The Wrestler

I’m not sure when the last time Mickey Rourke had a starring role was. I would say it’s about the 1980s, but don’t quote me on that. His recent string of films include “Domino,” “Sin City,” and “Stormbreaker.” Other than “Sin City,” he hasn’t really had a big role or a recognizable role. Darren Aronofsky (“PI,” “Requiem for a Dream) decided to cast him in “The Wrestler” as Randy “The Ram” Robinson, the film’s main character.
It actually took some convincing on Aronofsky’s part. The studio was pressuring Aronofsky to get Nicolas Cage to play Randy.
I don’t mind Cage as an actor, but this role would not fit his persona. Rourke was the best choice for this film.
During the 1980s, Randy “The Ram” Robinson was at the top of his game in the sport of professional wrestling. As the years flew by, he got older and his image started to die. The muscles in his body begin to weaken, and his hearing is starting to dwindle away.
Outside of the ring, Randy doesn’t have much. He lives in a mobile home park and can barely make it by, sometimes having to spend nights in his van. He works at a deli during the week while his weekends are spent in the ring.
While he gets along well with the kids in the mobile home park and the other wrestlers, the only real friend he has is a stripper named Pam (Marisa Tomei). Even then, he only really sees her when she is working.
His wrestling career comes to a halt when he suffers a massive heart attack. Forced to retire, he looks to reconnect with his estranged daughter Stephanie (Evan Rachel Wood). Even though the doctor says he can’t wrestle anymore, he wants to fix things in his personal life and find a way to get back into the sport he loves.
Rourke’s story almost mirrors Randy’s. While he is no professional wrestler, Rourke has had experience in the boxing world. Pushing 60, Rourke has had a lot come up other than taking part in bad films. He got arrested on DUI charges and was also blamed for making homophobic comments.
The film symbolically and metaphorically recreates the life he has lived. Aside from “Sin City,” no one thought he could make a comeback and be a great actor ever again. But he’s proved his critics wrong.
Aronofsky doesn’t try to pull emotional strings; he just lets the tearjerker scenes come when they do. That’s the power of great acting and great directing. While Rourke is acting, it’s almost like he is talking to the viewer. Some quotes like “I’m an old, broke down piece of meat” and “I don’t want you to hate me” seem to reflect what Rourke wants to tell the people who have criticized him over the years.
I will admit I cried many times during this film. Rourke is remarkable in every scene. His facial expressions and emotions are as real as they could possibly get.
It’s like all these characters are facing tough times. Tomei is a single mother who spends her time stripping while Wood is a college student who has to discover if she wants to speak to her father after so many years of no communication.
Both actresses are amazing in their parts.
I remember growing up and watching professional wrestling. I knew it was fake in its acting and the match decisions. But the stunts pulled are real. The blood, the scars, everything is real.
There is a great song by Bruce Springsteen during the credits too.
I think this is coming to DVD next month and I will certainly get a copy.

Rating: 4 stars