Go
DVDelicious

The Wrestler

By Bob on June 22, 2009 6:00 AM

Cole Hill wrote this great review of "The Wrestler" after scoring an interview with director Darren Aronofsky.  If you're never had the privilege of reading any of Cole's reviews, grab a cup of coffee and savor the rich prose.  You're in for a treat. 

 

The Wrestler.jpg

"The Sacrificial Ram"
By Cole Hill

A bloodthirsty beast hides inside all of us. Romantics call it passion, an unyielding primal punch, the catalyst for creation worth following over any cliff. No one understands this better than director Darren Aronofsky.

"For me it's all about the process [of filmmaking]," asserts Aronofsky, "I enjoy every step." Few would expect such creative exuberance from a seasoned director, let alone anyone who's mired in the movie industry for more than a handful of years. And while cynics found it easy to dismiss his past work (see: "The Fountain") as little more than overwrought film school assignments, it will prove a heavy challenge for anyone to do the same after seeing his new film, "The Wrestler."


Hope shimmers faintly

beneath the neon slime of a strip club


Shot against the bleak backdrop of Jersey's winter skies, Aronofsky's latest venture explores the dwindling life of fictional pro-wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) as he attempts a comeback. Once a name that could sell out Madison Square Garden, 20 years later Ram is a battered has-been barely able to fill the local VFW. Having abandoned his daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) and family for pay-per-view matches and fans long ago, wrestling is all that matters. An addict in the truest sense, Ram cannot deny himself his only real love: the ring.

But amongst this mess, hope shimmers faintly beneath the neon slime of a strip club. Aging exotic dancer Cassidy (Marisa Tomei), an unlikely kindred spirit, is Ram's last refuge outside the roar of the crowd. Splitting time between confessional lap dances with Ram (one of her only customers) and raising her son, Cassidy shares the wrestler's desperate yearning for something tangible beyond the spotlight. As Cassidy aids Ram in a last-ditch attempt to repair the relationship with his daughter, the two begin to question if what they've really needed is each other.

Adapted from a unique and witty script by Robert Siegel, this marks the first time Aronofsky has relinquished writing duties on a film. As for any of the skepticism that might draw, when speaking with Aronofsky it isn't difficult to comprehend his mastery over the world in the "The Wrestler."

"I think that most people think it's a joke, so they write it off. But the reality is if you're a 250-pound man jumping off the top rope... you're going to feel it in the morning."

Of course, the director's vision isn't hurt by the fact that the film's narrative eerily mirrors that of Rourke's career. It's difficult to imagine any other actor fitting into Ram's skin with such grace and subtlety as Rourke when he confesses to his daughter, "I'm a broken down piece of meat. I deserve to be alone. I just don't want you to hate me."

Filmed entirely with a handheld camera, "The Wrestler" bathes its shots in the depleted grit and grain of a true documentary.  Lending much more than just a "realistic touch" to the final product, Aronofsky's style bleeds authenticity. What's more, no scene is wasted. By embracing point-of-view perspective, and often filming from behind in lingering long shots, even seemingly arbitrary moments like Ram working the day shift at the deli counter to support his wrestling are treated with the rare sincerity of a parent.

Much more than just another "sports movie," Aronofsky's fourth film safely knights him as one of the most promising directors in America today. Whether exploring themes of loneliness, aging, addiction, or in this case all of the above, he never ceases in pushing his characters to their logical limits. Ram doesn't just throw away his life for glory because he's an addict, a brute or he's selfish, but because he can't escape who he is. Such true passion leaves no doubt. "The Wrestler" is a knockout. 

 

The Boomer Brief recommends Netflix (www.netflix.com) for your movie rentals.  Monthly rental packages start at only $4.99 - and you can cancel at any time.

 

Put this one in your DVDelicious Library. 

 

 

Comments
Go
Red Thong Strong: Girlfriends Little Secrets to Smoothing Lifes Panty Lines
Guest Room

Diabetes-Friendly Chicken Burrito Bowl

ChickenBurritoBowlEverydayDiabetes 600.jpg

By Laura Cipullo and Lisa Mikus, authors of Everyday Diabetes Meals
Image credit: Colin Erricson

Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.

Tips:

If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.

If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.

Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.

Continue Reading »

Playing Favorites

Windy City

It's been almost 18 years since Alison Krauss gave us a solo album, but the wait is over with Windy City. The release (her fifth solo studio album) features ten covers of classic songs (and some bonus tracks) she picked with producer Buddy Cannon.

Continue Reading »

Follow Us

Follow us on Twitter: @BoomerBrief 

and @CharlotteBoomer

  
Follow Charlotte on Pinterest:  Follow Me on Pinterest

Follow Bob on Pinterest


Know someone battling cancer? Baylor Health Care System's Sammons Says... cancer blog is a great place to go for help. Here, you'll find information, resources, physicians, support groups and just about everything you need to help you navigate your way through this illness.

Now Trending 

We Like These Sites 

Senior Forums is a great place to get the news and share views on everything from hobbies and healthcare, to food, family & travel. 

Matt Drudge gets the goods and his site ain't bad either.

The Huffington Post is the gold standard of political blogs.

You don't have to live in Dallas to enjoy D Magazine.

More →