Can Winona Ryder make a final comeback with 'Black Swan'?

Winona Ryder at the world premiere of "Star Trek" in May.

Credit: AP Photo/Matt Sayles

It seems like every time Winona Ryder tries to kick start her acting career she makes the wrong choice.  If you were to be kind, you'd recognize Ryder's last good performance in "Girl, Interrupted" a decade ago.  Since then she's suffered because of the notorious shoplifting incident and what was perceived as overly strange behavior.  One lucky role in the box office hit "Mr. Deeds" aside, she's made one bad indie choice after another.  Some of the clunkers include "The Darwin Awards," "The Ten," "Sex and Death 101" and "The Informers," just to name a few.  Now, Ryder appears to be living off the goodwill of playing Spock's short-lived mother in "Star Trek" by joining Darren Aronofsky's new supernatural thriller "Black Swan."  Could it be a sign of things to come?

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Swan" centers on a veteran dancer (Natalie Portman) and her main rival (Mila Kunis) who are involved in a manipulative relationship.  What's unclear is whether the Kunis' character is real or just a figment of her imagination.  Ryder will play a "real" dancer in Portman's world.  Additionally, Barbara Hershey and Vincent Cassel are also joining the troupe.

Troubled careers are nothing new for Aronofsky. The critically acclaimed director has help reboot the careers of Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei in "The Wrestler" as well as pretty much shine a new light on the whole cast of "Requiem for a Dream."

Ryder is currently keeping busy as she's shooting "When Love is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story" for CBS.

Fox Searchlight who acquired and released "The Wrestler," is in talks to co-finance and distribute the $10-12 million budgeted "Swan."  Production is expected to start before the end of the year.