Black Swan (2010)
Vincent Cassel: Thomas Leroy, The Gentleman
Photos
Quotes
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Thomas Leroy : The only person standing in your way is you.
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Thomas Leroy : You could be brilliant, but you're a coward.
Nina : I'm sorry.
Thomas Leroy : [yelling] Now stop saying that! That's exactly what I'm talking about. Stop being so fucking weak!
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Nina : I came to ask for the part.
Thomas Leroy : The truth is when I look at you all I see is the white swan. Yes you're beautiful, fearful, and fragile. Ideal casting. But the black swan? It's a hard fucking job to dance both.
Nina : I can dance the black swan, too.
Thomas Leroy : Really? In four years every time you dance I see you obsessed getting each and every move perfectly right but I never see you lose yourself. Ever! All that discipline for what?
Nina : [whispers] I just want to be perfect.
Thomas Leroy : What?
Nina : I want to be perfect.
Thomas Leroy : [scoffs] Perfection is not just about control. It's also about letting go. Surprise yourself so you can surprise the audience. Transcendence! Very few have it in them.
Nina : I think I do have it in me.
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Thomas Leroy : 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 of a cliff killing herself and, in death, finds freedom.
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Thomas Leroy : Are you okay?
Nina : I'm fine.
Thomas Leroy : Nina.
Nina : What?
Thomas Leroy : I've already asked Lily.
Nina : Have you announced it?
[pauses]
Nina : 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.
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Thomas Leroy : What's going on?
Nina : [crying] Lily! You made her my alternate?
Thomas Leroy : Well there's always an alternate. Lily is the best choice.
Nina : No, but she wants my role.
Thomas Leroy : Every dancer in the world wants your role.
Nina : No, this is different. She's after me. She's trying to replace me!
Thomas Leroy : Nobody's after you.
Nina : [crying harder] No, please believe me!
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Thomas Leroy : Honestly, would you fuck that girl?
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Nina : 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 : 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 damn destructive.
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Thomas Leroy : This is your moment, Nina. Don't let it go.
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Thomas Leroy : Thank you, Nina! It's very nice. It's very nice, but I knew the white swan wouldn't be your problem. The real work would be your metamorphosis into her evil twin. I know I saw a flash of her yesterday, so get ready to give me more of that bite.
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Thomas Leroy : [yelling to Nina over rehearsal music] 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 is 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, and the audience! And then you jump!
[Nina hesitates]
Thomas Leroy : Go ahead, jump! You'll be fine. Jump!
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Thomas Leroy : That was *me* seducing you, when it needs to be the other way around.
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Thomas Leroy : I got a little homework assignment for you. Go home and touch yourself. Live a little.
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Thomas Leroy : I don't want there to be any boundaries between us.
Nina : No, me neither.
Thomas Leroy : So, you got a boyfriend?
Nina : No.
Thomas Leroy : And you've had many in the past?
Nina : A few but no one serious.
Thomas Leroy : You're not a virgin, are you?
Nina : [nervously] No.
Thomas Leroy : So there is nothing to be embarrassed about.
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Nina : Should I go again?
Thomas Leroy : No thanks Nina! I've seen enough.
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Thomas Leroy : Go get warmed up!
Lily : No it's okay, I'm good!
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Thomas Leroy : And you enjoy making love?
Nina : [surprised] Excuse me?
Thomas Leroy : Oh come on, sex! Do you enjoy it?
[Nina nervously laughs]
Thomas Leroy : Well, we need to be able to talk about this.
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Thomas Leroy : You all have had the chance and the privilege to be enchanted, transported, and even sometimes devastated by the performances of this true artist of our company. She's been a crucial inspiration to my work. A role model to all dancers and even more than that a deeply appreciated presence on our stage. You all know who I'm talking about. Ladies and gentlemen, Beth Macintyre.
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Thomas Leroy : Can you tell me what the fuck happened?
[yells in French]
Nina : I wasn't my fault. He dropped me!
Thomas Leroy : It's a fucking disaster!
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Thomas Leroy : If I 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.
[during her dance]
Thomas Leroy : Not so controlled. Seduce us! Not just the prince but the court, but the audience, the entire world. Come on! Your fouettés are like a spider spinning a web. Attack it! Attack it! Come on!
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Thomas Leroy : My little princess.
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Thomas Leroy : The 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?
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Thomas Leroy : [coming over to Nina after first part of her audition] If I was only casting the White Swan, she'd be yours.
[stands back]
Thomas Leroy : But I'm not!
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[Thomas is going to meet Karen Holloway]
Thomas Leroy : [to Nina] A minute more of ass-kissing. I'll be back. Wait for me here, all right?
