10 Ways Darren Aronofsky Basically Remade The Wrestler In Black Swan

9. Performance As A Theme

One of the major themes Aronofsky projects is the life of the performing artist. In The Wrestler and Black Swan, we have two different professions. His exploration is similar in each as he takes us behind-the-scenes; in the dressing rooms; on to the stage itself; and into the personal lives (or lack of) of each character. In fact, Nina and Randy's personal lives may only serve to show us their dedication and passion for the art. Nina lives in a somewhat cramped apartment with her smothering mother (Barbara Hershey) and Randy spends his time in the squalor of a trailer park. When the audience finds themselves in such locations, we feel just as enclosed and restricted as the central characters - and when we're with them at work, in the ring and on the stage, we get a sense of freedom (more so in Randy's case it has to be said). This is achieved mostly with the camera work and cinematography - but it also shows the importance of the role performance plays in the lives of the protagonists.