10 Ways Darren Aronofsky Basically Remade The Wrestler In Black Swan

2. Difficult Sexual/Love Relationships

Love is complicated and sex complicates things even more. Aronofsky understands this and it is a mantra that exists within the framework of Black Swan and The Wrestler. When we look at Randy, we don't see a man lucky in love. He partakes in casual sex with a fan in a bathroom, but this is when he has nothing else going for him. The only woman he ever comes close to is Cassidy, and in the end, she does want to be a part of his life. It has to be noted it was she that he confided in about his heart troubles, after all. However, it seems to most that Randy's real love was always wrestling. While he may have harboured feelings for Cassidy, he ultimately leaves her side and walks to his death in the ring - the one place that gave his life true meaning. Black Swan's sexual and romantic relationships are perhaps more obscure. One reading would be that Nina's relationship with Thomas represents a sexual liberation. He pushes her deeper and deeper into herself; cruelly seducing her to summon the Black Swan from within for his production. As a relatively innocent young woman, she falls for his seductions and spirals down a web of carnal desire. It is here the imaginary relationship with Lily is brewed. From the beginning, Lily is the Black Swan incarnate (tattooed wings and all), and Nina's desire to be with Lily in a romantic sense shows a sexual awakening brought on by Thomas, as well as her desire to encompass the dark persona her role requires in order to be perfect.