Mila Kunis opened up about the demanding preparation she underwent for her role in Darren Aronofsky’s psychological thriller, Black Swan, as the film marks its 15th anniversary. Kunis, who portrayed the professional rival to Natalie Portman’s character, described a challenging six-month training period that involved extremely long dance rehearsals combined with very restricted eating habits to maintain the required physique.
Extended Training Period Due to Production Delays
Initially, the film’s shoot was to begin after just three months of preparation. However, financing setbacks extended this to six months, a change Kunis found both difficult and beneficial. She detailed to Vogue Magazine how this unexpected extension allowed more time for intense physical training, despite the toll it took on her body, including bruises caused by the repeated physical demands of ballet lifts.
“My prep was a lot of dancing and very little eating, which I know you’re not supposed to say, but it’s the truth. I drank a lot of broth and danced for 12 hours a day,”
Kunis explained.
“We were only supposed to have three months of prep before filming started, but we lost some financing, so that got extended to six months while Darren tried to find money. It sucked for Darren, but Nat and I were so happy because we had three extra months to dance.”
She added,
“We would shoot those dancing scenes for hours, and I had bruises all over my ribs just from being lifted over and over again.”
The Physical and Emotional Toll of Ballet Training for Film Roles
Kunis’s comments reveal the extent of physical and mental strain actors endure to authentically portray roles, especially in films that focus heavily on demanding professions such as ballet. The pressure to achieve a specific weight and appearance often pushes performers to unhealthy extremes. This phenomenon is not unique to female actors; male performers are similarly subjected to arduous physical transformations when required by studios, whether for gaining muscle or losing weight rapidly, often at the risk of their health.
Matt Damon, for example, has spoken openly about how his experience in films like Courage Under Fire and The Imposter negatively affected his heart health due to extreme dieting and weight changes, with doctors warning him of severe consequences if he continued such practices. These admissions highlight the broader issue of industry demands putting actor wellbeing at risk.
Gendered Pressures in Hollywood’s Physical Expectations
The film industry has long faced criticism for its focus on women’s physical appearances, often subjecting actresses to intense scrutiny over weight and body shape. Kunis’s experience with Black Swan underscores this ongoing tension, reflecting the high stakes placed on actresses to conform to narrowly defined aesthetics. At the same time, male actors also confront pressures to achieve muscular physiques, which can lead to unhealthy behaviors despite different societal expectations.
Ongoing Legacy and Future Projects from Darren Aronofsky
The re-release of Black Swan in theaters from August 21 to 24 commemorates the film‘s lasting impact and continued relevance. Fans of Aronofsky’s work can look forward to his new film, Caught Stealing, which is scheduled to debut later this month on August 29. This project signals Aronofsky’s ongoing presence in the film industry following the success of Black Swan.
