“Surprise Yourself”

View a clip from Black Swan, starring Natalie Portman ’03 and directed by Darren Aronofsky ’91.

The psychological thriller Black Swan has multiple Harvard connections: lead actress Natalie Portman ’03; director Darren Aronofsky ’91; and Fox Music president Robert Kraft ’76. Read more about the film in "Dark Beauty," from the January-February 2011 issue, and then view the clip below, in which Portman's character, Nina, approaches the ballet company's artistic director (played by Vincent Cassel) to ask for the role of Swan Queen.

Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures

You might also like

This Astronomer is Sounding a Warning on 'Space Junk'

As debris accumulates in low Earth orbit, the danger of destructive collisions continues to rise.

Understanding AI Vulnerabilities

As artificial intelligence capabilities evolve, so too will the tactics used to exploit them. 

Crypto—To Regulate or Not?

The former director of Harvard’s fintech lab reflects on the future of digital assets.

Most popular

Hold the Fries

Baked, boiled, and mashed potatoes are better.

The Professor Who Quantified Democracy

Erica Chenoweth’s data shows how—and when—authoritarians fall.

Harvard Layoffs Continue, with More to Come

In the wake of federal government actions, several Harvard schools and institutes are cutting costs.

Explore More From Current Issue

Grid of headshots showing newly elected Harvard Overseers and Directors, with names and titles listed below each photo.

Alumni showed increased interest in this year’s elections.

A crowd of people shout and march during a nighttime demonstration, while a man and woman in the foreground hold two silver-colored pans above their heads and bang on them with sticks

Erica Chenoweth’s data shows how—and when—authoritarians fall.

Illustration of a tilted dollar bill with George Washington’s face, partially submerged in ocean waves under cloudy skies.

The preeminence of U.S. currency at risk