Aronofsky's feud tactic revealed

Aronofsky says he attempted to inflame on screen tension by hinting at a conflict between Portman and Kunis, but the stars saw through the ploy and stayed professional.

Aronofsky Tried to Stir a Feud Between Portman and Kunis on Black Swan

Darren Aronofsky says he tried to spark a feud between Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis during the making of Black Swan as a way to heighten on screen tension. He describes the tactic as a sneaky move, and the actresses quickly caught on and treated it as a joke. Portman notes they were separated during much of production, while Kunis recalls a claim about Portman working so hard that she was told she never took weekends off, a claim Kunis did not take seriously. Both say the atmosphere on set was respectful and supportive, and Portman even recommended Kunis for the film because of her ballet background. The project remains notable for its performances and its legacy, and a remastered version will be released in IMAX theaters on August 21 and 24.

The anecdote reveals how far some directors will go to shape a story, and it underscores a key risk in film making: tactics meant to heighten drama can backfire if they undercut trust among the cast. Portman and Kunis demonstrate strong professionalism, turning a potential rivalry into collaboration and proving that good chemistry is built, not manufactured. The behind the scenes tale also invites readers to consider how such stories influence audience perception of a film and its stars. The IMAX rerelease signals enduring interest in Black Swan and in the stories behind its making.

Highlights

The film endures not just for its art but for the quiet choices that keep a set working.