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The Wrestler-Movie Review Video

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THE WRESTLER

Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood

Directed by: Darren Aronofsky

Rated R for violence, sexuality/nudity, language and some drug use

By John Delia

The Wrestler is one of those films that show strong character build up, a great storyline, forceful acting and amazing direction. Of the nearly 300 films that I have seen in 2008, this one is in my top five. I loved the acting by Rourke, Tomei and script by Robert Siegel. If you like your drama with a lot of emotional pain, then this film should last in your memory way after the theatre lights come on.
Back in the late ‘80s, Randy The Ram Robinson (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 (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 (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.
Aronofsky puts his heart into the production showing the pain that wrestlers go through to bring out their best performance in the ring. Paying special attention to the techniques of wrestling, casting actual wrestlers and using realistic sets, Aronofsky brings realism to the film.
Marisa Tomei gives the supporting performance of her life as the stripper ready for pasture. Making her role a standout, Tomei puts on some unexpected movies while showing her very respectable assets during a lap dance scene. Adding some compassion to the storyline, she exudes the life of the over-the-hill dancer.
But the standout performance comes from Rourke as the over-aged, over weight, and over indulging popular wrestler who has seen his day, but doesn’t know anything else to pay him through life. He along with some nice performances by real life wrestlers brings the grisly sport to life. Doing all of his stunts, taking a tremendous beating and shining in the intimate scenes with both Tomei and Wood, Rourke should be a front-runner for an Oscar.
The film is rated R for violence, sexuality/nudity, language and some drug use so only responsible adults should view the film.

FINAL ANALYSIS: If you like good drama, The Wrestler should not be missed. (5 of 5 Palm Trees)

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