Black Swan

This was a really ballsy film to make. Darren Aranofsky basically set out to produce a twisted version of Swan Lake, set it around an actual production of Swan Lake for the stage, and infuse the story with the hyper-emotion, out-sized acting, and visceral energy of an opera. Combine that with his trademark stylized approach, as well as an examination of the artistic process and how it can destroy its practitioners, and you get a film that walks a fine line between over-the top ludicrousness and exhilarating art. While not completely successful at maintaining the balance, its in general fairly mesmerizing and has several moments (the climax in particular) that manage to harness all its disparate elements into an audacious and electrifying concoction (I think we've reached out pretension level for the evening).

I can see how this film could be divisive (and there was a section of the audience at my screening who were actively laughing at key moments), and really have no idea how it will play for general audiences. However if you accept it for what it is, and revel in its excess and audacity I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.