Vincent Gallo

Black Swan (2010)

~ Nikki Baughan

BlackSwanCrop

Just as he did with 2008’s The Wrestler, Darren Aronofsky—together with his carefully chosen creative team—has constructed a fascinating world in which plays out a captivating psychological drama. Whereas his previous film unfolded in the testosterone-fuelled environment of professional wrestling, Black Swan’s setting is the polar opposite realm of the ballerina. But that’s not to say the character study contained within is any less powerful; indeed, this tale of ambition, awakening and desire has just as much impact.

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Tetro (2009)

~ Nikki Baughan

The Brothers Gloom

When 17-year-old Bennie (Alden Ehrenreich) arrives in Buenos Aires in search of his long lost brother, he is surprised to find that the man he remembers as a passionate, creative writer now cuts a melancholy and isolated figure who has re-christened himself Tetro (Vincent Gallo). Although Tetro’s girlfriend Miranda (Maribel Verdu) welcomes Bennie with open arms, Tetro is less than pleased to have his sibling back in his life. As Bennie digs deeper into why Tetro left the family, it becomes clear that there are painful secrets buried in their shared past. And when Bennie finds, and decides to finish, Tetro’s deeply personal play, their relationship takes a turn from which there may be no coming back.

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