The Wrestler - 2009

Mickey Rourke is back. If your interested in The Wrestler you've probably read this already. A lot. But it's true. Mickey Rourke may have given his finest performance in The Wrestler. On a thematic level the film feels as if it was meant for Rourke. In one scene before a fight he addresses the crowd and the distinction between actor and character becomes blurred. And yet thankfully Mickey Rourke is not the only reason to watch The Wrestler. Darren Aronofsky makes a significant departure from Pi and Requiem For A Dream territory with an intimate handheld style which observes, follows and watches Rourke's Randy "The Ram" Robinson. Robert Siegel's script also presents an intimate portrait of a man coming to terms with the limits of his body, and realising that without that which he loves he doesn't have much else to cherish and saviour in life. Supporting Rourke is Marisa Tomei who gives a performance as engaging and emotional as Rourke's. Playing a stripper you also serves as a counterpoint to Rourke's wrestler. Both characters exploit their bodies for money and the enjoy of the crowd. But both are beginning to realise that their time is up.
Thankfully for all of the sentiment and emotion running around in this film, it never loses sight of its sense of humour. Nor does it opt for a typically sentimental ending. Instead leaving the opening slightly ambiguous. There are questions which remain unanswered and yet you feel satisfied. The ending shot is one which captures the films theme elegantly whilst also hinting at the greater tragedy of this man's life.
This is still Rourke's film. He gives passionate, emotional performance, truly relishing the chance to show his real actin range. He'll draw a tear to your eye, but also make you laugh, perhaps inappropriately. He also conveys the extreme vulnerability a man in Randy's position must feel. Although the best actor Oscar category this year may be a tough one, Rourke can feel quietly confident that when the envelope opens it'll be his name, and his return to the main stream of America cinema that will be the outcome. A if that happens it'll be long overdue. And if it doesn't, his reputation ill be cemented as one of the most engaging, heartfelt and enjoyable actors working today.