Oscar-worthy in my book........... (The Wrestler (DVD))

Member Name: pmcds

Product:	The Wrestler (DVD)
Date:	14/06/09 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Most things, but mainly Rourke

Disadvantages: Nothing, for me

A film only review:

I've never really thought much of Mickey Rourke. As an actor, I've seen him in a few films, such as 9.5 weeks, Double Team, and Domino. Throughout his acting career, he has visually changed, and I think this is the first time, since 9.5 weeks, where I have seen him in the lead role where a great deal of focus is on him.

I admit: I was apprehensive. There was a lot of hype about the film, and I didn't really know what to expect. I understood there was something about a wrestler (yeah? no kidding!), and there was an estranged daughter, and apparently Rourke's performance was supposed to be awesome. Beyond that, I hadn't a clue.

The start of the film doesn't appear to reveal much, as we literally follow Rourke's character, Randy 'The Ram' about his daily/weekly business of wrestling at the weekends and working in a supermarket warehouse during the week. However, none of this has any kind of glamour attached to it, and this seems to be the point, and as such is very revealing. The wrestling we often see on TV with the WWE, with huge arenas, is a far cry from Randy's life, where the 'arena' is little more than a gym, with no stands. The pay is as miserable as the first half an hour depicts his life to be. And throughout, he maintains a bit of decorum, a relaxed attitude, and entrances you as a watcher. Before you know it, half an hour is gone, and the dialogue is minimal.

But it didn't used to be like this. One time, 20 years previously, Randy was a high profile wrestler, with his nemesis the Ayatollah, and world famous with it. Sadly, he has fallen on hard times, physically, mentally, emotionally, and personally. Drugs and solitude feature heavily, and his adult daughter is angry at him for never before showing an interest. The woman he loves is a lap dancer, and even she doesn't seem to be fully into him.

All things considered, the visual effect of the filming is amazing. It is almost like following a real person, day to day, as he struggles to maintain some kind of goal, ambition, some kind of point to his life. Shunned and then accepted, the film's title seem to refer more to his state of mind rather than his chosen profession, as we seem him constantly wrestle with his life. Foillowing a heart bypass, he is warned that he has to take it easy, and this, naturally, does not sit well with him.

And here is where the real wrestling takes palce. A true king of the ring, he fights with his inner self, which tells him to get back in the ring, knowing that this is a risk that should not be taken. 'Will he or won't he?' seems to be the story for the majority of the film, and I have to admit, I was on the edge of my seat for most of the film, wondering where it would lead.

There is no doubting Rourke's ability here. The guy does an absolutely amazing job of appearing like a regular guy going about his daily business in what is essentially a fictional, biographical film. It's extremely well acted by the man, and a lot of this comes through on screen as a result of some outstanding performances around him as well, most notably from Marisa Tomei as Cassidy, the aformentioned lap dancer, and Evan Rachel Wood as Stephanie, the aforementioned estranged daughter.

All in all, I have to say that this was an extremely moving drama. I have a new found respect for Rourke, and I now understand what all the pre-Oscar hype with his performance was about. I highly recommend watching this film. It's well written, acted and well filmed. Hats off to all concerned: an excellent film.

Summary: An excellent film in front of and behind the camera