The Wrestler

Roar · 03-01-2009 2:05pm #1

Watched this last night. Absolutely brilliant film, I loved every second of it. Mickey Rourke is phenomenal in it, a really understated performance - he owns this movie.

I look forward to seeing it again.

Anyone else see it?

Handsome Bob · 03-01-2009 2:13pm

Really want to see this in the cinema so I won't be seeing it until the 16th.:( But I've heard nothing but positive buzz, one quote that stands out to me is "the role that Micky Rourke was born to play". I'm awaiting with great anticipation!

Basq · 03-01-2009 2:13pm

Watching it this afternoon...

Hope it's as good as it's heard it is.. and reinstates by faith in Darren Aronofsky, who really lost disappointed me after 'The Fountain'. It didn't disappoint me as much as Richard Kelly did with 'Southland Tales' but I couldn't help but find 'The Fountain' slightly pretentious film-making.

Anyways.. enough about 'The Fountain'. Have seen posters for 'The Wrestler' quoting at the top "Witness the resurrection of Mickey Rourke" - hardly, he was fecking great in 'Sin City'.

ronnie3585 · 03-01-2009 2:29pm

Watched it last night, thought it was superb. Mickey Rourke's performance was outstanding, even better than his part in Sin City. He looks every bit the part of a burned out, washed up wrestler.

LovetohateTV · 03-01-2009 2:34pm

Yeah its a very good film and Mickey Rourke plays his role so well!.

But imo the best movie i've seen in years is the curious case of benjamin button....what a film an absoulute masterpiece!..trust me this is the best film of the last 5 years.

Bye the way if anyone wants a link so you can watch the above films free and in near perfect picture just say and i'll post the link!

nix · 03-01-2009 2:59pm

LovetohateTV wrote: »

Bye the way if anyone wants a link so you can watch the above films free and in near perfect picture just say and i'll post the link!

And then probably get banned :P

LovetohateTV · 03-01-2009 3:05pm

nix wrote: »

And then probably get banned :P

Would they??....are you allowed pm each other with links?

I guess most of you know the link/site anyway. You pretty much can get every single bit of sport for free and all new cinema releases for free as well. ITS THE BEST (SITE) EVER

Roar · 03-01-2009 3:08pm

LovetohateTV wrote: »

Would they??....are you allowed pm each other with links?

I guess most of you know the link/site anyway. You pretty much can get every single bit of sport for free and all new cinema releases for free as well. ITS THE BEST (SITE) EVER

they have the internet on computers now?

LovetohateTV · 03-01-2009 3:11pm

Roar wrote: »

they have the internet on computers now?

Your the really funny guy on these boards then.:rolleyes:

Not The Real Scarecrow · 03-01-2009 4:55pm

Wasn't overly impressed with it.It was ok but couldn't see the big deal about Rourkes performance, don't think he deserves an oscar or even a nomination for it.Hype over actual substance, thought he was far better as Marv in Sin City.
Thought it was funny in parts but absolutely nothing like I was expecting after reading many of the great reviews it got.Its more of a 7 out of 10 movie as opposed to a 9 or 10.

lostexpectation · 03-01-2009 5:21pm

it was solid if unsurprising, very rocky like, marisa still looks amazing, whats with actress wanting to play strippers with a heart of gold and then complainng about having to get naked in films. I guess rouke shows alot of flesh and blood in this film too.

4/5

ixoy · 03-01-2009 5:39pm

LovetohateTV wrote: »

Bye the way if anyone wants a link so you can watch the above films free and in near perfect picture just say and i'll post the link!

Don't even think about it. Warned and you won't be warned again.

theteal · 10-01-2009 4:03pm

where has marissa tomei been all my life? :eek: hands down, a much better performace that in "my cousin vinny"!

Basq · 10-01-2009 4:09pm

I thought it was good.. Mickey Rourke's performance was fantastic it must be said.

But as a film, it really somewhat washed over me.

I'd give it a 3 / 5 but to be honest, most of those would be for Rourke's performance.

lostexpectation · 10-01-2009 4:30pm

kermode again talking on newsnight last suggesting this is film about two strippers, check out more of his thoughts on male nudity on his bbc blog.

Handsome Bob · 17-01-2009 4:06pm

I loved this film. What I really liked about it is that it avoided becoming "sentimental slush". It was very real and I really enjoyed the father/daughter scenes. Anyone who knows what it's like to live with in Stephanies words a life long "**** up" will know the toll it takes on a family. So even though I did have sympathy for The Ram, I understood where his daughter was coming from.

Fantastic, and I enjoyed watching Tomei in this film very much.

And how weird it is that I've seen two films in a week where I've loved the films themselves, and the soundtracks to both of the films too!

Necronomicon · 17-01-2009 5:34pm

Saw it last night, and I thought it merited all its positive reviews. I only dip in and out of watching wrestling but I thought they depicted the industry well, i.e., coreographed or not it takes its toll on a person. Central to that was Mickey Rourke, who was absolutely flawless both in the ring and out - from adapting to life outside of wrestling

freaking out in the deli - excellent scene

to trying to reconcile his differences with his daughter, he really was tremendous. Even though there were good supporting performances from Melissa Tomei and his daughter, the movie belonged to him.

ChumpStain · 17-01-2009 8:00pm

Loved it, I was a big wrestling fan and I'm still interested to read books and see documentaries about it. And this really captures the feel of both the books and docs, kinda reminded me of Terry Funk/Jake Roberts in Beyond the Mat for example. I always thought the most interesting thing was learning about wrestlers lives outside the ring and what drives them and Rourke's performance is pitch perfect.

But in saying that I shudder to think what Nicholas Cage would've done to it, because its really a film that lives or dies on Rourke and how much we care for 'The Ram', for me it was mission accomplished by Rourke. But its kinda of annoying that the press are calling it his comeback, Marv was the sh1t in Sin City!

Tusky · 18-01-2009 12:11am

Saw this tonight. Thought it was absolutely brilliant. Definitely merits all the good reviews. Incredible performance from Micky Rourke.

I think Darren Aronofsky deserves a lot of credit for the way the film was shot also. Really enjoyed it.

Linguo · 18-01-2009 10:36am

I really didn't think I would find this movie interesting but it turned out to be fantastic!!! I want to see it a second time now!

The movie deserves and oscar and so does mickey!

jdscrubs · 18-01-2009 5:20pm

off to see it tonight so hopefully it will be as good as most of ye are making it out to be

By the way Marissa Tomei(know that is spelt worng) was very good in "Before the Devil Knows Your Dead", which was out last year.

johnny_ultimate · 18-01-2009 6:36pm

Watched it during the week and while I didn't like it as much as Aronofsky's other films (Requiem for a Dream, Pi and the Fountain made him one of my favourite contemporary directors just because they were shot and edited so brilliantly) I think it is a very good film. Performances are great, and some of the scenes really stand out -

the absurdly graphic barbed wire / staple gun match, The Ram walking from the staff room to work while the sounds of a crowd blares out, the aforementioned Deli counter insanity

. Definitely a very bleak film - thought it threatened to go a bit sentimental in the middle

(like Rourke and his daughter on the pier)

but doesn't pull any punches when it comes to letting the character off easy. Visually it is a big departure from Aronofsky's earlier work, and while not as impressive or original as RfaD or the Fountain, the gritty style suits the story. And I felt the ending worked well -

effective way to end the story, a great final shot and the thirty seconds of darkness as Springstien's song plays.

The story may lack originality, and as a big Aronofsky fan I was a little disappointed it lacked the unique approach of his other movies. But taken for what it is - a very well made sports film, an honest look at wrestling (not all negative by any stretch - the comradeship exhibited by the wrestlers shows a very tightly knit community) and an acting powerhouse by Rourke (and Tomei too) - it is a rewarding watch.

String · 18-01-2009 7:13pm

Going seeing it tonight. I must say from the trailer it doesnt look like much. But from reading all the reviews im really looking forward to it.

Bubs101 · 18-01-2009 9:55pm

As a massive wrestling fan I felt a little let down. Rourke and Tomei's performances are great and alot of credit has to be given to Rourke for actually getting into the ring with the Necro Butcher but the ending is god awful and the story itself is a little flat.

jdscrubs · 18-01-2009 10:37pm

Saw the wrestler this evening. Bit overrated what with all the fantastic reviews it got.

Both Rourke & Tomei were very good, the latter looking very hot. Must have been very claustrophobic for Rourke to act as the camera was either right as his face&body or behind his head.

Liked the ending in that it wasnt the normal happy hollywood ending.

Would people recommend The Fountain?.

Vamoose Killers · 18-01-2009 10:46pm

Not a huge fan of the film but for anyone to say that the ending is god awful is just baffling. Nothing at all wrong with the way they finished it.

Tusky · 18-01-2009 10:53pm

Vamoose Killers wrote: »

Not a huge fan of the film but for anyone to say that the ending is god awful is just baffling. Nothing at all wrong with the way they finished it.

Agreed. Dont see the problem with the ending. I thought it was quite refreshing actually.

Zascar · 18-01-2009 11:13pm

It was good but nothing spectacular.Quite depressing and almost difficult to watch at times. Was disappointed with the ending, or lack of really...

jdscrubs · 18-01-2009 11:48pm

Agreed. Ending was one of the best things about the film. Couldnt really see how it was god awful

Bubs101 · 18-01-2009 11:58pm

How is the ending in anyway good? Just want that explained

Ash.J.Williams · 19-01-2009 12:16am

Bubs101 wrote: »

How is the ending in anyway good? Just want that explained

should probably not be explained on a forum on the weekend of it's release!!
just saw it tonight, great movie but don't listen to the hype, the reviews are moving it in the wrong direction. Aranofski fans are in for a treat, as it's not at all what you would expect from him. None of what i would call his trademark tricks, but plenty of new ones!!

johnny_ultimate · 19-01-2009 1:25am

Bubs101 wrote: »

How is the ending in anyway good? Just want that explained

Because the final scenes really sum up the themes of the film. Here is a character who has nothing else left but the ring. He loves the fame (see the scene where he walks to the deli counter to imaginary screaming crowds) and this is him trying to relive his glory days. He has nothing left - his daughter has abandoned him, he can't settle down in another job. He rejects the one chance of hope - Tomei's character - in favour of wrestling, which is where he concedes he belongs. It is all he knows, and the final shot - of a very unhealthy man doing all he knows to screaming crowds, even if it means his death - sums it up brilliantly - a sense of inevitably, and one of belonging. Ending for me felt very natural and effective, and yes they don't show the conclusion explicitly, but is it really important if he lives or dies? I think Aronofsky trusts the viewer enough to decipher the final scene for themselves, and that is very admirable choice IMO

.

Otacon · 19-01-2009 10:15am

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

is it really important if he lives or dies?
.

IMO I think it shows that whether or not he dies in this particular fight, he will eventually. As you said, its all he knows and has to live for.

Dearg81 · 19-01-2009 10:31am

Bubs101 wrote: »

How is the ending in anyway good? Just want that explained

He also looks back at the arena entrance and sees Cassidy is gone before he decides to climb the top rope which is important i think.

happyoutscan · 19-01-2009 10:38am

ixoy wrote: »

Don't even think about it. Warned and you won't be warned again.

Ouch.

Bubs101 · 19-01-2009 6:50pm

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

Because the final scenes really sum up the themes of the film. Here is a character who has nothing else left but the ring. He loves the fame (see the scene where he walks to the deli counter to imaginary screaming crowds) and this is him trying to relive his glory days. He has nothing left - his daughter has abandoned him, he can't settle down in another job. He rejects the one chance of hope - Tomei's character - in favour of wrestling, which is where he concedes he belongs. It is all he knows, and the final shot - of a very unhealthy man doing all he knows to screaming crowds, even if it means his death - sums it up brilliantly - a sense of inevitably, and one of belonging. Ending for me felt very natural and effective, and yes they don't show the conclusion explicitly, but is it really important if he lives or dies? I think Aronofsky trusts the viewer enough to decipher the final scene for themselves, and that is very admirable choice IMO
.

For one, given the massive spate of deaths of wrestlers around his age since 2000 I think that considering how well they dealt with the aspect of the every day lives of old wrestlers (to a tee, down to the beer he was drinking and his van) that a bit of clarification would have been good. I mean, you could take the ending as glorifying people being in the ring who just shouldn't. Think that it needed a little more clarification regarding Tomei and his health and if they were going to finish it like that they could have at least landed the finisher and ended it at the three count

Vamoose Killers · 19-01-2009 6:54pm

Whether he lives or dies is totally not the point of the ending. It's pretty obvious.

johnny_ultimate · 19-01-2009 8:21pm

Bubs101 wrote: »

For one, given the massive spate of deaths of wrestlers around his age since 2000 I think that considering how well they dealt with the aspect of the every day lives of old wrestlers (to a tee, down to the beer he was drinking and his van) that a bit of clarification would have been good. I mean, you could take the ending as glorifying people being in the ring who just shouldn't. Think that it needed a little more clarification regarding Tomei and his health and if they were going to finish it like that they could have at least landed the finisher and ended it at the three count

I didn't feel there was any glorifying of his character in the final scene - it was the natural actions of the character. It just felt to me as if the story had to end where it did. What more did you want to know about Tomei and his health? He is a very unhealthy individual, and he rejects Tomei because the appeal of the ring will always get to him above all else. As said above, his 'death' is not the important thing in the final scene. His selfishness, his resignation to his fate, his rejection of alternatives - these are the things that matter. Having him land the move would only provide ultimately futile dramatic resolution - what happens next would add nothing to the overall film's goals. As it stands, the way it ends provides perfect thematic and character resolution, and that is why I'll defend as a fairly damn effective conclusion. And for me, the cut to black is pretty self explanatory anyway - I'm pretty sure Rourke is in every single scene (correct me if I'm wrong) so the last thing he sees should be the last thing we see - his story after all.

Wreck · 20-01-2009 11:44am

Saw it last night, really enjoyed it, Rourke is class. And Marisa Tomei is so hot, hard to believe she is in her mid-forties. Thought the ending fitted well, was worried when

Cassidy shows up just before he goes out to the ring that there would be a 'happy ending'. I think it's pretty clear both that he dies at the end and that he wanted to die, getting into the ring was an act of sucide for him.

Handsome Bob · 20-01-2009 12:04pm

Wreck wrote: »

Saw it last night, really enjoyed it, Rourke is class. And Marisa Tomei is so hot, hard to believe she is in her mid-forties. Thought the ending fitted well, was worried when
Cassidy shows up just before he goes out to the ring that there would be a 'happy ending'. I think it's pretty clear both that he dies at the end and that he wanted to die, getting into the ring was an act of sucide for him.

:eek::eek::eek: Damn!

I wasn't too hot on the conclusion at first but johnny_ultimate has sold it quite well. I think I'll have to go see it again (or find it on the internet:pac:).

nicklauski · 20-01-2009 1:29pm

Watched it last night. As far as films go it wasn't the worst film Ive ever seen, but then again it wasn't the best. As far as performances go I think that it was a very easy part for Rourke to play (don't get me wrong he plays the part very well) and probably no one else ( bar a washed up wrestler) could have played.

The deli scenes were well done, the fact that he got recognised as an ordinary Joe and couldn't handle it, the imaginary crowd etc.....

I think I will appreciate it more if i watch it again. But I dont see why all the hype. Rourkes comeback, the role he was meant to play. All this was said about Sin City. Which, although there totally different films, I preferred Rourke in Sin City.

jdscrubs · 20-01-2009 4:29pm

I dont think all this oscar talk is warranted for Rourke. While he was good, he wasnt fantastic. If Rourke gets nominated,when the oscars are announced this week, I will want to see the other 4 performances to see if nobody else has put in a better stronger performance.

arybvtcw0eolkf · 21-01-2009 11:44am

Wreck wrote: »

Cassidy shows up just before he goes out to the ring that there would be a 'happy ending'. I think it's pretty clear both that he dies at the end and that he wanted to die, getting into the ring was an act of sucide for him.

Exactly how I seen it too.

Tbh, taken into context with the rest of the movie the ending, IMO was perfect.

Rarely has a movie touched me as much as this, absolutely fantastic.

Its just soo real, incredible.

girlbiker · 21-01-2009 11:45am

Thought it was great, really great not the usual wishy washy ending some grit and reality.
The ending I loved....esp the fact that the cinema sat in darkess for 20secs listening to the song before the credits rolled. I always need to digest for a few mins after a films ends and hate chatting straightaway afterwards so good for me.

rovert · 21-01-2009 1:32pm

Just on the issue of the ending there is a rumoured alternative ending that will included on the DVD release.

To me the film and the ending in particular is a more an allegory about the exploitative fan/customer relationship with performers in two similar industries. Although similar they are not the same. The delineation between real life and fantasy is almost non-existent in the Wrestling business which leads to Randy's down fall. The film isn’t a biopic as it takes inspiration from a wide range of wrestler’s life stories to make a wider point about the industry itself.