Black Swan

Black Swan

Year: 2010

Runtime: 108

Language: English

Director: Darren Aronofsky

DramaThriller

A dedicated ballerina named Nina finds her pursuit of perfection challenged when a new dancer, Lily, arrives to rehearse "Swan Lake." Lily's free spirit and natural talent contrast with Nina's rigid discipline, pushing Nina to confront her own insecurities and repressed desires. As Nina strives to embody both the White and Black Swan roles, she experiences a descent into psychological turmoil, blurring the lines between reality and illusion and jeopardizing her sanity and career.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Black Swan (2010)

Trace every key event in Black Swan (2010) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Nina's Dream of Swan Lake

The film opens with Nina Sayers performing the prologue to *Swan Lake*. In this dreamlike sequence, she visualizes the curse of the White Swan princess, highlighting the tragic fate that befalls her because of betrayal and longing.

2

Nina's Revelation

After awakening from her vivid dream, Nina discusses it with her mother. Her mother's indifferent reaction foreshadows the lack of emotional support Nina will face as she strives for her aspirations in ballet.

Nina's apartment
3

Thomas Promises a Lead Role

Nina eagerly shares with her mother that Thomas Leroy, the ballet director, has promised her a more significant role for the season. Her mother's acknowledgment suggests Nina's potential, infusing her with hope amidst the competitive environment.

4

Beth's Decline

Nina learns that Beth, the aging lead dancer, is being sidelined, creating anxiety over her own position. As Nina witnesses Beth's emotional breakdown, it becomes apparent that the pursuit of ballet fame comes with a heavy cost.

Dressing room
5

Nina's Impulsive Theft

In a moment of desperation, Nina steals items from Beth's dressing room before sneaking out. This act of theft underscores Nina’s internal struggles and foreshadows her increasingly erratic behavior throughout the story.

Dressing room
6

The Audition

During the auditions for the lead role, Nina impressively performs the White Swan but falters when tasked with embodying the Black Swan. This duality of her performance reflects her struggle with the roles expected of her.

Audition studio
7

Meeting Lily

Nina's focus is disrupted by the arrival of Lily, another dancer vying for the same role. Lily's presence sparks an unsettling blend of jealousy and desire in Nina, complicating their relationship as competition heats up.

8

The Bold Request

Defiant in her belief, Nina approaches Thomas to ask for the Black Swan role herself, only to find out he has cast another dancer, Veronica. This rejection emphasizes Nina’s increasing desperation and the volatile nature of her ambitions.

Ballet studio
9

The Intimate Moment

In an unexpected turn, Thomas kisses Nina, leaving her confused but also caught up in her aspirations. This moment serves to deepen Nina's emotions and complicates her relationship with Thomas as she navigates the pressures of her role.

10

Beth's Accident

Nina witnesses Beth’s tragic downfall, a haunting reminder of the fragility of their profession. Beth's accident amplifies Nina's fears of aging and inadequacy, further distorting her mental state and aspirations.

Ballet studio
11

Conflict with Her Mother

As Nina's psyche unravels, she battles with her mother, who attempts to protect her delicate mental health. This struggle illustrates the suffocating nature of their relationship and the pressures Nina feels from all sides.

12

Confrontation with Lily

Tensions culminate in an explosive confrontation with Lily, where Nina, consumed by jealousy and delusion, fatally stabs her. This pivotal moment signifies Nina’s complete surrender to her darker impulses and the unraveling of her sanity.

13

The Black Swan Performance

Fueled by her turmoil, Nina delivers a breathtaking performance as the Black Swan. Her transformation reaches its climax, leading to overwhelming applause from the audience and fulfilling her deepest desire for validation.

Theater
14

The Bittersweet Triumph

Although Nina achieves the perfection she sought, her triumph is underscored by the chaos she has unleashed. Haunted by guilt and despair, this moment reflects the tragic toll of her ambition.

15

Nina's Final Act

In her last moments, Nina embodies the tragic resolution of the White Swan, uttering the words, 'I was perfect.' As she succumbs to oblivion amidst the applause, it becomes clear that her quest for perfection has led to her ultimate demise.

Theater stage

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 21:07

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Black Swan Summary

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Black Swan Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Black Swan

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Black Swan

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