Why is everyone talking about 'Black Swan'?

Critics may be split on Darren Aronofsky's ballet-world thriller starring Natalie Portman, but they can't stop discussing it. Here are six takeaways

Depending on who you ask, "Black Swan" is voluptuous pulp, heterosexual camp or the best horror film since "The Shining."
(Image credit: Niko Tavernise)

Black Swan, a "psychological thriller set in the world of New York City ballet" starring Natalie Portman (Garden State, Closer, Brothers) and directed by Darren Aronofsky (The Wrestler, Requiem for a Dream), opens today in select cities. Since the film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September, the buzz surrounding it has been steadily building — with some critics drooling over the movie while others dismiss it. An exquisitely gory trailer only fueled the speculation. Here's how the chatter breaks down:

1. Natalie Portman should win the Oscar

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