In a revealing Vogue interview marking Black Swan’s 15th anniversary Mila Kunis shares how she prepped for her role with long hours of dancing sparse eating (mostly broth) serious injuries and how the extended six month training period shaped the experience .
A Revelation 15 Years Later
Fifteen years after Darren Aronofsky’s psychological ballet thriller Black Swan captivated audiences Mila Kunis is reflecting on the extreme lengths she went to for her performance In a new interview with Vogue the actress candidly discussed the physical and emotional demands she faced preparing to portray Lily the mysterious and alluring rival to Natalie Portman’s Nina .
While the film went on to become a critical and commercial phenomenon grossing nearly $330 million worldwide and winning Portman an Academy Award the work behind the scenes was punishing—especially for Kunis who wasnt a trained dancer .
Also Read : Victoria Beckham Shares Playful Thirst Trap Moments from Mediterranean Yacht Getaway with Family
“Very Little Eating” and 12 Hour Dance Days
Kunis admitted that her routine during preparation was far from balanced .
“My prep was a lot of dancing and very little eating which I know youre not supposed to say but it is the truth” she revealed .
For months her diet consisted mostly of broth while her days were filled with grueling 12 hour dance rehearsals The physicality demanded for ballet—precision stamina grace—was paired with the strain of calorie restriction Kunis honesty highlights not only her dedication to authenticity but also the toll the role took on her body .
Extended Training Timeline
The original plan gave Kunis and Portman three months to prepare However delays in financing pushed the films start date unintentionally granting the actresses six months of intense dance training .
“It sucked for Darren Aronofsky but Nat and I were so happy because we had three extra months to dance” Kunis recalled .
What might have been a production setback became an unexpected advantage for the actors who were able to refine their ballet skills and inhabit the movements of professionals more convincingly .
Physical Toll and Injuries
Despite the extended training the process was brutal Kunis remembers bruises covering her ribs from repeated lifts and even suffering a dislocated shoulder early in production Rather than halt filming director Aronofsky sent her to an acupuncturist The unconventional remedy worked and Kunis was back on set shortly after .
Her perseverance even while injured underscored the lengths she went to in order to deliver a believable performance a commitment that mirrors the obsessive nature of the dancers portrayed in the film itself .
Casting Lily A Flea Market Tale
Interestingly Kunis journey to the role of Lily wasnt planned At the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Los Angeles she casually mentioned to Natalie Portman that she had some ballet experience Portman later amplified this when speaking to Aronofsky .
“I think I said I danced once and that got twisted into me having taken pointe” Kunis laughed Portman admitted she “may have exaggerated” on her behalf .
That playful exchange ultimately helped Kunis land one of the most significant roles of her career proving that sometimes the right opportunity emerges in the most unexpected places .
Impact of Black Swan’s Success
Released in 2010 Black Swan was both a critical darling and a box office powerhouse Audiences were enthralled by its eerie psychological tension and visceral performances Natalie Portman’s Nina won her an Academy Award for Best Actress while Kunis Lily was praised for bringing a captivating and dangerous energy to the story .
For Kunis the experience was transformative Though the physical toll was immense the role solidified her reputation as a versatile actress capable of much more than comedy or light drama .
Commemorating the Anniversary
To celebrate the films lasting cultural impact a newly remastered version of Black Swan will screen in IMAX theaters on August 21 and 24 Fans will have the opportunity to revisit the haunting ballet drama on the big screen with fresh clarity that enhances its visual and emotional intensity .
Conclusion
Mila Kunis reflection on her preparation for Black Swan offers a raw glimpse behind the curtain of one of cinemas most memorable psychological thrillers From days fueled by broth and endless rehearsals to enduring injuries without pause her commitment to authenticity was unwavering .
The sacrifices she made illustrate the demanding nature of method preparation in Hollywood where authenticity often comes at a personal cost As Black Swan returns to theaters 15 years later audiences are reminded not only of the films artistic brilliance but also of the grueling dedication that made it possible .