More Reviews and Comments on 'The Wrestler'

Aronofsky may have directed the film, but Rourke owns every second he’s on screen. He’s magnificent, showing us how much the physique and bleached hair facade masks the turmoil underneath, enduring cruel and unusual punishment because it’s the only thing he knows how to do. While the look of him might make the nostalgic fan remember The Ultimate Warrior, Bret Hart or Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake (what? I watched wrestling when I was a kid, eat me), Rourke’s presence feels more tangible than they ever were. He draws you in to every bit of pain he feels, whether it be staples and shards in his back, or the shame of unfixable regret. Forget the Oscar rumors. Mickey Rourke needs to start making Oscar plans.

Aronofsky was asked about how the film seemed to skirt around naming any famous wrestlers or the WWE, and whether or not that was indicative of opposition from the world of professional wrestling. Darren said that he went into it knowing he’d never have the support of something like the WWE, due to showcasing the story of a forgotten, broken-down wrestler with nothing like a pension or health insurance - something he, Mickey and writer Robert Siegel saw all too often when researching the film. He then smiled and pointed out that recently, Vince McMahon gave him a call and now he’s behind the film. Golden Lions at Venice seem to get people interested, it would seem...More?

source: filmthreat.com