Black Swan Case Study

 

Key Facts:

• Film: Black Swan
• Release: 22 October 2010
• Director: Darren Aronofsky
• Certificate: 15 uncut
• The image of the ballerina was thought to attract a younger audience, despite being classified as a 15.

Plot
A ballet dancer wins the lead in “Swan Lake” and is perfect for the role of the delicate White Swan – Princess Odette – but slowly loses her mind as she becomes more and more like Odile, the Black Swan.

Why was it problematic?

• Bulimia was implied throughout the film.
• Self inflicted pain was shown.
• The main character was shown to be pressured into drinking and taking drugs.
• There were long lesbian sex scenes in the film.
• Body image issues were a key theme throughout.

What was the conclusion?

• The film was passed 15 uncut because it was judged that the self harm, alcohol and drug use was shown to have negative effects.
• Sexual scenes were passed because it was thought that most of the sex was implied rather than shown on screen.

More Facts:

• There were no issues with the sex being between two girls, the BBFC treat all sexualities the same. The issue was to do with the length of the scene.
• Self harming, bulimia, drug and alcohol activities are not shown to relieve or comfort the main character, but only to worsen her problems and state of mind.
• The director of the film was well known, attracting a mainstream audience.