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The Wrestler (2008) - Mickey Rourke Interview Included
The Body Blow that Cuts Deepest
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Writer: Robert D Siegel
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Mark Mogolis
“I just want to tell you, I'm the one who was supposed to take care of everything. I'm the one who was supposed to make everything okay for everybody. It just didn't work out like that. And I left. I left you. You never did anything wrong. I used to try to forget about you. I used to try to pretend that you didn't exist, but I can't. You're my girl. You're my little girl. And now, I'm an old broken down piece of meat... and I'm alone. And I deserve to be all alone. I just don't want you to hate me.” – The Ram
The Wrestler is heartbreaking and inspired voyeurism. A finely crafted film that has little to do with wrestling but everything to do with human interaction, its false surfaces, its broken angels, the fractured relationships polluted by a superficial existence.
“The only place I get hurt is out there…The world don't give a shit about me.” – The Ram
When it was originally announced that mind expanding on-set commander and chief Darren Aronofsky was following up his exponential puzzle Pi and addictive sermon Requiem For A Dream with a tome to a broken down ‘80’s glam Wrestler, many fans sighed “delusions of grandeur”. (Similar to when Paul Thomas Anderson promised a empathetic drama on the human side of Porn with Boogie Nights)
The ancient set up – a haggard and aging fighter, Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) gets one more title shot.
“I don't hear as good as I used to, and I ain't as pretty as I used to be. But I'm still here - I'm the Ram.” – The Ram
John Doe says:
The Wrestler is a powerhouse drama, emotionally violent, brutally poignant, raw open wounds both internal and external snapped in a capsule for moving pictures. Testament to the works ability to capture what makes us human.
This retread could easily have been the choker hold that puts the genre into a straight to DVD category, even less interesting than watching a Hulk Hogan reality TV show. All fears subside the second the retroactive, stereotyped opening credits comment on the Rocky 13 mentality and also give the geography of The Ram’s mindset.
Taking it all as serious as a cardiac explosion, Aronofsky Directs with no allusions about the sports choreographed nature. Equally he dwells in the pain and suffering outside of the ring, the primordial core of deep scars coming from the demands of the show.
Subtle scoring from Clint Mansell composer of Pi, Requiem For a Dream and The Fountain serves as crucial support for the freeform cinematography. The musical structure filled out with band aid guitar weeps from Slash.
Working from the script by former Onion.com regular Robert D Siegel this is not a plot driven exercise. It’s character that courses through its torso with meaty actorly qualities. The fly on the wall hand held camerawork pile drives through heavily improvised scenes to trap us in this harrowing truth.
Playing into cliché, it really is like the actors disappear so you forget you are watching a story not fact. A close filmmaking buddy of JD’s (Shaun Katz at Sceenadventure.com) said “This is Aronofsky’s, John Cassevettes film”. Totally and entirely agree.
Hailed by critics for Mickey Rourke’s tour-de-force performance limping through life physically and metaphorically. Exposing himself to a degree few even achieve in real life, the baggage of what it is to have lumbered the path of Mickey can be witnessed in every wince and blink.
Much has been made of his supposed comeback, but those who follow the man know it began with supporting roles in Bufallo 66 (1998), The Pledge (2001), Animal Factory (2000) and Sin City (2005).
In The Wrestler Mickey Rourke (Angel Heart, Year of the Dragon, Barfly) delivers a chunk of his soul unfettered. A part that can be mentioned alongside the likes of Brando in The Godfather, William Holden in The Wild Bunch and Robert Mitchum in The Friends of Eddie Coyle. These are completely immersed performances conscious of the attaché of their screen presence then manipulating mannerisms to confuse and surprise new audiences plus lifelong fans. Few actors are ever this naked on screen.
Stealing her thunder somewhat, Marissa Tomei (Before the Devil Knows Your Dead, Grace is Gone, Factotum, In the Bedroom) matches Rourke in a subtle gusto shedding of perception. Putting to rest snide jokes about why she is an Oscar winner. Here as Cassidy, the stripper through circumstance that is very much trapped in the same intangible struggles as The Ram. The complex dynamic between the two sees mirrors and potential suffering always.
Providing a third perspective on The Ram’s failures outside the ring is Evan Rachel Wood (Thirteen, Running With Scissors, Pretty Persuasion) as estranged daughter Stephanie. Astonishing with her thespian focus and courage at such a young age, it is wrong not to praise her with the same fervor as the other two leads.
Few films have torn JD asunder with this kind of honest energy. Heartbroken is not just a metaphor, it felt like his mortal coil was on the floor at his feet as the closing credits fade to black. The tendrils, veins and major organs of these fictional creations are so externalized that it’s impossible to deny what is achieved on screen.
Mickey Rourke discusses the making of "The Wrestler" Part 1
Mickey Rourke interview Part 2
To see the remaining 3 parts of this interview visit youtube.com
The Wrestler - Available on DVD in Australia
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Writer: Robert D Siegel
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Mark Mogolis
“I just want to tell you, I'm the one who was supposed to take care of everything. I'm the one who was supposed to make everything okay for everybody. It just didn't work out like that. And I left. I left you. You never did anything wrong. I used to try to forget about you. I used to try to pretend that you didn't exist, but I can't. You're my girl. You're my little girl. And now, I'm an old broken down piece of meat... and I'm alone. And I deserve to be all alone. I just don't want you to hate me.” – The Ram
The Wrestler is heartbreaking and inspired voyeurism. A finely crafted film that has little to do with wrestling but everything to do with human interaction, its false surfaces, its broken angels, the fractured relationships polluted by a superficial existence.
“The only place I get hurt is out there…The world don't give a shit about me.” – The Ram
The Director and The Actor
When it was originally announced that mind expanding on-set commander and chief Darren Aronofsky was following up his exponential puzzle Pi and addictive sermon Requiem For A Dream with a tome to a broken down ‘80’s glam Wrestler, many fans sighed “delusions of grandeur”. (Similar to when Paul Thomas Anderson promised a empathetic drama on the human side of Porn with Boogie Nights)
The ancient set up – a haggard and aging fighter, Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) gets one more title shot.
“I don't hear as good as I used to, and I ain't as pretty as I used to be. But I'm still here - I'm the Ram.” – The Ram
Mickey Rourke and Evan Rachel Wood take a long walk off a short pier
John Doe says:
The Wrestler is a powerhouse drama, emotionally violent, brutally poignant, raw open wounds both internal and external snapped in a capsule for moving pictures. Testament to the works ability to capture what makes us human.
This retread could easily have been the choker hold that puts the genre into a straight to DVD category, even less interesting than watching a Hulk Hogan reality TV show. All fears subside the second the retroactive, stereotyped opening credits comment on the Rocky 13 mentality and also give the geography of The Ram’s mindset.
Taking it all as serious as a cardiac explosion, Aronofsky Directs with no allusions about the sports choreographed nature. Equally he dwells in the pain and suffering outside of the ring, the primordial core of deep scars coming from the demands of the show.
Subtle scoring from Clint Mansell composer of Pi, Requiem For a Dream and The Fountain serves as crucial support for the freeform cinematography. The musical structure filled out with band aid guitar weeps from Slash.
Working from the script by former Onion.com regular Robert D Siegel this is not a plot driven exercise. It’s character that courses through its torso with meaty actorly qualities. The fly on the wall hand held camerawork pile drives through heavily improvised scenes to trap us in this harrowing truth.
Playing into cliché, it really is like the actors disappear so you forget you are watching a story not fact. A close filmmaking buddy of JD’s (Shaun Katz at Sceenadventure.com) said “This is Aronofsky’s, John Cassevettes film”. Totally and entirely agree.
Hailed by critics for Mickey Rourke’s tour-de-force performance limping through life physically and metaphorically. Exposing himself to a degree few even achieve in real life, the baggage of what it is to have lumbered the path of Mickey can be witnessed in every wince and blink.
“If I knew 15 years ago that it was going to take 15 years to get back in the saddle and work again because of the way I handled things, I really would have handled things differently…Doing things differently this time around, understanding what it is to be a professional, be responsible, be consistent - those are things that weren't in my vocabulary back then. Change didn't come easy for me - until I lost everything ... I thought it was a weakness to change because of the armor I'd put on my whole life. I'm OK with it now."
– Mickey Rourke talking about the role on AZcentral.comMuch has been made of his supposed comeback, but those who follow the man know it began with supporting roles in Bufallo 66 (1998), The Pledge (2001), Animal Factory (2000) and Sin City (2005).
In The Wrestler Mickey Rourke (Angel Heart, Year of the Dragon, Barfly) delivers a chunk of his soul unfettered. A part that can be mentioned alongside the likes of Brando in The Godfather, William Holden in The Wild Bunch and Robert Mitchum in The Friends of Eddie Coyle. These are completely immersed performances conscious of the attaché of their screen presence then manipulating mannerisms to confuse and surprise new audiences plus lifelong fans. Few actors are ever this naked on screen.
Stealing her thunder somewhat, Marissa Tomei (Before the Devil Knows Your Dead, Grace is Gone, Factotum, In the Bedroom) matches Rourke in a subtle gusto shedding of perception. Putting to rest snide jokes about why she is an Oscar winner. Here as Cassidy, the stripper through circumstance that is very much trapped in the same intangible struggles as The Ram. The complex dynamic between the two sees mirrors and potential suffering always.
Providing a third perspective on The Ram’s failures outside the ring is Evan Rachel Wood (Thirteen, Running With Scissors, Pretty Persuasion) as estranged daughter Stephanie. Astonishing with her thespian focus and courage at such a young age, it is wrong not to praise her with the same fervor as the other two leads.
Few films have torn JD asunder with this kind of honest energy. Heartbroken is not just a metaphor, it felt like his mortal coil was on the floor at his feet as the closing credits fade to black. The tendrils, veins and major organs of these fictional creations are so externalized that it’s impossible to deny what is achieved on screen.
Mickey Rourke discusses the making of "The Wrestler" Part 1
Mickey Rourke interview Part 2
To see the remaining 3 parts of this interview visit youtube.com
Horrorphile
And how good does Marisa look?!
Competition Queen
Screen Fanatic
I wasn't as taken by Marisa Tomei's underwritten, slightly stereotypical role as you, but Mickey is nothing short of magnificent and I love the kind of fitting bleak poetry of the final moments. Great return to form for Aronofsky as well.
Apparently Nic Cage was signed up and ready to go for this originally. I can't imagine him capturing the humanism and pervasive doom of the character that Mickey did however.
Rhythmatism
Budget Centsability
I thought the very pared back way they showed the human side of the characters was brilliantly done. It could have been ruined so easily by doing too much with it. It flowed at its own pace and in doing so became very raw and real. Reading David's comment above that Nic Cage was originally signed for this role just made me think of how badly cast he would have been and what a completely different film it would have been. Rourke was perfect for the part.
Great review.
Film & TV on DVD
i was hoping for Mickey to win the Oscar too...as good as Penn was in Milk I think Rourke's performance here was one of the best ever, not just of last year.
Marissa has always held her own visually, but she has matured into an quality actress IMO.
Film & TV on DVD
The documentary style is the glue that holds it all together. It really creates the illusion of reality and brings the performances to the forefront..if the acting is bad it would have crumbled....the improvisations add a lot too like the deli scene.
Film & TV on DVD
For me the fact Tomeii's part was underwritten goes unnoticed because she brings so many subtle layers to the character with gestures and emotive moments. She really didn't need anymore dialogue because of what the character represents...
I agree on the Nicholas cage assessment, despite his capabilities his esoteric style would have conflicted with the films tone, IMO. Plus he didn't bring the baggage of Rourke which for me sold the part.
Just read your review and its very incisive, nice work.
Film & TV on DVD
Isn't it wonderful when a film surprises with its ability to draw you into the characters plight?
I made a point of avoiding all press about The Wrestler until after I watched it and am so glad I did. The free form pacing, scripting and cinematography had faster effect because I was unprepared for Aronofsky's adoption of such a controlled reality.
Your right too the pared back vibe is a strength only when it doesn't loosen its grip.
thanks for the visit as always...till next time
My Life My Muse
Beta Girl Blog
There is something in this character that could not have been captured by anyone else. It's that raw emotion often found in the person that perhaps doesn't have an ivy league education, but has seen all of the triumphs and tragedies that life can dole out.
Thanks for adding the interviews as well. Very fascinating.
Seek Extreme
who cares
Film & TV on DVD
it is hard to imagine anyone else in the part and no one could have brought that baggage. Glad you appreciated its power.
Film & TV on DVD
i am as far from a professional wrestling fan as you get, but for the same reasons as you i loved the film....now Ultimate fighting, that's different
Film & TV on DVD
Nic cage would have been to flamboyant in the role i feel...it was Rourke's introverted presence that really lifted this beyond its synopsis.
I think Evan Rachel Wood is one of teh few truly talented actors coming up...she disappears into her characters IMO....as for Tomeii, she just seems to be improving with age for me and IMO exceeds most of her contemporaries.
Thanks for the visit, look forward to reading more of your comments.
Screen Adventure
Film & TV on DVD