In an interview with Vogue, Darren Aronofsky, the visionary director behind "Black Swan," confessionally admitted to orchestrating a delicate rivalry between his leading ladies, Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman, during the filming of their psychologically chilling thriller. Fifteen years after its theatrical debut, which triumphed with a global box office of $329.4 million against a modest budget of $13 million, the 56-year-old filmmaker unveiled the rationale behind his unconventional method.
Aronofsky revealed his intention to propel the actors into contentious confrontations, believing it would facilitate their immersion into the roles of ballet dancers vying for the lead in Swan Lake. He candidly confessed, "I was attempting to be a sly director, goading them into arguments. Mila and Natalie swiftly cottoned on to my scheme and poked fun at me, turning it into an in-joke that we all shared."
Portman, now 44, reminisced about being segregated from Kunis when not on set and detailed how Aronofsky would laud Kunis to evoke a competitive spirit in her. However, she recalled telling him, "She's incredibly talented, and I adore her so much. I'm thrilled to see her excel." Kunis echoed a similar anecdote, sharing how Aronofsky would inform her, "Nat is putting in relentless effort. She doesn't even take weekends off," which prompted Kunis to text Portman, affirming the director's mischievous antics.
Despite these orchestrated tensions, both actresses回顾往昔，心中满溢温情。 Portman deemed it the first time she experienced a profound connection with a director, akin to a "mind meld," while Kunis described Aronofsky as kind-hearted and considerate, even treating them to a screening of "Twilight" on a day off.
For those unfamiliar, "Black Swan" premiered in 2010 and garnered five Academy Award nominations, encompassing Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress, among others.
