Natalie Portman & Mila Kunis Recall Director's Attempts to Create Black Swan Rivalry

Despite their intense on-screen rivalry in Black Swan, the actresses remained friends and saw through their director's manipulation tactics.

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Sat, Aug 16, 25
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Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis recently discussed their experience while filming Black Swan and how director Darren Aronofsky deliberately tried to create tension between them. Although the film portrayed a competitive rivalry between two ballet dancers, the actresses quickly recognized Aronofsky's manipulative strategies.

The director would make comments about each actress to the other, hoping to generate real conflict that would improve their performances. However, both women were too intelligent for his plan. They would communicate with each other and realize what was happening.

Instead of becoming enemies, they found his attempts amusing and maintained their friendship throughout production. The film became critically successful, earning Portman an Academy Award for Best Actress.

To celebrate its 15th anniversary, Black Swan will be re-released in IMAX theaters, allowing audiences to experience this psychological thriller again.

Original Article

deadline.com

https://deadline.com/2025/08/natalie-portman-mila-kunis-darren-aronofsky-black-swan-feud-1236490038/

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Question 1 of 30 Correct
Why did the director want to create tension between the actresses?
To improve their performances
To make a documentary
To make them famous
To save money
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