The Wrestler

Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marissa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, and Ernest Miller

Written by: Robert D. Siegel

Directed by: Darren Aronofsky

In a time where there is very little originality that makes it through the system to a point where it is actually produced and shown, one such film is The Wrestler. Free of plot devices or hyped up storylines, The Wrestler is simply a slice of someone’s life.

A very interesting someone. Whether or not you’re a fan of wrestling, it is captivating to see behind the scenes, especially from the viewpoint of Randy “The Ram” Robinson.

Mickey Rourke is simply phenomenal and deserves all the accolades he has gotton. Likewise Marissa Tomei did a fine job with her role as Mickey’s favorite stripper turned girlfriend. Evan Rachel Wood also did a more than credible job as Randy’s estranged daughter.

And that is what was needed in this type of movie that is in no way event driven. The only big event that takes place is Randy’s heart attack which forces him to contemplate and attempt retirement.

But the film is really about the character and his life as pathetic as it has become but as dignified as he could possibly be.

Overall I can see why this film received so many votes as film of the year as it just simply is a wonderfully engrossing film with characters that draw you in and make you care.

And if you like (or liked) professional wrestling at any point in your life, you will get that much more out of it and realize the lifestyle that some wrestlers can be drawn into. Sad and touching, but undeniably powerful.

A-