“The universal appeal of Shakespeare lies in the truth“ While it is embellished by stage, poetry and literary laws, Shakespeare’s universal appeal lies in the truths it articulates. Theatre would be tedious if it were an exact replica of true life and it would be absurd beyond relevance if it were estranged from true life. […]

a certain melancholia… accepted disillusionment of being a woman, married and in a life less dramatic than one ever imagines Multiple facets or versions of the Fitzgeralds (pre-storm conversations on marriage and privacy on ship) Storm. Marriage and conventional living in a world where they are “”…very happy”…’but we don’t seem to care very much […]

“Popular literature invites the audience to find essential truths” The Affirmative Second speaker – Popular Contemporary Literature The essence of a riddle is to express true facts under impossible combinations. Good morning chairperson, opposition, audience and adjudicator… Popular literature invites the audience to find essential truths. This is, as established, our moot today. Samantha, our […]

Tragedy is realism in its most poignant and persuasive form. The power of realism lies in its ability not only to mirror humanity with aching truth but to appeal to the subconscious, eliciting an emotional reaction that is innate and intimate. Tragedy is a realism altered through “language embellished with each kind of artistic ornament” […]

By intricately creating a film that presents a woman’s tragedy, Black Swan questions the history of the supposed ‘universal truths’ of the tragedy that was always centered around a male protagonist. Darren Aronofsky’s reinvention of tragedy takes what is already piercing and twists it until it not only impacts our perception of what could be […]

Introduction: Discomfort is unnerving. Discomfort is powerful. Discomfort is vital in awakening the audience to reality. In his 2010 film, Black Swan, Darren Aronofsky creates a – discomfort in his audience and by doing so, reveals the underlying truths of our society. Black Swan illustrates the impossible expectations of perfection, and the repercussions that arise […]

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There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

INITIAL VIEWING NOTES SECOND VIEWING NOTES Cinematography: Darren Aronofsky uses a gray scale with costumes nearly all in black and white creating a monotonous atmosphere. This atmosphere is uncomfortable, cold and ever so slightly surreal. The use of costume was effective for Nina and Lily, Nina is seen wearing white, with a light pink coat […]

Initial Thoughts. Reaction to their power Sometimes what we say must be contentious. Sometimes you must be uncomfortable. You have to sit in that discomfort and see it for what it is. Sometimes, that ‘fineline’ is superfluous. Being smooth sailing, being careful, pleasing people is irrelevant. What you want may be to incite peace and […]