We continue looking at Oscar hopefuls this week with Darren Aronofsky’s, The Wrestler (R). Mickey Rourke stars as Randy “The Ram” Robinson a once popular wrestler whose time in the ring has passed. While still trying to wrestle in smaller circuits, “The Ram” struggles not only with his career but with the few relationships in his life. Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood costar.
Andy: In case you haven’t already heard, Mickey Rourke is amazing in this movie. He carries the movie from beginning to end, lumbering through the narrative with a combination of broken down humanity and bravado that is rarely seen in movies. The juxtaposition of his extremely physical performance with both subtle and overtly dramatic scenes is nothing short of remarkable.
Ryan: Most of the buzz surrounding The Wrestler starts and ends with Mickey Rourke’s transcendent performance. Don’t get me wrong it’s a fantastic performance. Here’s what isn’t being said. The Wrestler is one of the best films of the year. It’s not being talked about as a best picture contender but it should be. The Wrestler is a brilliant film. It’s a movie that leaves you emotionally drained yet satisfied.
Andy: The Wrestler is a very high quality movie. I have not heard anyone claiming otherwise, but the astonishingly high quality performance of Rourke overshadows how solid the movie is. Director Darren Aronofski completely redeems himself after the failure of 2006’s ambitious The Fountain. The Wrestler is a completely different movie, tackling the harsh realities of the fantasy world of professional wrestling. Watching Roark’s deconstruction of Randy “The Ram” Robinson over the course of film makes the film powerfully moving.
Ryan: Mickey Rourke has already scored the Golden Globe award for Best Actor and an Oscar nomination is certain to be around the corner. The only thing that could work against Rourke’s performance is ascertaining how much of his performance is acting or how much is it Rourke playing himself. But even with that said, there’s no question that Rourke’s performance is one of the best’s of the year. His authentic portrayal of a washed-up wrestler is layered with an emotional resonance that just isn’t seen in most films.
Andy: Not to be short changed here both Evan Rachel Wood and (especially) Marisa Tomei put forth some very fine supporting performances. Both actresses did not have a whole lot of substance to work with, as the best chops were reserved for Rourke’s character, but both made their characters meaningful and complex as a backdrop for The Ram’s descent.
Ryan: Whether one is a fan or not of professional wrestling is not important in appreciating this film. Yes, the movie is about wrestling but it's about so much more than that. It's about finding value and self-worth in life. It's about taking chances in opening oneself up to others. The Wrestler is a slice of life and Aronofsky does a skillful job in showcasing the ups and downs—the happiness and sadness—that all people go through and struggle with as they travel through life.
The Wrestler is a great achievement for Mickey Rourke and Darren Aronofsky for making an intense and nuanced film that hits the emotional buttons hard.
Final grade: A-.
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