Aronofsky and Portman's “Black Swan” Opening Venice Film Fest

Even with Natalie Portman on board, only Darren Aronofsky's got the chops to make a psychological thriller about the world of ballet that would interest us, and now "Black Swan" has been chosen to open the 2010 Venice International Film Festival.

"Black Swan" stars Portman and Mila Kunis as rival ballet dancers under the direction of Vincent Cassel. The cast also includes Winona Ryder, Sebastian Stan and Barbara Hershey.

Interest in this film spiked last August when a review of the script mentioned "ecstasy-induced hungry aggressive angry sex" between Portman and Kunis was cited by /Film.

“The cast and crew of Black Swan are both excited and humbled by the festival's invitation. It is an honor to walk the great red carpet on the Lido and we are excited to premier our film to the wonderful audiences in Venice,” said Aronofsky.

“What an honor and privilege it is to be selected as the opening night film,” said Fox Searchlight Presidents Stephen Gilula and Nancy Utley. “We could not have asked for a better launch for Darren and 'Black Swan' than the Venice International Film Festival.”

Aronofsky took home the  Venice International Film Festival's Gold Lion in 2008 for his film "The Wrestler," starring Mickey Rourke.

This year's festival opens Sept. 1.

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