🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐 What happens when artistic ambition turns into a psychological nightmare? This week on "I've Been Meaning to Watch That," we dissect the hauntingly beautiful layers of "Black Swan." We start by examining the intriguing casting choices, especially the role of Beth played by Winona Ryder, whose career struggles eerily mirror those of her character. We'll unravel the implications of Beth's confrontation with Nina and the predatory dynamics between the characters, shedding light on the film's harsh commentary on ambition and mental health in the ballet world. We then shift our focus to Nina's strained relationship with her overbearing mother. Discover how this suffocating dynamic stifles Nina's growth and independence, and what it tells us about the impact of overprotective parenting. We'll explore the psychological burden carried by Nina, emphasized by her interactions with Lily and Thomas, leading to a gripping discussion on the pressures of perfectionism and the severe toll it takes on mental health and personal identity. Through our personal stories, we reflect on the universal themes of repression and psychological breakdowns. As we wind down, we tackle the broader societal themes embedded in "Black Swan." From Nina's struggle to embody the dual roles of the White and Black Swan to the liberating metaphor of "ponytail liberation," the film's narrative resonates with the pressures faced by women in various fields. We'll appreciate Natalie Portman's stellar performance and the film’s timeless commentary on the cost of artistic excellence. Tune in for a rich analysis that brings new depth to one of the most compelling psychological thrillers of our time. Special Guest: We're excited to welcome our special guest, SapphireGhost! A fantastic Twitch streamer and TikTok creator, SapphireGhost brings their unique insights into movies and pop culture. Don't miss their thoughts on the intricate themes of "Black Swan" and how it resonates with modern-day pressures and societal expectations. SapphireGhost - all socials https://beacons.ai/sapphireghost914 Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/sapphireghost914/about TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sapphireghost914 Twitter https://x.com/sapphireghost9 Manika's Socials Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdulcio98/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/manika3000 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1 Podcast Socials YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316 Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2pod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/ Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it. If you would like to support the podcast, you can subscribe for 4.99 a month. https://anchor.fm/ivebeenmeaningtowatchthat/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ivebeenmeaningtowatchthat/support