Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

The Wrestler
2008
***
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Cast: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Mark Margolis, Todd Barry, Wass Stevens

In the 1980s, Mickey Rourke broke through as an explosive acting talent. After brilliant turns in films like Rumble Fish and Barfly, he was hailed as the new Brando. In the early 1990s, he was in the headlines more for his colourful private life than his films, which were all turkeys. He then decided to quit acting for boxing, which transformed his physical appearance. He reintroduced himself to the current generation in Sin City. In this tailor-made role, Rourke plays a veteran wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson, whose glory days were in the 1980s. The 1990s he would rather just forget entirely. In the present day, his body is falling apart and he's barely making ends meet, but he's still holding out for that big match which could bring a change in fortunes. It's obvious that this tough and gritty drama is as much about Randy as it is about Mickey Rourke, who is indeed brilliant here. He captures the physicality of the character, but more importantly he conveys Randy's vulnerability, which helps us to feel his regrets, disappointments, and fear of loneliness. Sadly the film is not as strong as Rourke's performance. It's at its best in the quieter moments when Randy tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter, find companionship in an aging stripper, or work at the supermarket meat counter. The wrestling matches are even duller and more unpleasant than in real life, and the story on the whole plays out pretty much as expected.