The wrestler (2008)

WRESTLING WITH DEMONS IS A GRITTY AFFAIR

Aronofsky is a master storyteller, especially when it comes to the real world (see Requiem for a Dream) and his 2008 dispiriting drama The Wrestler is up there with his best.

Set in a squalid section of New Jersey, The Wrestler focuses on Robin Ramzinski (Mickey Rourke) a professional wrestler from the 80s who goes by the ring name Randy 'The Ram' Robinson. Now an aging wrestler and certainly past his prime, Randy spends his weekends performing at amateur wrestling shows whilst working part-time at the local supermarket.

After a health scare forces him to reconsider his lifestyle, Randy takes this as an opportunity to re-connect with life outside the ring. He begins to work full-time at the Supermarket, attempts to start a relationship with Cassidy (Marisa Tomei) a local stripper, and tries to re-connect with his daughter Stephanie (Evan Rachel Wood) who he abandoned many years ago. Whilst this new life seems to be working for Randy he soon realises that he's not accustomed to normal life and never will be. Before long he finds himself accepting an offer for a rematch inside the ring against The Ayatollah, his arch-nemesis from the ’80s. Will this be the fight that shoots Randy back into the limelight?

As we all know this is the role that rejuvenated Rourke's career and rightfully so. His performance as Randy 'The Ram' Robinson is one of the most heartwarming but at the same time heartbreaking displays. He certainly steals the show here, however; the supporting cast of Marisa Tomei as love interest Cassidy and Evan Rachel Wood as his daughter Stephanie help bring out this breathtaking display.

Visually The Wrestler hits the nail on the head and helps bring to life the authenticity of the story. This is due to the numerous one-take & handy-cam style tracking shots, grainy cinematography, and wretched locations. Whilst a lot of this comes down to Aronofsky's vision, I think cinematographer Maryse Alberti's background in documentaries undeniably helped create such a sincere and realistic atmosphere.

The Wrestler is a phenomenal piece of filmmaking that every cinephile needs to see.

★★★★☆

26 SEPTEBMER 2018