Movie of the Month

Going along with my plan to represent the atypical NYU student during finals week (i.e. doing everything BUT pulling all-nighters studying in Bobst library and surviving off nothing but coffee and redbulls), I decided to spend my evening at the movies.  The film of choice? Black Swan.  Yes, I did feel like I was cheating on Johnny Depp by choosing this blockbuster thriller over The Tourist, but based on its reviews, I knew Black Swan was much more of a priority (plus, I spent the rest of the night drooling over my JD posters covering 90% of my wallspace).

Black Swan, starring Natalie Portman, was unthinkably moving.  Its effect is so fresh that I cannot yet formulate words to describe my experience.  However, I do want to share this: my connection to this film began about one year ago, when I was living on 12th st. and 4th ave.  The entrance to Forum, a NYC bar located just around the corner from where I resided, was blocked off, and the street was filled with tents and had the appearance of a set.  I was doing one of my usual Walgreen's runs when I had to walk past Forum.  It was a cold and dark day, and the sidewalk was filled with people moving in every direction, but my eyes were immediately drawn towards the small yet stunning face peeking out of a large black cloak... There she was - Natalie Portman.

Turns out, they were filming a scene from Black Swan at Forum, and I caught a glimpse of it.  It was exciting to see the scenes played back to me in the final product.  Below is a screenshot from the scene in which Mila Kunis and Portman are having dinner and drinks at the local bar.

(Scene from Black Swan, courtesy http://www.rottentomatoes.com/)

I highly advise you all to see this film, but definitely not in a fragile mental state. It is a phenomenal work of art for which Portman most deserves an Oscar for "Best Actress". Happy watching!