Film review: The Wrestler

The Wrestler @ IMDB

The end of 2008 seems to have been all about the underdog and comebacks. No more so than with Mickey Rourke and his starring role in this new film from Darren Arronofsky. The buzz surrounding this film has been immense. Considering that Arronosky's films tend to fly under the radar* this is a bit surprising.

The subject matter as well isn't necessarily something that would draw in the widest audience. Rourke stars as Randy The Ram, a professional wrestler who was once one the biggest stars in the industry. Now he's reduced to wrestling in school halls for a handful of notes.

As a wrestling fan, the film is a great look behind the curtain. Seeing the 'opponents' talking through the matches before they start, deciding on moves and how best to get the crowd excited is fascinating. It reminds me of a wrestling documentary called Beyond The Mat, it really is a warts and all view of the life of a wrestler.

And Rourke really goes for it. It is a really brave and raw performance, he becomes this tragic, battered survivor who can't let go of the memory of the good times.

This isn't to say that Rourke carries the film, the support around him doesn't let the side down either. Marissa Tomei is just as good as Rourke in her role as The Ram's potential girlfriend.

It's not perfect, some scenes seem to be there just so they can be shown as Oscar clips and the wrestling scenes may be too brutal for some. Some may have issues with the ending as well.

But it's an undeniably great film with one of the best central performances of the last year.

In a word? Powerful.