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Home / Best Quotes / Black Swan (2010) Best Quotes – ‘I just want to be perfect.’

Black Swan (2010) Best Quotes – ‘I just want to be perfect.’

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Starring: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder, Benjamin Millepied, Ksenia Solo, Kristina Anapau, Janet Montgomery, Sebastian Stan, Toby Hemingway

OUR RATING: ★★★★☆

Story:

Psychological horror directed by Darren Aronofsky. Black Swan (2010) follows Nina (Natalie Portman), a ballerina whose passion for the dance rules every facet of her life. When artistic director, Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel), decides to replace prima ballerina, Beth MacIntyre (Winona Ryder), for the opening production of their new season, Swan Lake, Nina is his first choice. However, she has competition in newcomer Lily (Mila Kunis). While Nina is perfect for the role of the White Swan, Lily personifies the Black Swan. As rivalry between the two dancers transforms into a twisted friendship, Nina’s dark side begins to emerge and threatens to destroy her.

 

Our Favorite Quotes:

'Perfection is not just about control. It's also about letting go.' - Thomas Leroy (Black Swan) Click To Tweet

 

Best Quotes


 

Nina Sayers: I had the craziest dream last night. I was dancing the white swan. It was different choreography though, it was more like the Bolshoi’s. It was the prologue, when Rothbart casts his spell.


 

Veronica: Did you see Beth today? I can’t believe she’s back.
Galina: Of course she’s back.
Veronica: Don’t know why she can’t take a hint. The company’s broke, no one comes to see her anymore.
Madeline: Nobody actually comes to see ballet full stop.
Veronica: That’s not true. I hear the Royal had one of their best season yet.
Galina: He just needs to try something new that’s all.
Veronica: No. Someone new.
Madeline: Like who?
Veronica: Like someone who’s not approaching menopause.


 

Nina Sayers: It’s sad.
Veronica: What’s sad?
Nina Sayers: Beth’s such a beautiful dancer.
Galina: Yeah, so is my grandmother.
Nina Sayers: Well, Fonteyn danced into her fifties.
Veronica: [sarcastically] Yeah, we know.


 

Thomas Leroy: [to the soloists] We all know the story. Virginal girl, pure, and sweet, trapped in the body of a swan. She desires freedom, but only true love can break the spell. Her wish is nearly granted in the form of a prince. But before he can declare his love, her lustful twin, the Black Swan, tricks and seduces him. Devastated, the White Swan leaps off a cliff, killing herself, and in death finds freedom.


 

Thomas Leroy: We open our season with Swan Lake. Done to death I know, but not like this. We strip it down, make it visceral and real. A new production needs a new Swan Queen. A fresh face to present to the world. But which of you can embody both swans? The white and the black? All the soloists I tapped go to your scheduled rehearsals this afternoon. And the girls I didn’t tap, meet me at the principle studio at five. Thank you.
[he walks away and Nina smiles to herself as he hadn’t tapped her]


 

Thomas Leroy: If that was only casting the White Swan, she’d be yours. But I’m not. Maestro, Odile’s coda, please. Now show me your Black Swan, Nina.
Thomas Leroy: [as Nina begins to dance] Not so controlled! Seduce us! Not just the Prince, but the court. The audience, the entire world! Come on! The fouetteés are like a spider spinning her web. Attack it! Attack it! Come on!
[suddenly Lily opens the door and Nina loses her focus and stumbles]


 

Nina Sayers: [after Lily enters the room] Should I go again?
Thomas Leroy: No. Thanks, Nina. I’ve seen enough.


 

Erica Sayers: You’re working yourself too hard. We all have off days.
Nina Sayers: [referring to Lily] If that girl hadn’t barged in.
Erica Sayers: I’m sure she didn’t mean to. Remember when you first started? I hadn’t taken you to each of your classes, you would have been completely lost.


 

Nina Sayers: [referring to Thomas] I’m going to talk to him tomorrow. I’m going to tell him I finished it.
Erica Sayers: You don’t need to lie. It won’t convince him one way or the other. Oh, sweetheart. I know it’s disappointing. And when you start getting older, there’s all this ridiculous pressure. God knows I understand. But it’s alright. No matter what. You’ll probably get to dance the Pas de Quatre again. That’s such a wonderful part. Or maybe he’ll make you a Big Swan. Either way, you’ll shine.
Nina Sayers: I know.
Erica Sayers: Everything will be better in the morning. It always is. Sweet girl.


 

Nina Sayers: I just wanted to tell you that I practiced the coda last night and I finished. I thought you should know.
Thomas Leroy: Okay, Nina, listen. Honestly, I don’t care about your technique. You should know that by now.
Nina Sayers: Yeah, but yesterday…
Thomas Leroy: No. Anyway, I’ve already chosen Veronica, so.


 

Thomas Leroy: That’s it? You’re not going to try and change my mind? You must have thought it was possible. Otherwise, what are you doing here all dolled up?
Nina Sayers: I came to ask for the part.
Thomas Leroy: Well, the truth is, when I look at you, all I see is the White Swan. Yes, you’re beautiful, fearful, fragile. Ideal casting. But the Black Swan, it’s a hard f***ing job to dance both.
Nina Sayers: I can dance the Black Swan too.
Thomas Leroy: Really? In four years, every time you dance, I see you obsess, getting each and every move perfectly right. But I never see you lose yourself. Ever. All that discipline, for what?
Nina Sayers: I just want to be perfect.
Thomas Leroy: You what?
Nina Sayers: I want to be perfect.


 

Thomas Leroy: Perfection is not just about control. It’s also about letting go. Surprise yourself, so you can surprise the audience. Transcendence. And very few have it in them.
Nina Sayers: I think I do have it in me.
Thomas Leroy: [suddenly he kisses her hard] Aahh! You bit me?! I can’t believe you bit me!
Nina Sayers: I’m sorry.
Thomas Leroy: Now, that f***ing hurt!


 

Nina Sayers: [over phone, referring to Thomas] I’m fine. He picked me, Mommy. Did you hear me?
Erica Sayers: For Swan Lake?
Nina Sayers: I’m going to be the new Swan Queen.


 

Thomas Leroy: [to Nina after she’s finished her rehearsal dance] Thank you, Nina. It’s very nice. Very nice. But I knew the White Swan wouldn’t be a problem. The real work will be your metamorphosis into her evil twin, and I know I saw a flash of her yesterday. So get ready to give me more of that bite.


 

Thomas Leroy: [to Nina, referring to Lily] Watch the way she moves. Imprecise, but effortless. She’s not faking it.

 

'The only person standing in your way is you.' - Thomas Leroy (Black Swan) Click To Tweet

 

Thomas Leroy: [at the fund raiser gala] As we all know, every great career has to come to an end. Beth is retiring at the end of the season. She will be giving her farewell performance as Melpomene, the role she originated in my first ballet. My little princess, we honor you. You will be greatly missed and never forgotten. But as we bid adieu to one star, we welcome another! We’re opening our season with my new version of Swan Lake. Taking the role of our new Swan Queen, the exquisite, Nina Sayers. You’ll soon have the pleasure of seeing her perform, but right now please let’s raise a glass, to all of us, to Beth, to Nina, to beauty!


 

Lily: [referring to Nina being the new Swan Queen] Oh, you must be so excited. Oh! Are you freaking out?
Nina Sayers: Yeah.
Lily: Yeah? Oh, it’s okay. I’d be losing my mind.


 

Nina Sayers: Beth. I’m so sorry to hear you’re leaving the company.
Beth Macintyre: Oh. What did you do to get this role? Huh? He always said you were such a frigid little girl. What did you do to make him change his mind? Did you suck his c**k?
Nina Sayers: Not all of us have to.
Beth Macintyre: You f***ing whore! You f***ing little whore!


 

Beth Macintyre: I need to talk to you!
Thomas Leroy: I think you should go home.
Beth Macintyre: No! Don’t you do that! Don’t you dismiss me like that!
Thomas Leroy: Beth, my little princess. Please, hold it together.
Thomas Leroy: [to Nina] Come on.
Beth Macintyre: I’m coming by later. I have something for you. It’s a token of my appreciation.
Thomas Leroy: Right.
Beth Macintyre: You make the most of it, Nina!


 

Thomas Leroy: So, you got a boyfriend?
Nina Sayers: No.
Thomas Leroy: And you had many in the past?
Nina Sayers: A few, but no one serious.
Thomas Leroy: You’re not a virgin, are you?
Nina Sayers: No.
Thomas Leroy: Well, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. And you enjoy making love?
Nina Sayers: Excuse me?
Thomas Leroy: Oh, come on. Sex, do you enjoy it? Well, we need to be able to talk about this.


 

Thomas Leroy: [to Nina] I got a little homework assignment for you. Go home and touch yourself. Live a little.


 

Erica Sayers: [referring to fund raising gala] Sounds like quite and evening. I wish I could have been there.
Nina Sayers: You know I asked.
Erica Sayers: I know you did. Susie told me. Guess he wanted you all to himself.
Nina Sayers: That’s not why.
Erica Sayers: I don’t blame him.


 

Nina Sayers: [referring to the scratch marks on her back] It’s just a rash.
Erica Sayers: Just a rash? What are you talking about?
Nina Sayers: It was worse a few days ago. It’s fine already.
Erica Sayers: You’ve been scratching yourself again.
Nina Sayers: No, I haven’t. Mom.
Erica Sayers: I thought you’d outgrown this disgusting habit.


 

Nina Sayers: [referring to Beth being in hospital] What happened?
Thomas Leroy: She walked into the street and got hit by a car. And you know what? I’m almost sure she did it on purpose.
Nina Sayers: How do you know?
Thomas Leroy: Because everything Beth does comes from within, from some dark impulse. I guess that’s what makes her so thrilling to watch. So dangerous. Even perfect at times. But also so damned destructive.
Nina Sayers: Was it right after we saw her?
Thomas Leroy: Oh, no. Wait, wait, wait. This has nothing to do with you. It’s not your problem, so don’t let yourself be distracted. This is your moment, Nina. Don’t let it go.


 

Thomas Leroy: [as Nina is rehearsing] And, come on! Forget about control, Nina! I want to see passion! Come on! Reach! More! You’re stiff! Stiff like a dead corpse! Let it go! Let it go! Let it go! And again.

 

'When you start getting older, there's all this ridiculous pressure.' - Erica Sayers (Black Swan) Click To Tweet

 

Thomas Leroy: [referring to Nina] David, can I ask you a question? Honestly, would you f*** that girl? No. No one would. Nina, you’re dancing is just as frigid.


 

Thomas Leroy: [as he dances with Nina] Feel my touch, respond to it. Come on. Open your mouth. Open your mouth. Open it. Open it! Open it.
Thomas Leroy: [after he kisses her seductively] That was me seducing you, when it needs to be the other way around.


 

Lily: So, do you want to talk about it?
Nina Sayers: I just had a hard day.
Lily: Leroy playing a little too rough for you? Come on, Nina. He’s a p**ck!
Nina Sayers: He’s brilliant.
Lily: Sure, but it’s not like he’s all warm and fuzzy.
Nina Sayers: Well, you don’t know him.
Lily: Someone’s hot for teacher. Oh, come on. It’s okay. I don’t blame you.
Nina Sayers: I should go home.
Lily: Nina, come on. I’m just playing around.


 

Thomas Leroy: Maybe you need a little break. Like a day or two.
Nina Sayers: Thomas.
Thomas Leroy: Or maybe a month. What do you think?
Nina Sayers: [referring to Lily] She shouldn’t have said anything.
Thomas Leroy: No, you shouldn’t be whining in the first place.
Nina Sayers: I didn’t!
Thomas Leroy: You could be brilliant, but you’re a coward.
Nina Sayers: I’m sorry.
Thomas Leroy: Stop saying that! That’s exactly what I’m talking about! Stop being so f***ing weak!


 

Nina Sayers: You told Thomas about last night?
Lily: Oh, yeah. I ran into him in the morning. He said you guys were having some trouble.
Nina Sayers: Why would he talk to you?
Lily: Excuse me, Your Highness. I just told him that you were working your a** off, and that I think you’d be great.
Nina Sayers: Well, you shouldn’t have.


 

Erica Sayers: [referring to Thomas] Has he tried anything with you? He has a reputation. I have a right to be concerned, Nina. You’ve been staying late so many nights rehearsing. I hope he isn’t taking advantage, that’s all.
Nina Sayers: He’s not.
Erica Sayers: Good. I just don’t want you to make the same mistake I did.
Nina Sayers: Thanks.
Erica Sayers: Not like that. I just mean as far as my career was concerned.
Nina Sayers: What career?
Erica Sayers: The one I gave up to have you.
Nina Sayers: You were twenty-eight.
Erica Sayers: So?
Nina Sayers: And only in the…
Erica Sayers: Only what?
Nina Sayers: Nothing.
Erica Sayers: What?
Nina Sayers: Nothing!

See more Black Swan Quotes


 

Nina Sayers: How do you know where I live?
Lily: I have my ways. Jesus, relax. I got it from Susie in the office. Well, I just, I feel really s**tty about what I did, and I just really want to make it up to you.


 

Lily: [referring to Thomas] I can’t believe he calls her that. It’s so gross.
Nina Sayers: I think it’s sweet.
Lily: Little princess? He probably calls every girl that.
Nina Sayers: No way. That’s just for Beth.
Lily: Well, I bet he’ll be calling you “little princess” any day now.
Nina Sayers: I don’t know about that.
Lily: Oh, sure, he will. Just got to let him lick your pu**y.


 

Waiter Scott: Cheeseburger, extra bloody.
Lily: Mmm! Danke schön.
Waiter Scott: Let me know if that’s juicy enough for you.
Lily: Oh, I will.
Waiter Scott: You got enough cheese?
Lily: No, but you do.
Waiter Scott: Enjoy.


 

Lily: So, how is he? Thomas.
Nina Sayers: I wouldn’t know.
Lily: Come on!
Nina Sayers: I really don’t want to talk about that.


 

Nina Sayers: Hi. I have to go.
Lily: Oh, come on you can’t go. I just got us some drinks.
Nina Sayers: I shouldn’t. We’re on the stage tomorrow.
Lily: So, what are you going to do? Go home to mommy? Come on, live a little!


 

Tom: So you two sisters?
Lily: Yes.
Nina Sayers: No.
Lily: Blood sisters.
Nina Sayers: We dance in the same company.
Tom: Ah, ballerinas. No wonder you two look alike.
Lily: You know, Tom and Jerry here are gays lovers.
Tom: Very funny.
Lily: I like to amuse myself.


 

Andrew: I’ve never been to the ballet.
Nina Sayers: Oh, really?
Lily: Oh, well then you’re definitely not gay.
Tom: I mean, it’s kind of boring though, isn’t it?
Nina Sayers: No, it’s not.
Lily: No. You know what? It’s just, it’s not for everyone.


 

Nina Sayers: [referring to Swan Lake] It’s about a girl who gets turned into a swan, and she needs love to break the spell.
Andrew: Okay.
Nina Sayers: But her prince falls for the wrong girl, and so she kills herself.
Andrew: So, a happy ending then.
Nina Sayers: It’s beautiful, actually.


 

Erica Sayers: Do you have any idea what time it is?
Nina Sayers: Late.
Erica Sayers: Where have you been?
Nina Sayers: To the moon and back.
Erica Sayers: You’ve been drinking.
Nina Sayers: Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!


 

Erica Sayers: What else have you been doing?
Nina Sayers: Oh, you want to know their names?
Erica Sayers: You need to sleep this off.
Nina Sayers: There were two. There was Tom and there was Jerry.
Erica Sayers: Be quiet, Nina.
Nina Sayers: And I f***ed them both.
Erica Sayers: Shut your mouth!


 

Nina Sayers: Don’t come in here!
Erica Sayers: What’s this?
Nina Sayers: It’s called privacy! I’m not twelve anymore!
Erica Sayers: You’re not my Nina right now!
Nina Sayers: Leave me alone!


 

Nina Sayers: You put something in my drink?
Lily: Yeah.
Nina Sayers: And then you just took off in the morning?
Lily: In the morning?
Nina Sayers: Yeah. You slept over.
Lily: No. Unless you’re name is Tom, and you got a d**k.
Nina Sayers: But We…
Lily: We what, Nina? Did you have some sort of lezzie wet dream about me?
Nina Sayers: Stop.
Lily: Oh, my God! Oh, my God! You did! You fantasized about me!
Nina Sayers: Shut up!
Lily: Was I good?


 

Thomas Leroy: [to Nina] The final act! Your final dance! You’ve tasted your dream! Touched it! Only to have it crushed! Your heart is broken! Wounded! Your life force fading! The blood drips! The Black Swan stole your love! There’s only one way to end the pain! You’re not fearful, but filled with acceptance! And you look down at Rothbart! And then at the Prince! And then, yes, at the audience! And then you jump! Come on! Go ahead! Jump! You’ll be fine! Jump!
[Nina jumps landing safely on the mattress]


 

Nina Sayers: [to costumer] What she doing here?
Lily: He made me your alternate. Look, it’s just in case.


 

Thomas Leroy: What’s going on?
Nina Sayers: Lily. You made her my alternate.
Thomas Leroy: Well, there’s always an alternate. Lily is the best choice.
Nina Sayers: No, but she wants my role.
Thomas Leroy: Every dancer in the world wants your role.
Nina Sayers: No, this is different. She’s after me. She’s trying to replace me.
Thomas Leroy: Nobody’s after you.
Nina Sayers: No, please believe me!


 

Thomas Leroy: [to Nina] I know it’s been a struggle. But you just had a break through this morning. Tomorrow’s yours. Just give a great performance, and you won’t have to worry about Lily, or anybody else. Now, go home and rest.


 

Beth Macintyre: What are you doing here?
Nina Sayers: [referring to Lily] I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. I know how it feels now. She’s trying to replace me. What do I do?
Beth Macintyre: You stole my things?
Nina Sayers: I was just trying to be perfect, like you.
Beth Macintyre: [takes a nail file and repeatedly stabs herself in the face] Perfect? I’m not perfect. I’m nothing. Nothing! Nothing! Nothing!


 

Erica Sayers: You were scratching all night.
Nina Sayers: Where’s my clock.
Erica Sayers: Don’t worry about that.
Nina Sayers: What time is it?
Erica Sayers: Shh.
Nina Sayers: My show is tonight. I have to…
Erica Sayers: No, no, no. No, don’t worry. I called the theater, and I told them you weren’t feeling well.
Nina Sayers: I have to go!
Erica Sayers: No, no! Lie down!
Nina Sayers: Let go of me!


 

Erica Sayers: You’re staying in here until you feel better.
Nina Sayers: [referring to the missing door handle] Where is it?
Erica Sayers: This role’s destroying you.


 

Erica Sayers: What happened to my sweet girl, huh?
Nina Sayers: She’s gone!


 

Erica Sayers: You’re not well!
Nina Sayers: Let go of me!
Erica Sayers: You can’t handle this!
Nina Sayers: I can’t? I’m the Swan Queen! You’re the one who never left the corps.


 

Thomas Leroy: Nina?
Nina Sayers: What?
Thomas Leroy: I’ve already asked Lily.
Nina Sayers: Have you announced it? After Beth, do you really need another controversy? I’m here, Thomas. I’m doing it.
Thomas Leroy: The only person standing in your way is you. It’s time to let her go. Lose yourself.


 

Lily: Rough start, huh? Must have been pretty humiliating.
Nina Sayers: Get out of my room!
Lily: See, I’m just, I’m worried about the next act. I’m just not sure you’re feeling up to it.
Nina Sayers: Stop. Please stop!
Lily: How about I dance the Black Swan for you?
[Lilly turns to face Nina when her face suddenly changes to Nina’s double]


 

Nina’s Double: It’s my turn! My turn! My turn!
Nina Sayers: [grabs a piece of broken mirror and stabs the double in the stomach] It’s my turn!
[Nina’s double turns into Lily coughing up blood and then dying]


 

Lily: [to Nina] Hey, you were amazing. Seriously, I know that things got a little messed up between us, but I mean, holly s**t! You completely blew me away! Okay. Well, I guess, that’s it. So I’ll let you finish. Merde.
[as Lily leaves, Nina realizes she hadn’t killed Lily but instead stabbed herself]


 

Thomas Leroy: [after Nina’s done her final act and fallen on the mattress] Can you hear them? They love you! They love you! My little princess. I always knew you had it in you. Come on. Let’s take your bow.


 

Thomas Leroy: [referring to Nina injuring herself] What did you do? What did you do?
Nina Sayers: I felt it.
Thomas Leroy: What?
Nina Sayers: Perfect. It was perfect.

 


 

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