
The Game (1997)

This is what Russell Crowe’s (Gladiator, Cinderella Man) character (Lt. Cristofuoro) says at the end of John Polson’s 2007 drama Tenderness. It is an excellent quote that all of us can ponder and adapt to how we live our lives…Unfortunately, the quote makes you want to nap rather than consider this imaginably meaningful phrase as the movie concludes.
“We all know the story. The virginal girl who is pure and sweet but trapped in the body of a swan. She desires freedom, but only true love can break the spell. Nearly granted is her wish in the form of a prince. But, before he can declare his love, the lustful twin, the Black Swan, tricks and seduces him. Devastated, the White Swan leaps off a cliff, killing herself and, in death, finds freedom”.
It’s short and simple, and we all understand it. And it’s the basis of Leroy’s ballet. As Thomas tells this story to his attentive company, he taps a few females on the shoulder. One of these women will replace an aging Beth (Winona Ryder – Edward Scissorhands, Girl, Interrupted) as the prima ballerina for the opening production of their new season, Swan Lake. Nina (Natalie Portman – The Other Boleyn Girl, Closer ) is one of the girls who is tapped and ultimately awarded the role.