Awards Smackdown: The Wrestler (Review)

Much as I love it, I understand that the world of film is a fickle one. After seven years of commenting on the industry, I know that last year's blockbuster can be next year's bargain basement DVD; today's cover star can be tomorrow's back page has-been. Rubbish movies often mine box office gold while true cinematic gems can remain untouched by all but the lucky few. Yet this is part of the industry's charm - the unpredictability, the surprises and the sense that, when you discover a fabulous film, you are part of something so much bigger than yourself yet something so personal that you feel the director is speaking directly to you.

Sometimes, though, it seems that the opinions of the whole film world finally align, and this Awards season is one of those times. The movies being bestowed with critical acclaim and nominations are, in the main, worthy of the attention. Which is a genuine pleasure to see.

So, in the run up to the BAFTAs on February 8th and the Academy Awards on February 22nd, I'll be reviewing some of the films I think deserve to be big winners. First up, Mickey Rourke in a real awards smackdown...

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The Wrestler

Stars Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood
Director Darren Aronofsky
Screenplay Robert D Siegel
Certificate 15
Distributor Optimum Releasing
Running Time 1hr 49mins
Country USA

Film history is littered with comebacks. From Katharine Hepburn, who turned her flagging career around with a self-deprecating performance in The Philadelphia Story, to John Travolta, who morphed from laughable Look Who’s Talking clown to the King of Cool with Pulp Fiction, it seems audiences love giving fallen stars a second chance – as long as they pick the right role, of course. And Mickey Rourke has done just that, as his portrayal of ageing wrestler Randy ‘The Ram’ Robinson has not only bagged him a Golden Globe award and BAFTA nomination (and, most likely, an Oscar nod), but also proves to be one of the greatest comebacks of modern cinema.

Those who remember Rourke as the pretty boy from 9 1/2 Weeks are going to be in for a shock, as years of professional fighting have made the actor virtually unrecognizable. But his powerful screen presence and phenomenal performance instantly override any superficial surprise, as you can’t help but invest in his strong characterisation. The Ram is an ageing wrestler now working in a grocery story, well past his professional prime but still trying to capture the glory by taking part in small fights. When he suffers a life-changing setback, however, he attempts to connect both with his estranged daughter (Wood) and his favourite stripper (Tomei). But when he’s offered a high-profile rematch with his old nemesis, he struggles to choose between living a quiet life and continuing to chase possible stardom.

After the spiritual etherealness of his 2006 brain-bender The Fountain, director Darren Aronofsky serves up a visceral, brawny, brutal and physical portrait of a man desperately trying to find some meaning in a life that has been anything but normal. By taking a risk with his leading man, and letting Rourke and the story speak for themselves, Aronofsky never overcomplicates proceedings or leads it into melodrama. And his cast is excellent, with Wood and Tomei providing excellent, well-pitched support.

But this is, of course, Rourke’s moment. As the increasingly desperate and bewildered Ram he is aggressive and vulnerable, frightening and sympathetic as he struggles to find a place in a world that’s leaving him behind. And although there are some moments in The Wrestler that are difficult to watch, Rourke is absolutely fascinating from beginning to end. Welcome back.

5 stars

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So, fingers crossed that Mr Rourke picks up the Best Actor BAFTA and Oscar to add to his Golden Globe. And that he carries on down the comeback trail; there have been several rumours about what his next project might be, including a villain in Iron Man 2 (although it seems Marvel won't stump up the cash) and Indian writer/director Vidhu Vinod Chopra's debut Broken Horses. Having seen The Wrestler (at the excellent Lincoln Plaza cinema in New York City) I don't really care - I just want to see him back on the big screen soon.