"Rourke certainly deserves adulation for playing Randy, a man so worn down, yet ever optimistic, that the actor could be a worthy Oscar contender."

This is a remarkably harrowing and immensely commendable return to a lead role for colourful actor, Mickey Rourke, who has seen more than his fair share of controversy, and been written off in the eyes of Hollywood in the past. Actually, what initially appears to be an average life story about the decline of a 1980s’ wrestler called Randy ‘The Ram’ Robinson, becomes a poignant, parallel insight into all who have been disregarded by society, due to age, social circumstances, or any other factor that proves handy for those with the ‘labelling’ power at the time. The film is a compelling warning, shot in a pseudo-documentary style - making it refreshingly different from any Rocky film - that addresses the Western world’s worrying obsession with appearance that pushes some to the brink for adulation and eternal youth. Rourke certainly deserves adulation for playing Randy, a man so worn down, yet ever optimistic, that the actor could be a worthy Oscar contender.

Like Randy, Rourke has come back fighting in this almost perverse look at fame and fortune and the personal sacrifices made. In following his dream and getting to the pinnacle of his career as a professional wrestler, Randy is still without a real home, money, or the unconditional love that he craves. The heart-wrenching reality is those who show him most love on a daily basis are his fans, strangers to the real ‘gentle giant’ behind the façade. His management and co-competitors also have praise for the hero, but it is most certainly a front in such a cutthroat business.

That said Randy is not without fault or selfishness, grabbing what he can when it is on offer. A near fatal heart attack soon jolts him out of his ‘fame coma’ and makes him confront exactly what is important. The tragedy is, after being rejected by those he thought he could rely on, he chooses the most unimportant thing at the end, which is his downfall. Nevertheless, this very human story is merely emphasising our need to belong. Randy finds comfort in wrestling as they do not judge him, but accept him.

Coupled with the tragic moments are others of delightful humour in this absorbing and gritty story. These include an unforgettable instance when Rourke as Randy dresses in a hair net and overalls to serve customers on a deli counter - simply priceless. You cannot help but compare fact with fiction, Rourke with Randy throughout, which is probably why those who know of the actor’s struggles can empathise with his character completely. It is as though Rourke finds the role ‘effortless’ to do, or so successfully embodies it that character and actor merge. This is a sign of a great character portrayal and demonstrates the talent that Rourke was reknowned for at the high of his career.

More realistic than Rocky, The Wrestler will firmly bolster Rourke’s acting reputation with fans, both old and new. However, it is questionable whether this sincere and thought-provoking film will get the exposure it truly deserves at mainstream cinemas. But the Rourke name alone might tempt curiosity at the box office.

Synopsis

Back in the late ’80s, Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was a headlining professional wrestler. Now, twenty years later, he ekes out a living performing for handfuls of diehard wrestling fans in high school gyms and community centers around New Jersey.

Estranged from his daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) and unable to sustain any real relationships, Randy lives for the thrill of the show and the adoration of his fans. However, a heart attack forces him into retirement. As his sense of identity starts to slip away, he begins to evaluate the state of his life — trying to reconnect with his daughter, and strikes up a blossoming romance with an aging stripper (Marisa Tomei). Yet all this cannot compare to the allure of the ring and passion for his art, which threatens to pull Randy “The Ram” back into his world of wrestling.

Film Facts

Official UK site: http://www.thewrestlermovie.co.uk/

UK Release Date: 16th January 2009

Director: Darren Aronofsky

Writer: Robert D. Siegel

Cast: Mickey Rourke (’Randy ‘The Ram’ Robinson’), Marisa Tomei (’Cassidy’), Evan Rachel Wood (’Stephanie Robinson’)

UK Distributor: Optimum Releasing

Certificate: 15

Run-time: TBC

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