Another Aronofsky Masterpiece!

Rating: 8/10 (31 March 2009)

Being an admirer of Darren Aronofsky's (Requiem for a Dream, Pi) films, I decided to give this a watch before all the Oscar hype and whatnot. I wasn't particularly familiar with Mickey Rourke so I did not expect much. Now, don't get this film wrong. Just because it's about a wrestler does not mean the plot revolves around the sport or whatnot. This film is about life itself. Think along the lines of Gran Torino.
Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised and significantly impressed by Mickey Rourke's portrayal of immensely popular yet burnt-out professional wrestler Randy 'The Ram' Robinson who is past his prime and coming to terms with it. After suffering a career-stopping heart attack, he decides to retire and end his wrestling days for good. Slowly, his life spirals downward exacerbated by the strained relationship with his estranged daughter - portrayed by Evan Rachel Wood - and only comforted by a similarly burnt-out past-prime stripper - played by Marisa Tomei - he regularly shares intimate conversations and moments with.
This film is very straight-forward and gives the viewer a perspective of Randy 'The Ram' Robinson's life. Although you may not think so, I am vehemently sure more than a few of us have been through (or currently going through) this stage of life he's experiencing where it feels like the whole world is against you.
Extremely gritty, brutal, intriguing, jarring and unequivocally familiar, The Wrestler takes us on a journey about life itself and how important bonds and relationships are and how a slight deterioration in either can lead to a very depressing phase for anyone. The most peculiar and unique feature of this film is that when you watch it, you really feel for Randy. It's not overly emotional or unnecessarily depressing but more of a subtle and poignant rendition. To say that this film made my eyes watery is a shrewd understatement but to say that it made me bawl is an exaggeration. This is one of the rare films which is in between those emotional reactions. It's heartwarming in some parts while shockingly vulgar in others. Vivid and gnarly, this film should appeal to any moviegoer and for those who methodically analyze and dissect films, this one should be a definite keeper.
Darren Aronofsky has succeeded in banding Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood into a wonderful concoction of talent and stellar performances. I am quite disappointed that the Oscars jumped on the hype of Slumdog Millionaire instead of considering this film which I believe should have won Best Picture hands down.
Nonetheless, I'm very sure you will enjoy this film and highly recommend it.
Two thumbs up!