Down For The Count
The scenes involving The Ram and his daughter (Wood) don’t ring true. Wood, one of the best young actresses working today (Across The Universe), doesn’t have much to do here, playing the Angry Young Woman who only needs a nice birthday present, a walk along the boardwalk (left, with The Ram) and a few tears from her Real Bad Dad to make things right.
But he better not be late for that dinner date, or else.
Mile High Five or Dive?
Give it a 4. And believe the hype (it won best film in Venice and has been mentioned as a possible Oscar contender).
The realism is almost too good to be true, from the action sequences (with real-life wrestlers) to the blood spatters to the razor cut to the forehead, which Rourke reportedly did to himself in showing one of The Ram’s tricks of the trade. And while it’s not for someone with a weak heart or weak stomach, it has plenty of lighthearted moments to keep you in The Wrestler’s firm grasp.
Extras
- To see the trailer of the movie that is scheduled for a limited release on December 19, go to the official Fox Searchlight Web site.
- For the director's insights about the film, read Aronofsky’s blog.
- For festival movie listings, go to the DFF Web site.
- Go here for more from the festival.
- Here’s a clip from the New York Film Festival featuring director Darren Aronofsky and actor Mickey Rourke discussing how they tried to keep it real.
Article comments
1 - carmen
Great review. Although I'm not normally a fan of wrestling or boxing movies I just might have to see this one.
2 - Michael
Thanks, Carmen. I'm not a big fan of boxing or wrestling either but this was a compelling look at the ugly side of the business, and it was fun to see Mickey Roarke in this role.