The comeback

The Wrestler Mickey Rourke

This film was little bit hard to watch through. Darren Aronofsky is brilliant. I’m sure most people that’ve seen any of his films would agree. But Mickey Rourke is brilliant too. At least in this film. And of course a lot of his earlier films, but especially in this one. Of course not everyone is going to like this film, but this is one heartbreaking film to watch. Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei pull off really great roles a bit less known Evan Rachel Wood does very well too. But Mickey is definitely the star of The Wrestler. And all the other Wrestlers would agree.

For those who’ve just seen the poster and hate Smack Down, just so you know, it’s not really about wrestling and you don’t have to watch through two hours of wrestling here. There’s enough of it though. But a wrestler here and a wrestler there, I think it was ok. And I’m pretty sure you’d like to at least see Marisa Tomei in her role, especially if you don’t like men in tights.

Everything in the film adds to the mood. The locations are grim. Rourke himself is looking just right for the role, probably for the exactly right reasons too and surely nobody else in the whole wide word could have acted this role. I’m not sure Mickey himself likes the way he looks, but it’s just perfect for this role. Being shot on 16mm film just further adds to the mood of the film and whole documentary like style of it. In fact a lot of the time it feels like watching a documentary. And I guess it could almost be a fictious documentary of Mickey Rourke’s life, but who knows. Not exactly a feel good movie by the way, but The Wrestler, absolutely one of the top films of 2009. But if you’ve seen any other films by Darren Aronofsky, like Requiem for a Dream, maybe you might know already.

It’s ok.

stranger than fiction

Actually I thought quite early on watching the film that it is simply brilliant. I laughed and smiled all the way through the movie. Will Ferrell is funny. And I’ve learned to like the weird kind of comedy that he always seems to do. And the whole cast is brilliant and all of them big names too! Emma Thompson is marvellous, Queen Latifah not so much but she’s ok I guess. Maggie Gyllenhaal is just perfect for her role. When I saw her in The Dark Knight, I didn’t think much of her really – in fact I didn’t think she’s very pretty or very good actress either. But now I have to take my words back. Dustin Hoffman probably can’t fail to be good, although his character is perhaps somewhat over the top. But so are all characters in this film, they are all just as crazy as Harold.

I liked the cinematography, just plain beautiful, like paintings. Subtle and crisp. Somehow it reminded me of Being John Malcovich. Not just the cinematography, but all of it. And maybe Spike Jonze’s Adaptation too. And also I didn’t realise Marc Forster’s done the new James Bond, Quantum of Solace (which I’m yet to watch). And he’s done Monster’s Ball. And he’s German. Well that last one has nothing to do with anything, but he can make films. I loved Monster’s Ball too, maybe I have to get back to that when I have a chance.

Now this is a feel good movie that should keep you interested.