Black Swan (2010), directed by Darren Aronofsky, and starring Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis (VIDEO)

Technically dazzling but emotionally brittle NYC dancer Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) becomes Swan Lake’s prima ballerina, but repressed passions sabotage her sanity—until they become a font of inspiration. Darren Aronofsky turns Lincoln Center’s rarefied campus into a Grand Guignol of power, lust and ambition, all in the name of artistic perfection.—Stephen Garrett

RECOMMENDED: See all 100 best New York movies

Watch the trailer for Black Swan

PREVIOUS: New York movies: No. 71 | NEXT: New York movies: No. 69

You might also like
Read an interview with Black Swan director Darren Aronofsky
Read our four-star review of Black Swan
Read a pre-Oscar interview with Matthew Libatique, director of photography on Black Swan
Check out our ten favorite dance movies
Check out the full list of the 100 best New York movies
See more in Film