Darren Aronofsky has praised leading lady Natalie Portman for her preparation for new movie The Black Swan.
Aronofsky is back behind the camera, for the first time since The Wrestler, and Portman takes on the lead role of a ballet dancer in the film.
Speaking at the UK premiere of the movie at the London Film Festival he said: "I gave Natalie a good opportunity I think and she was cast well and she really did the work. She spent 12 months studying ballet and becoming a dancer.
"I think that physical workout really mentally got her there. She came to the set very, very prepared and she should do well because she was so easy to work with."
The movie, despite not being released until the New Year is already surrounded in Oscar whispers with Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress all believed to be a possibility.
However Aronofsky was unsure about taking home the Best Director award: "I make really dark, edgy films - they always scare way too many people."
Black Swan is released 11th February.
Tagged in Darren Aronofsky Natalie Portman