Five reasons why 'Black Swan' is more than Natalie Portman

Contending thriller is more than a one lady show

There's more to "Black Swan" than meets the eye

There's more to "Black Swan" than meets the eye

You've heard the well deserved praise for Natalie Portman's stunning turn in "Black Swan," but while her increasingly anxious prima ballerina is clearly at the center of this intense drama there are other fine performances that deserve recognition too.  With that in mind, here are five other reasons to put "Black Swan" on your must-see list along with some brand new photos from the Darren Aronofsky thriller.

Photo Credit: Fox Searchlight

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    Stormshadow4life

    I LOVE The Fountain. I think it's by far Darren Aronofsky's best (haven't seen Black Swan yet though), and in my top 5 movies of all time

    November 28, 2010 at 11:21AM EST Reply to Comment
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    Marty

    I would love to see your full review of "The Fountain" - and thus how you see it as "uneven." Now that would be an entertaining read from you for once.

    November 28, 2010 at 12:53PM EST Reply to Comment
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      FoundNemo Maybe he didn't elaborate on why he found it 'uneven', but it's common knowledge that it is. If you want to read a review explaining why just visit Rotten Tomatoes where there are 30 reviews of well respected critics elaborating on the 'unevenness' (or you can read the 11 praising it).

      November 28, 2010 at 3:00PM EST
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      Marty I specifically would like to see Elwood explain why it is uneven. I'm aware there are critics who claim it to be so and while I don't concur with them, I respect their attempts to prove their points. Elwood on the other hand is a writer I have difficulty finding appreciation for. While there's the little things he does that are annoying - like how he proclaims himself to be a "pundit" all too frequently, how he rarely edits his articles before hitting the submit button, how he writes chiefly of box office receipts and Oscar buzz - it's mostly that he rarely comes off as original or at all necessary to read.

      Bottom line - I'm not challenging that the movie is or isn't uneven, and I appreciate your attempt to fill me in Foundnemo - rather I'm challenging Elwood to rise to the occasion and write something substantial for a change. Something the opposite of his Movie Power Rankings - that is pure detritus. Hitfix is a young site and there's some terrific writers here - I come here for them, and maybe I need to get used to these Access Hollywood style writers here as well or just opt not to read them.

      November 28, 2010 at 6:44PM EST
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      FoundNemo Gotcha. I agree about the lack of substantive writing. I mostly just stick with Sepinwall.

      November 29, 2010 at 7:13PM EST
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    T.King

    I loved the Fountain, I think it's one of those films that will be re-discovered. Especially if we ever get the mythical "Directors Cut" we've been promised.

    November 28, 2010 at 11:34PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Scott

    I (and mostly everyone else) have assumed Portman as Ryder's heir to the complicated, unattainable pixie dream-girl roles. It will be interesting to see them together on screen and go the opposite direction playing to the darker sides of their characters.

    November 29, 2010 at 2:32PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Anon

    Hershey only has one Oscar nom, for Portrait of a Lady. Just sayin'...

    November 29, 2010 at 7:32PM EST Reply to Comment