The Wrestler (2008)

Anchored by the much heralded performance that has resurrected the reputation of actor Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler is a character study of exquisite quality and sensitivity. What has often been remarked upon is how Rourke’s character, a 50 something has-been professional wrestler known as Randy “The Ram” Robinson, is a perfect metaphor for the actor himself. Indeed actor and part couldn’t have been more well calibrated for each other, Rourke becomes Robinson body and soul and is riveting through out. He draws you in with his sympathetic performance, but he doesn’t force an interpretation on you. You see Randy at his best and his worst, his vulnerable side, the kindness and humility he is capable of showing; but you also see on several occasions how close to the surface dwells a volatile, frustrated, angry man, a self destructive narcissist. Here the performance reminded me of George C. Scott in Patton, you got the sense you were seeing the man as he was, without an subtle interpretive agenda of how your suppose to view him.

Director Darren Aronofsky has his eye on the tragedy of this man, which he surely is, but whether that tragedy is a result more of his innate character or the circumstances of his life is yours to judge. Professional wrestling here gets the Rocky treatment, these men have some creative soul, but little talent beyond their bulk and endurance, they shine for a brief moment of success, only to be reminded of its passing for the rest of their lives. Their blue-collar theater, which is a guys version of ballet meets soap opera, is a drug of cheers and momentary respect, and they just can’t live without it, though after a time it is no longer tenable. The story of Randy’s love interest, a striper past her prime played memorably by the still lithe Marissa Tomai, furthers this theme of a life path soon to run its course. This a beautiful movie that took me new places and contains much to be mined and savored, pluse even after all I’ve said you might not believe me when I tell you this is also one of the funniest movies of the year. My praise upon all involved. 5 out of 5.