Movie Review: The Wrestler

THE WRESTLER
Main Players: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, et al.
Calling the shots: Darren Aronofsky
Running time: 115mins
What's it about? Randy “The Ram” Robinson is washed up. He has passed his “best before” date and wrestles on weekends to (barely) make ends meet. When health issues become a factor, he must choose between making amends with the people in his life and living life, or go for the ultimate glory in one final bout.

What did I think? Please welcome, from the depth of obscurity and time wasted on misguided pursuits, Mickey Rourke! Last seen in “Sin City” (which was good) but pretty much in acting purgatory before that, he has well and truly returned in grand fashion and has a Gold Globe to prove it.

The movie itself is not out of the ordinary. Actually, if anything, it’s a fairly standard drama that is rather depressing if you think about Randy’s missed opportunities and errors of his ways. Just when things start looking good for him, he blows it by falling back into bad habits and then is unable to get out again. You really can’t blame him for the decisions he makes and is all the more sympathetic for it.

Mickey’s performance though will quite literally blow you away. He certainly looks the part (of a wrestler), but it’s the emotion he brings to the screen. He is a beaten down piece of meat and he knows it (he wears hearing aids when he’s not wrestling for Christ sake). When he makes his final speech (apparently self penned) it’s almost like his talking about himself and it is very heartfelt.

The film is also made very stylishly. Almost like a documentary/behind the scenes type effect. It shows complete appreciation for the sport of pro wrestling and any wrestling fan will appreciate the detail and honesty that is brought to the screen (see things like the comradely in the locker room, the blading techniques, etc.) but it never overshadows the movie itself.

The other two actors of note, Tomei and Wood are also quite fantastic. Tomei playing a stripper and possibly he’s only friend, literally bares all and is a constant support. Wood, playing the estranged daughter is equal parts angry and longing for that father figure.

It’s not a happy film. But it’s a film you can most definitely enjoy; from the opening scene to the emotion-filled end. You’ll be in for a ride.

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