The Wrestler
Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was a professional wrestler who made the headlines of every major newspaper back in the eighties. With the passage of time, Randy is now in his twilight years. He manages to make both ends meet by wrestling in a few matches. The steroids and other body-building substances that he takes wreak havoc on his body.
When he collapses one day in the locker room after a particularly brutal fight, the doctor who attends to him tells him that he will not be able to wrestle anymore since his body can no longer take the strain. Estranged from his daughter, having no spouse to support him emotionally, and uncared for by anyone, save an exotic dancer (Marisa Tomei), he is unable to re- engage in a life devoid of wrestling.
Encouraged by his dancer friend, he attempts to make peace with his daughter, but old habits die hard. His booze-loving, irresponsible behavior pushes her further and further away. He tries to work at a grocery store, but when a fan recognizes him, he is ashamed of what he has become and longs for the glory he found back in the ring. He enters the ring one last time and that’s when his spirit comes alive and he simultaneously realizes that someone does care for him.
Although the theme of “I will survive” is normally inspiring, this movie depresses rather than inspires. Some of the wrestling scenes involving barbed wire, staples, and the like are too violent and bloody. But I guess that’s part of the package in a movie about wrestling.
This movie was nominated for two Oscars: one for Best Actor in a leading role and one for Best actress in a supporting role. Mickey Rourke won the Golden Globe for best actor in a leading role and was cheered on by the film fraternity since this has been a real-life comeback for Rourke who allegedly battled drug problems and was said to have blown his career due to his personal problems. Rourke reportedly turned down movies such Pulp Fiction which went on to become cult cinema.
The Wrestler is not only the resurrection of Randy Robinson, but in a way is also the resurrection of Mickey Rourke.
Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was a professional wrestler who made the headlines of every major newspaper back in the eighties. With the passage of time, Randy is now in his twilight years. He manages to make both ends meet by wrestling in a few matches. The steroids and other body-building substances that he takes wreak havoc on his body.
When he collapses one day in the locker room after a particularly brutal fight, the doctor who attends to him tells him that he will not be able to wrestle anymore since his body can no longer take the strain. Estranged from his daughter, having no spouse to support him emotionally, and uncared for by anyone, save an exotic dancer (Marisa Tomei), he is unable to re- engage in a life devoid of wrestling.
Encouraged by his dancer friend, he attempts to make peace with his daughter, but old habits die hard. His booze-loving, irresponsible behavior pushes her further and further away. He tries to work at a grocery store, but when a fan recognizes him, he is ashamed of what he has become and longs for the glory he found back in the ring. He enters the ring one last time and that’s when his spirit comes alive and he simultaneously realizes that someone does care for him.
Although the theme of “I will survive” is normally inspiring, this movie depresses rather than inspires. Some of the wrestling scenes involving barbed wire, staples, and the like are too violent and bloody. But I guess that’s part of the package in a movie about wrestling.
This movie was nominated for two Oscars: one for Best Actor in a leading role and one for Best actress in a supporting role. Mickey Rourke won the Golden Globe for best actor in a leading role and was cheered on by the film fraternity since this has been a real-life comeback for Rourke who allegedly battled drug problems and was said to have blown his career due to his personal problems. Rourke reportedly turned down movies such Pulp Fiction which went on to become cult cinema.
The Wrestler is not only the resurrection of Randy Robinson, but in a way is also the resurrection of Mickey Rourke.
Comments