Before any of the hype, I saw a trailer before a movie for a little upcoming film called simply “The Wrestler.” As I saw the trailer a couple more times and heard the early reviews, my expectations rose considerably. I finally got to see the film tonight, and it did what few films have done for me: It exceeded my expectations.
As you’ve no doubt heard, Mickey Rourke is the movie. His portrayal of an over-the-hill wrestler struggling to find his own meaning in life is one of the great performances of our time. So often the tears rolling down the cheeks of the characters we watch on the big screen are contrived; You can see the words on the script: “Main character cries.” Rourke’s laughter and his tears are organic; His character’s pain, be it physical from the pounding in the ring or emotional from the pounding of his one-fast-paced life, is brilliantly vivid yet not overplayed.
There isn’t much to the story; The previews tell most of it. A wrestler tries to make a comeback and struggles with relationships with his daughter and the object of his affection (a stripper brilliantly played by Marisa Tomei). It’s the twists and turns along the way, sometimes very subtle, that move you. Most of the film is uncomfortable to watch, as this hulk of a man is broken down by the women in his life and the body he tries desperately to keep young. But it is deeply satisfying. Loss is a theme every person can understand; We all experience it throughout our lives. Whether it’s our favorite team losing, or losing a job, or losing a friend, or losing a lover, every person understands loss. Few stories I have seen get to the core of loss better than “The Wrestler.”
I’ve heard some gay people pooh-pooh the movie because they desperately want Sean Penn to win every Best Actor award for his portrayal of Harvey Milk. I’ve seen both movies: Both performances are good, but Rourke’s performance body slams Penn’s from the top rope.
By the way, I also love Bruce Springsteen’s theme song for the movie. Hauntingly perfect. In case you haven’t seen it, you can see the trailer here:
on Dec 31st, 2008 at 11:48 AM
I wholeheartedly agree Cyd. I need to see Milk, but I can tell you Mickey Rourke definitely gives a magnificent, Oscar-worthy performance. Ram is a truly tragic figure who just can’t feel anything if he isn’t in the ring. There are lots of little subtle things going on to show how trapped in the past he is (like selling his Best Of compilation on VHS). But overall, he gives a magnificent performance for which he can and should get nominated.
Whether or not he’ll win is another story. Brad Pitt, Frank Langella, Leo DiCaprio, and Sean Penn are ALL deserving and this is going to be a tough year for everyone.
on Dec 31st, 2008 at 5:13 PM
Rourke is indeed great — Best Actor will be a tough category for sure. But the movie is less so; I felt like I’ve seen this story before (it’s basically “Rocky” with an artsy ending) and c’mon: estranged daughter? Check. hooker-with-heart-of-gold? Check. emotional meltdown? Check. But definitely worth seeing for Rourke.
on Jan 1st, 2009 at 10:17 AM
I am sure I’d enjoy this movie. But am doing my own personal boycott because of the homophobic statements by Mickey Rourke.
on Jan 4th, 2009 at 7:14 PM
It is very much like watching a documentary. The acting is amazing and the story is not cliched, it’s realistic.
on Jan 5th, 2009 at 3:08 PM
Cyd I agree. A very powerful film, I enjoy films that have limited music, special effects and “noise”. This film was raw and well acted. However a couple things bugs me.
1) Why was he living in a trailer? I don’t know much about professional wrestlers salaries. Did Ram blow an earlier fortune, or was he never a wealthy man. I thought explaining this could have given me more insight on this man.
2) What is the extent of his prescription pain medication addition, was/is he addicted, if so did he address this earlier in his life?
3) What was the extent of his relationship with the mother of his daughter?
I enjoyed the film even though I had these questions.
on Jan 28th, 2009 at 7:06 AM
Finally saw The Wrestler and I thought it was amazing. How was this film not nominated for Best Picture?! As much as I’d like Sean Penn to win for Milk, I personally would vote for Mickey Rourke. I loved him, loved his character (the funny bits in the deli just kill me). Kudos to director Darren Aronofsky.