Excellent character study with strong acting, and an interesting story...

Rating: 8/10 (17 February 2009)

Darren Aronofsky's fourth film as director is not nearly as strange or unorthodox as his previous three, but is more straightforward, and is dependent on the story and the main character rather than atmosphere. THE WRESTLER is all about Mickey Rourke, who gives the best performance of an otherwise mediocre career. It is a performance worthy of a Best Lead Actor nomination, perhaps not a victory. Rourke portrays the aging wrestler who has lost touch with almost all humanity. He works a dead-end day job, and struggles to make the rent. All his money is spent on performance enhancers, legal and illegal. His only daughter has disowned him and his only meaningful relationship is with a stripper who is also nearing the end of her career. His other 'real' relationship is with his hordes of bloodthirsty fans.
Rourke does not take the easy way out, playing the role with melodrama, or begging the audience for pity and sympathy. Instead, he is a proud man, disconnected form humanity, cut off from the rest of the world. All he knows is wrestling.
The film goes to some length to give a behind-the-scenes view of mainstream wrestling. As most people are aware of by now, much of the violence is simulated and exaggerated, and most of the fight is scripted. I have long stopped watching (about 10 years now), abandoning the violent soap opera that calls itself professional wrestling.
Much must also be said about a smoking hot Marisa Tomei, who is perhaps reason enough to watch the film, not only for the obvious visceral pleasure, but for the intelligent way she portrays her character. Her nomination for Best Supporting Actress was well-deserved.
THE WRESTLER is a fine Motion Picture. It is still a bit strange to see Aronofsky take the straightforward route, but to his credit, it works in his favour. 8/10. 3.5 stars (out of 4). Should enter my top 200 at 173. Highly recommended.