Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by mr grits (A) on December 23, 2010 at 22:33:32

Type casting made this film. Somebody knew what they were doing when it came time to fill out the role....

Portman, as shallow and narrow her range, was perfect as the pretty but near frigid, semi-virgin whose lack of life experiences only assured her of half the performance she needed to give.

Vincent Cassell's intensity projected the domineering, narcissistic choreographer-director who insisted on bullying Portman by copping cheap feels and having her to do erotic homework.

Mila Kunis' hot, latin persona filled the screen and stage with the passion Cassell wanted from his leading lady but without the grace and perfection of Portman. Kunis' earthiness lured Portman to make a much needed walk on the wildside.

Barbara Hershey's maturity easily conveyed the smothering "ballet mom" that wanted her 'girl' to succeed where she failed. Her jailer mentality clipping Portman's wings at every opportunity.

The dynamics of these four yield a dark and compelling tale of ambition, desire, and tragedy.

I don't consider this a 'chick flick' as much as a drama exploring the dark side of innocence being lost at the cost of sanity.

Share a bowl of grits with someone you love tonight.

Edits: 12/23/10   12/23/10   12/23/10   12/23/10