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THE WRESTLER (Running Time: 105 min; Rated: R)
Reviewed by Denise Castillón

MICKEY ROURKE MAKES A TRIUMPHANT COMEBACK IN “THE WRESTLER”

In Darren Aronofskys’ gritty and bloody sports-themed drama, THE WRESTLER, Mickey Rourke conquers the role of Randy “The Ram” Robinson, an aging, headlining fighter. Rourke delivers an incredible emotionally raw performance that surpasses his ability to draw from his own eerily similar life story. We are as blessed as Rourke that this film brought back to life a tremendous talent thought lost.

Facing an isolating retirement and loss of identity, “The Ram” attempts to forge an intimate emotional connection. First, with an aging stripper, played plainly and tenderly by Marisa Tomei, then, with his estranged daughter, (Evan Rachel Wood). His failings with both relationships, leads him to the painful conclusion that his only real family are his faithful blue-collar fans.

Director of photography Maryse Alberti’s strong documentary background and use of verité-style filming produces a raw realism on the screen.

Beyond a character study, the film examines the “wide world” of wrestling; its’ athletic showmen and their hard core fans. An unrealized amount of attention is spent on the wrestlers’ personal grooming and maintenance as well as collaborating together to present a finely choreographed performance for their live, rabid audiences.

Recently, and deservedly, awarded a Golden Globe for his performance, Mickey Rourke shares the center-ring spotlight with actresses Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood. With a supportive role as the sarcastic grocery store manager that employs “The Ram” during his downtime, Todd Barry’s deadpan humor adds comedic relief to this heavily-weighted film. Such as when “The Ram” later concedes to work on the weekends, his mocking boss quips, “isn’t that when you sit on guy’s faces?!”

Directed by Darren Aronofsky. Written by Rob Siegel. Produced by Scott Franklin and Darren Aronofsky (Protozoa Pictures). Vincent Maraval, Agnes Mentre and Jennifer Roth are the executive producers. Distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures.