen by Nina who pleads to be the replacement of Beth, as a younger dancer. Thomas does not agree to it and rejects Nina, arguing that Nina lacks passion in her dance even though she has perfection in her technique. In an attempt to kiss her, Nina makes the move and provided rationale and justification of her being passionate by biting his lips. Soon after, Thomas declares that the lead dance will be performed by Nina in Swan Lake (Andrew, 2011). On the other hand, Nina suffers lack of stability, prior to earning the role. Nina is obsessed with perfection as she practices and stretches in her hideous, pink colored room, pushing herself over the limits until she vomits whatever her stomach has, or watching shadows in each corridor, each and every action of Nina reflects her efforts and quest for perfection which is demanded by ballet dancing ...