By: Steph Sharples

Here is the first trailer for Darren Aronofsky's BLACK SWAN starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, and Vincent Cassel. The film was already on oscar-watch lists long before this trailer even premiered as Aronofsky has enjoyed incredible critical success with his past films. I loved the trailer and while there will be complaints that too much is given away, I'm sure there are plenty of surprises in store. This looks like it could be one of Natalie Portman's best performances yet.

The film is an official selection at both the Venice and Toronto Film Festivals. There is a lot going on in the trailer so I've included fifty stills below that reveal a lot more than one would notice upon first viewing. Hopefully I can catch this one at TIFF. Leave your thoughts and comments below! BLACK SWAN follows the story of Nina (Portman), a ballerina in a New York City ballet company whose life, like all those in her profession, is completely consumed with dance. She lives with her retired ballerina mother Erica (Barbara Hershey) who zealously supports her daughter’s professional ambition. When artistic director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) decides to replace prima ballerina Beth MacIntyre (Winona Ryder) for the opening production of their new season, Swan Lake, Nina is his first choice. But Nina has competition: a new dancer, Lily (Kunis), who impresses Leroy as well. Swan Lake requires a dancer who can play both the White Swan with innocence and grace, and the Black Swan, who represents guile and sensuality. Nina fits the White Swan role perfectly but Lily is the personification of the Black Swan. As the two young dancers expand their rivalry into a twisted friendship, Nina begins to get more in touch with her dark side with a recklessness that threatens to destroy her.

Pay close attention to the next few below

Best pic of Natalie Portman... Ever!

Could this possibly be the black swan?

What is she trying to eat here?