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

Rourke triumphs over demons in "The Wrestler"

When director Darren Aronofsky approached Mickey Rourke about starring in "The Wrestler," Rourke was understandably apprehensive.

"To be brutally honest, when I read the material, I really didn't want to make the movie because it was too close to home for me," says Rourke...More?

source: edition.cnn.com

Aronofsky and Rourke passionate about The Wrestler -- and wrestling

Darren Aronofsky and Mickey Rourke take pro wrestling seriously, a distinction that sets them apart from the rest of Hollywood, and even some wrestling companies that continue to hire comedy writers for their Creative departments. In the critically acclaimed new film The Wrestler, every scene is a testament to director Aronofsky and star Rourke's determination to make a serious, thoughtful, and sober film about the ridiculed subculture of pro wrestling...More?

source: slam.canoe.ca

Rourke, Back From Oblivion, Gets Oscar Buzz for `The Wrestler'

While walking around Venice last week, Mickey Rourke suddenly stopped and "pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming." No wonder. Twenty-one years and countless stumbles after his last notable film role, the former bad-boy actor is enjoying success again as star of Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler, which won the top prize at the Venice Film Festival and now is playing at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Rourke comments on his wrestling training:

"People think because you were a boxer you can wrestle, but they're day and night," Rourke said. "Plus we didn't have a big budget, so we had to cram in three months of wrestling practice. I was terrible for the first month and a half. Every time some 265-pound guy threw me across the room, I couldn't move for two days. I gained a lot of respect for the sport."...More?

source: bloomberg.com

Rourke seals comeback in "iconic" wrestler role

Mickey Rourke seals his comeback with a critically acclaimed performance as a lonely, washed out wrestler whose life painfully echoes that of the troubled Hollywood outsider...More?

source: reuters.com

New Photos of Mickey Rourke in 'The Wrestler'

More?

source: firstshowing.net

First Look: Mickey Rourke in Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler

The Wrestler is the story of retired professional wrestler, Randy "The Ram" Robinson, making his way through the independent circuit, trying to get back in the game for one final showdown with his former rival.

source: firstshowing.net

Afa to Train Mickey Rourke for Wrestling Movie Role

WXW would like to officially congratulate WWE Hall-Of-Famer AFA THE WILD SAMOAN for being selected to train famed actor MICKEY ROURKE in preparation for his lead role in "The Wrestler", a major motion picture helmed by acclaimed director DARREN ARONOFSKY ("The Fountain, "Requiem For A Dream"). Afa was hand-picked by Aronofsky and the film's producers based on his unparalleled reputation as head trainer at his WILD SAMOAN TRAINING CENTER, the breeding ground for WWE superstars such as BATISTA and SNITSKY, as well as BILLY KIDMAN and many more...More?

source: wrestling.insidepulse.com

Nicolas Cage out - Mickey Rourke In

Mickey Rourke is getting into the ring with "The Wrestler," the indie drama that Darren Aronofsky will direct in January.

Rourke will play Randy "The Ram" Robinson," a role that Nicolas Cage had reportedly been set to play. There was no word Sunday as to why he had left the project.

Aronofsky and Robert Siegel wrote the script for "The Wrestler," about an over-the-hill grappler who returns to the ring for one last shot at glory.

source: variety.com

No word yet on why Nicolas Cage is no longer in the movie.