Despite appearing in a plethora of films over the past decade, the spotlight has never focused on Mickey Rourke the same way it was in films that solidified his career like “Rumble Fish,†“Diner†and “Angel Heart.†Due to personal problems that could have ruined many others’ lives, never mind their careers, Rourke was in desperate need of a script that captured his abilities as an actor.
It just so happens that Darren Aronofsky’s, “The Wrestler†is that film and one that may be ultimately remembered as Rourke’s best ever.
Telling a story of a down on his luck professional wrestler, those not interested in the industry will still find this film immensely gripping because the characters are so human, so relate-able that the wrestling almost takes a back seat. If it still doesn’t seem like your cup of tea, imagine a character study of someone who is destined to fail in whatever endeavor they choose. That main endeavor just happens to be reclaiming his spot in the wrestling industry.
Those who have followed the sport for years will find it even more intriguing, as it mirrors the lives of hundreds of professional wrestlers whose best days are far behind them. The actual wrestling done in the movie is realistic [when compared to what is on TV today], technically solid and provides hardcore fans with plenty of suspense. There’s a reason why dozens of professional wrestlers have voiced their love of the film and the actual spots in the ring are one of the reasons why.
The biggest reason why however are the situations Rourke finds himself in, from buying drugs to going to a dollar store in an effort to secure weapons for a hardcore match that show the day to day activities of a professional wrestler who isn’t in his prime anymore. It’s often not a pretty scene, but it’s gritty and real and ultimately gets a reaction out of you.
It’s also fitting that Rourke plays a character with the problems Randy “The Ram†Robinson has, as it appears Robinson’s problems have been as well-documented as his. Robinson also experiences the same fall from grace that Rourke has endured and even triumphed over. However, in this film, Rourke plays a character that doesn’t have the drive and ambition to change his life. As a matter of fact, some might say “The Ram†is easily one of the most sympathetic and pitiful characters in cinema over the past decade. Throughout the film, you’ll see him want to change his life, but he lacks the intangibles to do so.
Marisa Tomei plays a stripper named Cassidy that lacks the qualities to change her life as well. When paired with Rourke, they become a pity-party that is ironically irresistible, yet unstable. Seeing them battle their demons together, without solving any of their problems makes you think about how similar these professions are.
Evan Rachel Wood is also solid as Robinson’s daughter Stephanie, who is stuck in the middle of her father’s disaster of a life. Through several emotional scenes, we see how bad their relationship is and how Robinson is incapable of being the father she needs. Nevertheless, you root for them to iron out their differences and be a family.
That in a sense is the driving force of the film.
Despite the excellent acting, the real star of the film is cinematographer Maryse Alberti who shoots in a documentary style that makes the story that much realer. Looking at the film as a whole, it’s fair to say that its message would not have been nearly as effective if shot in another way. Because of this, this movie has all the ingredients of an award-winner.
Professional wrestling may not be for everyone, but with a great sense of style and a once in a lifetime performance by Rourke, “The Wrestler†is a film that will put you down for the three-count every single time.
It’s not the champion of the human spirit you’d love to see in a story like this, but it’s real enough to touch your heart in a completely different way.
Hey Review Fix Editor,
Loved reading your review of The Wrestler.