VENICE FILM FESTIVAL 2010: Aronofsky's BLACK SWAN to Open Venice 2010

Darren Aronofsky does a 180 degree switch in the world of physical competition.  Going from Pro Wrestling to Ballet.  And it looks like the plot of the film is going to feature intrigue over intimacy.  That photo is an unrecognizable Natalie Portman in make-up, trumping those pesky Star Wars Prequels for hiding the actress.  I'm hoping that the film is not trying to one-up Matthew Barney.  The stills are a lot less hair and sweat than The Wrestler, but will Black Swan be more compelling than Robert Altman's The Company?  The fact that Vincent Cassel is in there is a mighty fine clue.

Fox Searchlight Press Release is below:

"Black Swan, the highly anticipated new feature film by American filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (Golden Lion recipient in 2008 at the 65th Venice Film Festival for The Wrestler), will be the opening film - in competition - of the 67th Venice International Film Festival.  A psychological thriller set in the world of New York City ballet, Black Swan stars Natalie Portman as Nina, a featured dancer who finds herself locked in a web of competitive intrigue with a new rival at the company (Mila Kunis). Black Swan takes a thrilling and at times terrifying journey through the psyche of a young ballerina whose starring role as the duplicitous swan queen turns out to be a part for which she becomes frighteningly perfect. Black Swan also stars Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey and Winona Ryder.

The 67th Venice Film Festival will take place on the Lido from September 1 through 11 2010, directed by Marco Mueller and organized by the Biennale di Venezia under the chairmanship of Paolo Baratta.

Black Swan will have its world premiere screening on the evening of September 1 in the Sala Grande (Palazzo del Cinema), following the opening ceremony. The film is written by Mark Heyman and Andres Heinz and John McLaughlin, produced by Protozoa Pictures and Phoenix Pictures and presented by Fox Searchlight Pictures in association with Cross Creek Pictures.

'The cast and crew of Black Swan are both excited and humbled by the selection committee's invitation.  It is an honor to walk the great red carpet on the Lido and we are excited to premier our film to the wonderful audiences in Venice,' said Aronofsky...