Mila Kunis: 'I Ate Almost Nothing' for Black Swan Role, Suffered Rib Bruises

A Deep Dive into the Making of Black Swan

Mila Kunis has opened up about the intense physical and emotional challenges she faced while preparing for her role in Black Swan, the 2010 psychological thriller that left a lasting impact on both the film industry and its cast. In a recent interview with Vogue, Kunis joined co-star Natalie Portman and director Darren Aronofsky to reflect on the film’s legacy and the extraordinary efforts made behind the scenes to bring the story to life.

Kunis, who played Lily, Nina’s enigmatic rival, shared how she transformed herself to authentically portray a professional ballerina. Her preparation involved rigorous training and strict dietary restrictions. “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,” she revealed. The process was grueling, but Kunis believed it was necessary to embody the character fully.

Originally, the cast had three months to prepare before filming began. However, due to delays in securing funding, the timeline was extended to six months. While this initially seemed like a setback, Kunis viewed it as an unexpected blessing. “It sucked for Darren, but Nat and I were so happy because we had three extra months to dance,” she said. The additional time allowed the actors to refine their performances and build a stronger connection to their roles.

The physical demands of the role took a toll on Kunis, who sustained multiple injuries during filming. “We would shoot those dancing scenes for hours, and I had bruises all over my ribs just from being lifted over and over again,” she recalled. She also dislocated her shoulder early in production, which she feared would jeopardize her performance. Fortunately, Aronofsky sent her to an acupuncturist, and she recovered fully.

Portman, who played Nina, a ballerina descending into obsession and madness, shared how Kunis ended up landing the role of Lily. The casting came down to a casual conversation between the two longtime friends. “We had been friends for years, and I remember being at the Rose Bowl Flea Market with her, talking about this ballet movie I was making with Darren. Mila said, ‘I remember when I would take off my pointe shoes…’ and I was like, ‘Wait, you did ballet?’ I immediately called Darren and said there was this amazing actress with ballet experience who would be perfect for Lily,” Portman explained.

However, there was a small misstep in the story. Portman slightly exaggerated Kunis’ ballet background. “I think I said, ‘I danced once,’ and that got twisted into me having taken pointe,” Kunis admitted. Portman laughed and added, “I may have exaggerated on your behalf!”

As the trio looked back on the film’s release 15 years ago, Portman reflected on her first viewing of the final cut. “I didn’t quite understand the tone of the movie while we were shooting, and was pretty surprised by what it ended up being. That first time watching it was shocking and exhilarating in a really wonderful way. I had no comprehension of the scope of Darren’s vision while we made it,” she said. “The success was incredible.”

The Legacy of Black Swan

Black Swan remains a landmark film in modern cinema, praised for its intense storytelling, stunning visuals, and powerful performances. The collaboration between Kunis, Portman, and Aronofsky created a cinematic masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences. The film’s success not only solidified the careers of its stars but also highlighted the dedication and sacrifice required to bring such a demanding role to life.

For Kunis, the experience was both challenging and rewarding. It pushed her to her physical and emotional limits, but it also allowed her to grow as an actress and deepen her appreciation for the art of dance. As she looks back on the film, she recognizes the unique journey that brought Black Swan to the screen and the lasting impact it has had on her career.