Mila Kunis has candidly shared the extreme measures she took to prepare for her role in the psychological thriller Black Swan, revealing she barely ate to transform into a professional ballet dancer.
In a recent interview, the 39-year-old actress admitted she followed a punishing regimen to achieve the slender physique required for the role, which she starred in alongside Natalie Portman.
'I didn’t eat anything,' Kunis confessed. 'I was running on fumes.'
The film, directed by Darren Aronofsky, demanded intense physical and emotional commitment from its cast. Kunis, who played the seductive rival ballerina Lily, underwent rigorous training to master ballet techniques.
The Physical Toll of Method Acting
Kunis explained that her extreme diet left her feeling weak and exhausted. 'I was running on adrenaline and coffee,' she said, emphasising the mental and physical strain of the role.
Her co-star Natalie Portman, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of Nina Sayers, also underwent a dramatic transformation, losing significant weight and training for months to perfect her ballet skills.
Hollywood’s Pressure on Body Image
The revelation has reignited discussions about the pressures actors face to alter their bodies for roles. Kunis’s admission highlights the extremes some performers go to in pursuit of authenticity.
Fans have expressed concern over the potential health risks associated with such drastic weight loss, calling for greater awareness of sustainable methods in the industry.
Despite the challenges, Black Swan remains a critically acclaimed film, praised for its haunting portrayal of obsession and perfectionism in the competitive world of ballet.
