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Edwin Davies: I am very impressed that it has done this well so early in its run. Going on the buzz the film generated as it played at film festivals over the course of the year, I expected it be a strong performer when it finally saw a release, but to hit the Top Ten from such a small venue count is astonishing.

I haven't seen the film yet, but based on what I've read and heard from people who have seen it, I think that the film is certain to land a Best Actress nomination and will probably get a Best Picture nomination, too, especially with ten spaces to fill. I don't think it will win, though, because if people are talking about The Social Network being too out there to win Best Picture, then Black Swan has got to be floating out near Alpha Centauri in comparison. I imagine that Darren Aronofsky will probably get a Best Director nod as well since the Academy like his films but he has yet to receive a nomination himself, but again he probably won't win because that particular race is going to be very, very tough.

Reagen Sulewski: This is pretty spectacular considering that this is probably the most challenging of the limited release films out there in terms of theme and subject. A lesbian ballerina that turns into an actual swan? It'll never play in Peoria, Darren. But it's almost double what 127 Hours earned in any single weekend despite being in four times the theaters. While I doubt that it'll actually win, I would say that something shocking would have to happen for it to not be one of the ten nominees.

Matthew Huntley: I'm not so much impressed as I am pleased. Black Swan is a spellbinding film and I'm glad word-of-mouth is carrying it to near-record heights before it officially goes "wide" (if it ever does). Josh made some excellent points about the film's qualities (I would also throw sound design and score into the mix, as these especially stood out for me) and I hope they contribute to the film's slew of nominations come awards season (Portman is already a lock). The film may be considered too "out there" for a Best Picture nomination, but if Hollywood has any sense, they'll award it one (if they can nominate The Blind Side, surely they can nominate Black Swan). In the end, though, I think it will be remembered and rewarded as a character piece. Awards or no awards, though, the film should be seen, and I'm glad general audiences (the ones in the 90 theaters across the country) are giving it a chance.

Shalimar Sahota: I love it when a small indie film breaks out, and so I consider the result for Black Swan to be absolutely phenomenal! Given that it's only out at 90 venues, I'd say we're looking at a rare occurrence where people are trying to find somewhere actually showing the film, and going out of their way to see it, and it's paid off in a big way! The film is set for wide release on December 22nd, and it would be great to see it stick around in the top ten. Oscar-wise, I think it'll be one of those films that picks up a clutch of nominations (given the buzz, likely Best Picture and Best Actress), only to leave empty handed.

Michael Lynderey: As a star piece, it doesn't have a compelling off-screen storyline like The Wrestler did (no fallen star comebacks here). As a Best Picture nominee, it's certainly a bridesmaid, but it sure won't be getting married anytime soon. What I think we have here is a solid domestic grosser ($50 million, methinks), and what should be a guaranteed nomination if not a win for Natalie Portman - and indeed, it'll be the start of what's looking like Portman's best movie year yet. Good for all involved.

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