Black Swan Preview/Synopsis

December 3

Directed by Oscar nomiee Darren Aronofsky ( The Wrestler, Requiem For A Dream ) starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbra Hershey and Winona Ryder. Written by John J. McLaughlin, Andres Heinz and Mark Heyman, cinematography by Matthew Libatique ( The Fountain, Inside Man ) editing by Andrew Weisblum ( The Darjeeling Limited, The Wrestler ) Original music by Golden Globe Nominee Clint Mansell ( Sahara, The Fountain )

A New York City ballet company is producing Swan Lake, and director Thomas Leroy (Cassel) decides to replace prima ballerina Beth MacIntyre (Ryder) with ballerina Nina (Portman). Nina lives with Erica (Hershey), her overbearing mother and a former ballerina. Nina finds competition in new dancer Lily (Kunis). Swan Lake requires a ballerina who can play the innocent White Swan, which fits Nina, and the sensual Black Swan, which fits Lily. The dancers' rivalry changes into a bizarre friendship, and Nina begins exploring a dark side of herself.

Rated R for strong sexual content, disturbing violent images, language and some drug use. 103 minutes

Oscar chances ? Lock for Portman, in fact she has a good chance at taking the trophy. Many think it's between her and Annette Bening. Also possibles are supporting actress, screenplay, art direction, cinematography and score. The film has garnered an 94% overall approval rating thus far.