Production Assistant’s perspective on the making of “Black Swan”
I’ve posted quite a few things about Black Swan. This one offers a unique perspective, a blog post by a P.A. on the film.
My last on-set anecdote is the most awkward, but also the most genius: We had worked through until 3am after a long day of filming and Natalie was asked to act out a traumatic and emotional scene for the twentieth take in a cramped bathroom. Nico, the official photographer was snapping away in the corner of the room until Natalie in no uncertain terms requested he leave the room since he was getting on her nerves. This of course is completely fair, and just like anyone else would be in her position, she was frustrated and in need of a release. As Nico left the room, Darren saw an opportunity and sent him straight back in, stood him in the corner and told him to start snapping away again. This had the effect of pushing Natalie over the edge of frustration and emotion; and Darren got his shot. To this day we are unsure whether this was a masterstroke to evoke performance or just to wind up his star.
The post has some excellent photos [including the one above] from the shoot provided by the DP and onset photographer. Check it out here.
HT to @BeingBrad for the link.