The Wrestler

There are typically very few redeeming qualities that make a viewer sympathetic to a miserable character. The Wrestler strikes the chord of one of those qualities and transforms a drug-addicted, trailer-living loser who has neglected his family and his financial responsibilities in favor of his passion and only true skill. Not unlike Rocky Balboa, he is a champion for the common man, but with less notoriety and support from family and friends. He is a lonely warrior in the decline of his life.

What makes him so endearing is both passion and generosity. He loves what he does - to the point that his body is a degenerating mass of muscle. Most people would have quit when the sheer weight of the punishment that they have taken cause painkiller addiction, constant aches and pain, hearing loss and constant agonized breathing that is shown so sincerely by Mickey Rourke. Despite a brief tenure at the top of his craft, he is a consummate professional; respectful to his fellow wrestlers, adoring of his fans, and great with the kids who live in his trailer park. His gentle nature is shown through his sad, pained eyes and his ragged beat-up body and face.

This would have been a terrible movie had anyone else been cast in the lead role. Rourke was born to play this role as he passes both physically and personally as a legitimate wrestler. The sadness and longing for the life he had while at the top of his game is clear through the entire film as he struggles to cope with his declining health, and attempts to reconcile with his estranged daughter.

The secondary story of his failed attempts to connect with a local stripper (Marissa Tomei) is yet another indicator of the irony in his character's nature. Through the surface appearance of a string of misguided and questionable decisions, at the heart of the matter, he is just a man in need of a friend.

The scenes where he confronts his daughter are the most emotionally poignant. The confluence of strong and weak is riveting and sincere without being overdone.

I don't think Darren Aronofsky knew what he was getting from Rourke when he was cast. The raw emotion, although subtle and natural, carries the film to the brink of greatness. This film is exceptionally acted by Rourke, but I do think that the small scale of the film, as well as the narrow target audience will prevent it from taking home any awards - with the exception of original song. There is something catchy and familiar about Springsteen's the Wrestler. Although unoriginal, it may bring home the gold. I would expect nominations for Rourke, as well as original screenplay, but Langella still owns the best performance of 2008.

Great film, and a comeback vehicle for Rourke. I loved him in Sin City, and am looking forward to his role as the villain in Iron Man 2. 3 Nominations and 1 win. 8/10.