Movie Review: 'The Wrestler'

This is the part where I act like an authority on entertainment, and criticize the work of professionals who are, without exception, more successful than I in the industry in which we both work. Some people would say this is proof I have "balls", or "chutzpah" in Jewspeak. Others would say it's proof I'm a "douchebag". To catch up on any old reviews, you can find the link on the right hand side of the page, or just click here.

’The Wrestler’ is one of those films which, when they end, leave you sitting in silence, unable to completely digest what you’ve just seen. If you see it with somebody, you may just sit there as the credits roll, not gathering your things, not making any move to go. That’s the kind of film this is.

I kept thinking about ’The Wrestler’ long after it was over. Not so much the film, but the character -- has-been 80’s wrestler Randy “The Ram” Robinson, personified by Mickey Rourke. And I do mean “personified”, because while Rourke is acting here -- and acting beautifully -- rather than merely playing himself, we can’t deny the obvious. We can’t deny that we think of Robinson and Rourke as one and the same at times during the film. How could we not?

When Randy talks about being on top, and losing it, but not wanting to give up, how can we not imagine that the “sense memory” Rourke, an old school method actor, is using probably has to do with his film career? And in a very dramatic late speech, Rourke could clearly be seen as talking about himself when he talks about why he doesn’t quit wrestling.

But none of this should take away from Rourke’s performance. On the contrary, it adds to the viewer’s enjoyment. And Rourke is clearly working hard here. His body is pumped up to larger than life proportions, making him look the part. And he does his thing in the ring, taking the kind of punishment for his performance most wrestlers have to endure. But Randy has to endure a much heavier price than most wrestler’s.

After a long career, his body and broken and bent, and he requires numerous pills just to keep going. To make matters worse, he’s forced to take some job which require him to take ridiculous amount of punishment. I won’t spoil it here, but let’s just say a staple gun is involved. But Rourke balances this tough, battered exterior with a tender, playful (but also battered) interior. He love to play with the kids in his trailer park, he clearly have a lot of love for his fellow wrestlers. He’s sad, destitute, and damaged, but he has an easy smile, and a playful heart.

Caring is a sneaky little thread throughout ’The Wrestler’. You see it, most surprisingly -- and refreshingly -- between the wrestlers. They obvious have a lot of empathy and respect for each other, playfully choreographing their match and act as enemies in the ring. You see it in Randy’s need for a romantic connection with Cassidy (Marisa Tomei), a stripper who, despite their close relationship, charges him for lap dances. You see it is Randy’s need to ask for forgiveness from his daughter Stephanie (Rachel Evan Wood) for a lifetime of neglect. And you see it between Randy and his fans -- the one relationship Randy hasn’t let whither.

The film doesn’t look or feel like it was drafted by uber-talented director, Darren Aronofsky. His previous work has been much more stylish and impressive visually -- with the possible drawback of being a bit showy. This film is like the Bruce Springsteen song which plays over it’s closing credits -- gritty, bare bones, and straight-forward. It looks like someone’s first film more than a slick Hollywood director, but in a good, purposeful way.

As a matter of fact, Aronofsky reportedly could have had a lot more money for the budget had he accepted Nicholas cage as his star. But Aronofsky fought for Rourke, and I think him for it. Rather than a polished “Look Oscars, vote for this!” feel, it has the soul of a sleeper. Part of that comes from the great script by Robert Siegel. It’s never too melodramatic, but also makes its point. It doesn’t have a big Hollywood ending, nor should it. It tells its story the only way it seeming could. It seems perfect in its smallness.

The cast is also perfect. Marisa Tomei has just the right mix of sweetness and savvy. She likes this big lug, but she wouldn’t be opposed to working him for some cash. She’s almost as desperate as he is, and in just as unforgiving a dead-end profession -- both are made for the young, and they aren’t young anymore. Their situations and relationship seems so real, it’s a little painful to watch. Rachel Evan Wood is able to convey a lifetime of hurt in a short period of time, and turns a small role into a memorable one.

Randy wants to go straight, but there’s something people say about that involving an old dog and some new tricks. Randy’s been trained to live his life a certain way -- an uncompromising way -- and it’s too late to change now. He presents an interesting dichotomy in hos working life -- he wants the respect of having his chosen name on his name tag, but doesn’t want to be recognized for who he is. He’s sorry for a lot of things, but never feels sorry for himself. He just wants to make it through another day, and maybe find someone he cares about to care about him -- just like the rest of us.

’The Wrestler’ is a great film in the tradition of dramas about working class heroes, like ’Rocky’ and ’On the Waterfront’. It may not be a classic, but will earn raves for Rourke, and I’d be shocked if he wasn’t nominated for an Oscar. If I had my way, he’d win.

Using the age-old Hollywood scale of judgment -- HIGHLY RECOMMEND/RECOMMEND/CONSIDER/PASS (circle one) -- I rate 'The Wrestler':

HIGHLY RECOMMEND