The Wrestler (2008): Review

TheWrestler (2008): ReviewIt was recently announced that a new servicefrom one of the UKs largest mobile phone networks would offer an itunes film download every week. As I happen to be ...

TheWrestler (2008): Review

It was recently announced that a new servicefrom one of the UKs largest mobile phone networks would offer an itunes film download every week. As I happen to be on that particularnetwork, I decided to take advantage especially as the first film to be madeavailable was Darren Aronofskys 2008 drama The Wrestler.

So, having signed up to the service which isknown as Orange Thursdays, in keeping with the branding of its Wednesday night2-4-1 cinema tickets deal I settled down in front of my computer (as Ive notyet upgraded to one of the groups iPhone 4 deals) for a first time viewing of the film many called Mickey Rourkescareer defining performance. I have to say, I was not disappointed.

Despite the praise Rourke received for TheWrestler in the role of Randy The Ram Robinson, an aging wrestler coming toterms with the mistakes in his life, he wasnt lucky enough to pick up theAcademy Award for Best Actor. Instead, his co-nominee and friend Sean Penn tookhome the statue for his portrayal of gay rights activist Harvey Milk. In theother category the film was nominated, Best Supporting Actress for Randysdamaged love interest Cassidy, Marisa Tomei would be beaten by Penelope Cruzsfiery performance in Woody Allens Vicky Christina Barcelona.

While the aforementioned winners were worthy,it was a bit of a shame Tomei and, more importantly, Rourke, were overlooked as the The Wrestler is nothing if not a study in acting. In addition, the factthat the lead will probably never get to play a character so intrinsicallylinked to his own would have made an Oscar just that little bit more fitting.Of course, Rourke has struggled with his own demons in the past - and we see alot of this pain in Randy throughout the movie.

But thats not even where the enjoyment endswith The Wrestler. The main focus of the flick is the terribly strained relationshipbetween the lead and his daughter (played by Evan Rachel Wood). Every scenethese two people share is heart-wrenching and is spliced between sequenceswhere we are forced to watch Randys aging body receive blows that no man ofhis age could cope with.

The Wrestler isnt always an easy watch, butthanks to some incredible direction from Aronofsky and a whole selection ofgreat performances, its an absolute must see thats worthy of every award andpositive review it has received.

Do you know that you can downloadan iTunes film from Orange once a week