Raw and Intoxicating Brilliance

Rating: 9/10 (7 August 2011)

An Aronofsky character drama in the most primal form.
Combining the raw ambition and power of Mickey Rouke with the tender Evan Rachel Wood and the self-aware Marisa Tomei, Darren Aronofsky brought the simple story of a struggling man to the screen with a sickening grace. During many of the almost faux-documentary moments it's difficult not to cringe at the sheer force of the touchingly harrowing film. Following a Wrestler at the bottom of his game, there is hardly room for feel-good, but Aronofsky manages to create the moments of hope that make the devastation that much more unforgettable.
A masterpiece of character drama and an unbelievably astonishing work of direction. Overall, a must see not only for Aronofsky but for all of the inexplicably incredible and emotional performances.