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.

Read Black Swan screenplay.