The Wrestler
February 21, 2009
The Wrestler
The Wrestler is a fully fledged, iconic heartbreak of a movie. Mickey Rourke, who, as he himself says, spent 15 years fucking up his life, returns to take the lead in Darren Aronofsky’s latest.
After a few minor roles in major movies (Sin City being the last one of note), it’s great to see his premiere lead role make one hell of an impact.
Rourke’s true love of boxing has left its marks -- etched as the effects are into his much changed face. The 30lbs he gained for the role (with the aid of some steroid use) renders him almost unrecognisable as the ’80s heartthrob he once was.
Rourke plays Randy “The Ram” Robinson: a past it, wrestling icon of the ’80s. He spends his time working the ring amongst amateur and semi-pro league wrestlers for the little money it pays. Picking up menial work wherever he can get it, Randy is a highly respected individual in the ring, and a nobody outside of it.
Suffering physical pain presents little problem for Randy, though the toll this took on Rourke was probably substantial. Like Rourke himself, one suspects the major problems Randy experiences are psychological. Unable to pay his rent, he is a man unable to socialise easily, choosing to attempt to court a stripper who is also near the end of her career (brilliantly played by the stunning Marisa Tomei). Evan Rachel Wood plays his estranged, emo, lesbian daughter and, personally, I wish she hadn’t.
Part of the fascination with The Wrestler comes from the reflection of Rourke’s own life: one of past glories and self-induced isolation. A method actor, it can’t have been too far a stretch for him to find the emotions necessary to fully play the part -- even if he had to dig deep into his physical reserves.
With a heart attack rocking Randy to his core, we find him seeking the straight life. A regular job, a girlfriend, a family. Aronofsky has been brave enough to provide us with an ending that sees Randy’s glorious return to the ring, and he does not flinch from the truth -- ditching the Hollywood melancholy in favour of honesty.
This is a film that celebrates the simplicity, the truth of the human ability to be selfish -- and to revel in it. The Wrestler honours the spirit of soul and absolute freedom; though both prizes come with great expense. However, with Rourke nominated for an Oscar, I suspect his rewards are just about due.
9/10
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