Last night I watched the newest movie in the challenge list, the new Darren Aronofsky movie, The Wrestler featuring Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei. It revolves around legendary wrestler Randy ‘The Ram’ Robinson, once one of the biggest stars in Wrestling, as he works the Independent wrestling circuit as a near-retired wrestler who still holds his own against the up-and-comers of the industry but whose heart is struggling to take the strain of competitive matches.
Seperated from his wife, no friends and a daughter he never saw grow up, played by Evan Rachel Wood, his performance is both fragile and powerful in equal measure but without the sentimentality and fakeness that is usually the mainstay of American movie making. Aronofsky’s The Wrestler takes direction as an almost documentary approach through Rourke’s life as Randy The Ram, leading the viewer believing they are living his life with him and are often left hanging on to every word. The direction is certainly a highlight of this movie, never has professional wrestling looked so real with scenes so gritty and real looking it’s sure to draw a grimace or two whilst keeping the integrity and no doubt, appreciation from professional wrestlers and fans alike.
Mickey Rourke’s performance is sure to land him an Oscar nomination for a powerful, heartbreakingly real performance he deserves all the accolades that have been thrown at him for his portral of ‘The Ram’ in this movie.
If I enjoy every movie on the list as much as I enjoyed The Wrestler than I am due for a real enjoyable time throughout this challenge. I recommend you see this movie.
