MOULDING THE ‘FEMME FATALE’ IN BLACK SWAN: A STUDY IN FEMINIST FILM THEORY

Abstract

Feminism is quite known to the academic reader, however, involving it with relatively new forms of literature, such as film, may sound alarming. Film is indeed a popular form of literature that reflects modern life. The message it carries affects a very wide range of audience. It provides a new variety of technique (such as the I-Camera) and simultaneously employs the well-established standards of classic literature.

This paper analyses Black Swan according to Feminist Film Theory. The analysis focuses on the portrayal of the heroine, Nina Sayers, especially her transformation into the Black Swan. The transformation is highly symbolic and, thus, it is achieved through many motifs and techniques, which will all be discussed throughout the paper.