DVD Review: The Wrestler (2009)
Mickey Rourke Shines in Gritty Drama About Loss and Pain
Apr 28, 2009
A brilliant film by gifted artistic helmer Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain), The Wrestler is a gritty look at the pitfalls of professional wrestling, and the toll it can take on the body, the mind, and family.
The Wrestler Synopsis
Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke, bulky muscles and all) is a fan-favorite "has-been" from the 1980's, whose star has consistently faded as the years went by, as the fights got less and less frequent.
Now, 20 years later, the damage is done, the fame all but a memory, and Randy is now reduced to a series of unfortunate events, pride swallowing predicaments, basically the life of a forgotten legend.
Randy's path in life has left him alone, with permanent injuries, and left him to rely on a variety of pills to dull both physical and emotional pain.
When The Ram suffers a crippling physiological event following his latest low-paying match in a local arena, he is medically forced to reexamine his life and choices, that is, if he wants to survive.
While on the mend, Randy attempts to reconcile with estranged daughter, as well as form a lasting bond with a friendly local stripper. Both endeavors are fraught with difficulties.
When Randy hits rock bottom emotionally and mentally, realizing wrestling is all he knows, he decides to go all out, preferring to go out with a bang, rather than fade into obscurity.
The Wrestler Overall Analysis
Ironically (and much to the dismay of thousands of WWE fans at Blockbuster), this film isn't so much about wrestling, than it is about the harsh reality of life outside the ring. The movie pays tribute to the art of professional wrestling (and even delves into the secret codes of the "kayfabe", which is how the talent plans out the fight in advance with the result already decided), while putting more focus on the interpersonal relationships (or lack thereof) that come with the métier.
Mickey Rourke blessedly deserves every bit of praise he got for this film, presenting us with an awesome physique, and convincingly shows both inner and outer scars, a man broken in more ways than one.
Evan Rachel Wood (Across the Universe) tries to shine as Randy's daughter Stephanie, but doesn't get as much of a chance, given her limited screen time. Mind you, her role is one of very few to allow Rourke to emote past the collage of humiliating scenes of Randy being reduced to working the deli counter at the local grocery store chain.
Marisa Tomei doesn't have much to work with either as Cassidy/Pam; her role as the sympathetic stripper with the heart of gold, is laughably predictable.
All in all, it is commendable to see Darren Aronofsky try something different, compared to the rather metaphysical stories he' decided to tackle in years past (Pi and The Fountain, especially). With The Wrestler, he's able to show a range that not only modestly explores the human condition in a fairly recognizable setting, but he also lays out an excellent stage for one of the most underrated actors of the 1980's to come back to top form (very much like the Randy character).
The Wrestler is a poignant character study, filled with pain, sadness, and some nudity (so put the kids to bed early, this isn't WWE Smackdown...though they liberally show skin too!). We can hope for Rourke to find similar worthwhile projects in the near future.
8.75 out of 10, for a brilliant character study, and an outstanding performance by Mickey Rourke.
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