The Wrestler

by Le Anne Lindsay, Editor

Probably not a film I would have seen on the big screen any other time of the year. It would have been regulated to about #27 on my Netflix Queue. But it’s Golden Globe and Oscar time! Watching these awards shows with first hand knowledge of as many nominated movies as possible, makes the annual experience that much richer.

Part of this year’s buzz highlights Mickey Rourke’s come back performance and Marisa Tomei’s hot, 40 year old, nude body.The former is worth the hubbub – Rourke is truly living this role!
The latter is a bit overrated – the poor woman is emaciated in this film. No. Don’t go assuming I’m a Mo’ Nique that hates “Skinny Bitches” or that I can’t compliment another woman on looking great, that’s not me at all. But skin and bones does not constitute a great body in my opinion, no matter your age. As for Tomei’s role and acting in the film – as expected, a good performance, not break-out, but genuine.

The film has a stark, unfiltered look to it that fits the title character, Randy “The Ram” Robinson’s life. Footnote: I’ve noted that on several sites, including IMDB the Wrestler’s name is as stated above. But I’m certain his name was Robin “The Ram” Randansky or Rand something, because several times in the film he stresses using Randy rather then his feminine given name of Robin.

Director Darren Aronofsky and writer Robert D. Siegel captured the physical and emotional pain, the quest for glory and the behind the scenes humor that comes with the life of a professional wrestler. It’s sad to imagine the composite of wrestlers from the 80’s heyday of Wrestle Mania, this character represents. Men desperately trying to cling to the sport, even if it means being paid crap to wrestle at rinky dink auditoriums and schools, hawking old paraphernalia and autographs at dismally attended signings. Living in a trailer, frequenting strip joints and still pumping their old, tired bodies full of steroids till it rebels.

Randy’s not a bad guy, he’s well-liked in the industry, seems to genuinely want to rekindle his relationship with his estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) and isn’t one to overly indulge in self-pity. The problem is, he knows only one thing and only one thing really matters.

Rating: Pretty Middle Toe

Congratulations to Mickey Rourke on his Golden Globe win!