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Natalie Portman stars in 'Black Swan' - check out photos!

07/23/2010 by Corinne Heller

Natalie Portman dons striking make-up for her new role as talented but troubled ballerina Nina in her new film Black Swan, as seen in recently released images for the Fox Searchlight Pictures movie.

Natalie Portman stars in 'Black Swan' - check out photos! (Photos courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures)

"The character was very interesting to play, always challenging and surprising," Portman, 29, recently told USA Today. "The fact that I had spent so much time with the idea  Darren and I started discussing doing the film in 2000  allowed it to marinate a little before we shot."

In Black Swan, which is directed by Darren Aronofsky of The Wrestler, Nina is picked to play the lead in a New York City production of the ballet Swan Lake, while pushed to succeed by an overbearing mother, played by Barbara Hershey.

Meanwhile, manipulative dance master Korolyevna, played by Vincent Cassel, tells her she should play the part more seductively. Mila Kunis stars as Lilly, a dancer who has more of the characteristics that Korolyevna seeks and she and Nina become both rivals and friends, while Portman's character explores her dark side.

Black Swan is set to be released later this year.