Black Swan sneak previews set Feb. 14

MANILA, Philippines - Black Swan gives Valentine’s Day a different color as it will have sneak previews in Metro Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Baguio, Pampanga, Cagayan, Angeles, Davao, Iloilo and Bacolod theaters today and tomorrow, Feb. 15.

Reaping high acclaim worldwide for its bold and nerve-wracking theme, Black Swan stars Natalie Portman as Nina, a ballerina in a New York City ballet company whose life, like all those in her profession, is completely consumed with dance. She lives with her retired ballerina mother, Erica (Barbara Hershey), who zealously supports her daughter’s professional ambition. When artistic director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) decides to replace prima ballerina Beth MacIntyre (Winona Ryder) for the opening production of their new season, Swan Lake, Nina is his first choice. But Nina has competition: A new dancer, Lily (Kunis), who impresses Leroy as well. Swan Lake requires a dancer who can play both the White Swan with innocence and grace and the Black Swan, who represents guile and sensuality. Nina fits the White Swan role perfectly, but Lily is the personification of the Black Swan. As the two young dancers expand their rivalry into a twisted friendship, Nina begins to get more in touch with her dark side with a recklessness that threatens to destroy her.

From the daring and original director Darren Aronofsky (The Wrestler, The Fountain, Requiem for a Dream), Black Swan is his first psychological thriller that lures audiences into a haunting, fractured world of delusions, doubles and paranoia. He spins a sensual and chilling tale of a prima ballerina locked in an obsessive battle with dark impulses that slowly engulf her.

From 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros., Black Swan opens regularly Feb. 23 in theaters.