Black Swan - Similar Film Analysis

In the opening credits, the presentation of the titles are scattered across the screen rather carelessly linking to the film’s portrayal of chaotic mental conflict. The titles fade softly and slowly on then off of the screen, almost like a dance, in sync with the delicate music playing in the background which links to the theme of dance (ballet) in the film. This creates a relaxed atmosphere in which its fluidity is interrupted when the film title ‘Black Swan’ is abruptly introduced. The sound of spiteful laughter subtly resonates from the background as the film title appears on the screen. This allows the audience to develop their own interpretations on what ‘Black Swan’ insinuates. 

The opening scene introduces us to a figure of a girl dressed in a white dress. The darkness that appears to be engulfing her is hinting at the later events in which she allows the evil to take over in her bid to reach perfection which inevitably destroys her. The harsh, bright spotlight represents her innocence and purity and is seen as the only thing that is restricting the darkness from completely consuming her: the ‘White Swan’ persona. In addition to the idea of her striving for flawlessness is supported by her disciplined movements and her hair neatly tied into a tight, controlled bun. 

As an antagonistic figure dressed in black approaches her, the dancer is filmed from a high angle, looking down on her suggesting that she is the victim in this particular scene. The dark figure dances around her and we watch her transform into the White Swan. This is a representation of her character’s aspirations to play the role of the Swan Queen but has to conquer the obstacles, the major one being herself, she encounters along the way.

The sound of Nina breathing when the camera is square-on her face is rather unsettling and reinforces the idea of her fearing the dark side to herself and we question whether she can keep it under control. As she is quite a pedantic character, her fear primarily stems from the thought of her losing control of herself. The music is a classical composition from Swan Lake. The track itself is peaceful and controlled, which is symbolic of Nina’s character. It builds to a dramatic crescendo when the dark figure enters the scene and this level of volume and pace is sustained until the reveal of Nina’s transformation. The long shot of Nina on her own is sustained until the music calms, meaning that she has overcome her dark side and is at peace.