The Wrestler
2009
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, and Evan Rachel Cook
Directed By: Darren Aronofsky
Before I begin the review, I'd like to give a personal little story here. First off, I've watched pro-wrestling off and on since I was 5 years old. Now my son watches it off an on, and has since he was about 3. I've been to live events, met countless wrestlers, used to write a weekly wrestling column, and know quite a bit about the inner workings of that business. With that said, I did watch with a critical eye, especially since this was billed as Mickey Rourke's comeback film.
Now, with that out of the way, this film is not just for wrestling fans. It's a morality tale in which the main character happens to be a pro-wrestler. This isn't a "rasslin" movie! That had to be said because wrestling is such a small part of this film. Now, here's the synopsis according to IMDB.com:
Back in the late '80s, Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was a headlining professional wrestler. Now, twenty years later, he ekes out a living performing for handfuls of diehard wrestling fans in high school gyms and community centers around New Jersey.
Estranged from his daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) and unable to sustain any real relationships, Randy lives for the thrill of the show and the adoration of his fans. However, a heart attack forces him into retirement. As his sense of identity starts to slip away, he begins to evaluate the state of his life -- trying to reconnect with his daughter, and striking up a blossoming romance with an exotic dancer (Marisa Tomei) who is ready to start a new life. Yet all this cannot compare to the allure of the ring and passion for his art, which threatens to pull Randy "The Ram" back into his world of wrestling.
Ok, that's about it for the plot. The movie clocks in just a few minutes past 1:45 minutes and isn't what you'd call a "blockbuster". This movie came in under the radar and then blew up when critics saw the performance of Mickey Rourke (for which he was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal).
The first 30 minutes of the movie are superbly well done, as is the last 30 minutes. It's the middle 45 where the movie seems to lose some of it's steam. Is this a bad thing? Not really, but considering the ending is sudden and abrupt and ends on a question mark, the middle of the film should have been tightened up some. Is it worth watching? Of course. It's brilliant and very well done, but to be fair and unbiased, I have to find something to complain about. So that's it. I'm complaining about the pacing of the second act of the film. Other than that, it's damn near a masterpiece.
The acting, of course, is competely top-notch. I don't know why people are saying that this is the comeback film for Rourke. He's always been a good actor, but has chosen some roles in movies that weren't quite right. Other than that, he DID make Sin City a few years back, so the comparisons to John Travolta and Pulp Fiction need to stop. Seriously, Rourke NEVER made a Look Who's Talking, so I don't see this as a comeback film, but instead I see it as a pinnacle film. It's the pinnacle of his acting ability and how far he goes for a role. Anyone who says this is a comeback for Rourke is mentally retarded. He just made some bad choices in the 90's.
As for the rest of the cast, his daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) isn't in it enough to matter, but when she is, she blows her scenes out of the water. She's got some heavy dialogue that just pours out of her with great emotion and power. Any parent will be moved by her performance. Marisa Tomei. Wow, what can I say? She's gold in anything, but here as an aging stripper bent on retirement, she does a VERY good job in making you believe her pain as a conflicted mom with a nightlife. Yes, you see her topless about fifteen times, so it's kind of hard to knockers (I mean knock) her performance. In fact, I'd like to see a spin-off flick just starring her as a stripper.
The directing is brilliant. Hands down brilliant. I've never really been a Darren Aronofsky fan, but he sold me on his talent with this film. He really makes you feel for Rourke and Tomei, but doesn't make you feel bad in the process. He tugs at your heartstrings with the story, but does it in such a delicate and gentle way, that you really don't even think about the action (wrestling) sequences (for the non-fans) as being a "fake" sport. He makes you realize that these pro-wrestlers are dedicated to their fans and give everything they have to put their bodies through Hell for entertainments sake. The camera work and editing under Aronofsky's direction really help sell the story instead of using trendy shots and cuts to make it flashy and appealing. The "feel" of the film is gritty and dark, just like the life of Randy "The Ram" Robinson.
The story, as with the acting and direction, is top-notch. Written by Robert D. Siegel, the story (except for the second act as I said above) is brilliant and well written. Siegel actually makes you care about the characters and feel their pain while not feeling sorry for yourself in the process. The dialogue is great, as is the overall character design and plot, so this guy (if he continues to write like this) has an Academy Award in his future.
There really aren't any special effects except for the wrestling matches, which a few of them will make you hurt and literally turn your head. Aronofsky used real wrestlers throughout the film, so 95% of the matches in the film are done by non-stuntmen. The matches themselves are actually brutal, so be on the lookout if you've never seen a "hard-core" match.
Overall, I really enjoyed the film and I'm glad I picked up the Blu-Ray disc. I've enjoyed the film, but I'm currently checking out the special features, to which there are a few good ones.
Bottom line is, whether you like wrestling or not, like Mickey Rourke or not, don't pass up this great film. I highly recommend it to everyone.
Rating: 
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