Stinky Lulu is hosting his annual Supporting Actress blogathon this Sunday, and I thought I’d chime in on my two favorite supporting actress performances of the year. Coincidentally, both are found in Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan.
Mila Kunis is a subtle yet powerful force as the carefree and fun-loving ballerina Lily. Considering that her work as Jackie in That ‘70s Show and voice acting as Meg on Family Guy are her most noteworthy works to date, she probably wasn’t expected to have much of a presence or give much of a performance. Needless to say, she goes well past is expected of her.
Kunis’s first few bits on screen are standing on a subway from a distance, so there isn’t much acting to be done there, but beyond that it’s all dynamite. Lily boasts an easygoing attitude and doesn’t take things too seriously.
It might not seem like much, but there’s a whole lot going on in this stunning breakthrough. Contrary to what is seen on the surface, it’s a tricky and very complex role. Kunis has to play the flamboyant Lily without hogging the spotlight from Natalie Portman. The role also requires her to play up to Nina’s misguided perceptions of Lily, which means that she has to skillfully take her in a deviant direction. What's more, she also has to believably convey her grace in dance and savvy of the modern world.
She does all of this masterfully. Her line readings are fluid and completely in tune with Lily’s own outlook on life. Kunis also some brilliant exchanges with Portman and one with a waiter who in a very cheesy fashion flirts with her. She doesn’t stray into hyperbolic territory yet still manages to hold up well opposite Portman’s staggering work.
In one scene we see Kunis ask, “Was I good?” No, you were outstanding.
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