This is a very simple and basic film. Although it is an encompassing tale of a pro wrestler who is far past his prime, it is a story about being alone. Mickey Rourke plays Randy “the Ram” Robinson, who was a giant in the wrestling business in the 80s. Only to be fighting for crowds in gymnasiums and community halls for miniscule amounts of money 20 years later. The money is so little that Randy is required to work in a supermarket to hopefully pay all his bills at the trailer park which he lives. We witness the rise and fall of Randy during the opening credits. Empty and alone is how Randy lives his life but makes an effort to change his ways after suffering a heart attack after a fight. Though Randy does not change, attempts are made. Randy tries to fill his empty life with the only people who he feels may care for him.
Marisa Tomei’s role as the stripper-mom portrays a parallel to Rourke’s character. She opens Randy’s eyes enough for him to realize that some mistakes will be given a second chance. This is the only meaningful relationship that Randy has during the whole movie and is his only chance not to be left alone. While trying to reconcile with his daughter, Rourke gives us some spirited moments and shows us the difference between being alone or with someone you love. From being a hard nosed fighter to a loving father in just a few scenes, Rourke brings us to believe that Randy could lead a normal life.
Just as Rourke and director Darren Aronofsky bring Randy the most happiness he has had in many years when not inside the ring they deconstruct it back to square one. As everything comes crashing down around him, Randy realizes his only true family is his fans. Randy’s emotional words echo before the final fight as he points to the fans “In this life you can lose everything you love, everything that loves you. A lot of people told me that I'd never wrestle again, the only one that's gonna tell me when I'm through doing my thing, is you people here."
Aronofsky shoots the film almost like a documentary and uses the most basic of backdrops. All gritty, grim and raw like the characters throughout the film. Aronofsky does do one thing very well; he doesn’t make fun of the sport of wrestling. Showing exactly how a fight is tabulated and the pain caused by it afterwards. Aronofsky also treats us with another score by long time collaborator Clint Mansell as well as a new Bruce Springsteen track while the credits roll.
5 out of 5
Colin Enquist
Marisa Tomei’s role as the stripper-mom portrays a parallel to Rourke’s character. She opens Randy’s eyes enough for him to realize that some mistakes will be given a second chance. This is the only meaningful relationship that Randy has during the whole movie and is his only chance not to be left alone. While trying to reconcile with his daughter, Rourke gives us some spirited moments and shows us the difference between being alone or with someone you love. From being a hard nosed fighter to a loving father in just a few scenes, Rourke brings us to believe that Randy could lead a normal life.
Just as Rourke and director Darren Aronofsky bring Randy the most happiness he has had in many years when not inside the ring they deconstruct it back to square one. As everything comes crashing down around him, Randy realizes his only true family is his fans. Randy’s emotional words echo before the final fight as he points to the fans “In this life you can lose everything you love, everything that loves you. A lot of people told me that I'd never wrestle again, the only one that's gonna tell me when I'm through doing my thing, is you people here."
Aronofsky shoots the film almost like a documentary and uses the most basic of backdrops. All gritty, grim and raw like the characters throughout the film. Aronofsky does do one thing very well; he doesn’t make fun of the sport of wrestling. Showing exactly how a fight is tabulated and the pain caused by it afterwards. Aronofsky also treats us with another score by long time collaborator Clint Mansell as well as a new Bruce Springsteen track while the credits roll.
5 out of 5
Colin Enquist
1 comment:
Who is Bruce Spingsteen? Jokes...wow! 5 outta 5...didn't know u liked it THAT much, but I agree that it was a great movie.
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