The scratches on Nina's back in Black Swan are self-inflicted marks resulting from a severe nervous tic, reflecting her escalating anxiety and internal conflict.
Early in the film, the audience is shown a small rash on Nina's back. These marks are a direct consequence of a nervous habit she has developed, where she compulsively scratches herself. As the pressure mounts and Nina delves deeper into her role as the Swan Queen, these self-inflicted wounds worsen, becoming more pronounced.
The presence and deterioration of these scratches serve several key purposes:
- Manifestation of Anxiety: They visually represent Nina's intense psychological distress and the profound anxiety she experiences throughout her journey to portray both the innocent White Swan and the seductive Black Swan.
- Symbol of Self-Harm: The worsening rash underscores a form of self-harm, indicating Nina's struggle with control and her deteriorating mental state. It's a physical manifestation of her internal turmoil.
- Mother's Reaction: Her mother, Erica, discovers the escalating severity of the rash. In an attempt to control Nina's self-destructive habit, she strips Nina down to her underwear and pulls her into the bathroom to forcefully cut her nails. This scene highlights the intrusive and suffocating nature of their relationship, further contributing to Nina's psychological torment.
These scratches are a powerful symbol of Nina's transformation, or rather, her unraveling, as she grapples with repression and the duality of her self, ultimately leading to a tragic climax. For more context on the film, you can visit the Black Swan IMDb page.
