Rourke makes comeback in 'Wrestler'
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Sean Smith
Issue date: 1/9/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
There are certain movies in history where perfect casting makes the film into something much more special than just another film. Some actors can pull off a role well and convincingly, but only certain productions have the fateful match that surpasses expectations. With "The Wrestler," Mickey Rourke surely makes his comeback, playing the role that he was meant to play.
Darren Aranofsky's latest film follows Rourke as Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a washed-up former professional wrestler who is past his hay day but still striving to get back on top by competing on weekends in semi-pro matches in New Jersey. The audiences of these events begin to think, and Randy finds himself battling the idea of becoming a has-been. After a match, a promoter offers Randy the chance for a 20th Anniversary rematch of his most famous match, which originally sold out Madison Square Garden. The Ram accepts, feeling that this could be his chance to make it back on top. But after a heart attack caused by steroid use, Randy is forced to retire from wrestling.
Facing his own mortality, Randy tries to find comfort from his stripper love interest Pam (Marisa Tomei, "My Cousin Vinnie"), reconcile with his estranged daughter, Stephanie (Evan Rachel Wood, "Across The Universe"), and come to grips with working a regular job. Unable to find his place in the world without wrestling, Randy agrees to do the 20th Anniversary match. The film culminates with a final match that not only pits Randy against another wrestler but in a battle with himself and his own limits.
In Oct. 2007, Nicolas Cage originally signed on to play the part of Randy Robinson but after a month, Aronofsky's first choice, Rourke, stepped in to fill the role. This was a lucky change because Rourke is the hero of "The Wrestler." Looking like a half human/half Frankenstein man with his scarred, steroid-pumped body roasted a golden brown from tanning booths and his mottled face swollen by years of abuse, he embodies the character of a burnt-out wrestler. Rourke plays the role with a subtlety that highlights his character's tender humanity.
Darren Aranofsky's latest film follows Rourke as Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a washed-up former professional wrestler who is past his hay day but still striving to get back on top by competing on weekends in semi-pro matches in New Jersey. The audiences of these events begin to think, and Randy finds himself battling the idea of becoming a has-been. After a match, a promoter offers Randy the chance for a 20th Anniversary rematch of his most famous match, which originally sold out Madison Square Garden. The Ram accepts, feeling that this could be his chance to make it back on top. But after a heart attack caused by steroid use, Randy is forced to retire from wrestling.
Facing his own mortality, Randy tries to find comfort from his stripper love interest Pam (Marisa Tomei, "My Cousin Vinnie"), reconcile with his estranged daughter, Stephanie (Evan Rachel Wood, "Across The Universe"), and come to grips with working a regular job. Unable to find his place in the world without wrestling, Randy agrees to do the 20th Anniversary match. The film culminates with a final match that not only pits Randy against another wrestler but in a battle with himself and his own limits.
In Oct. 2007, Nicolas Cage originally signed on to play the part of Randy Robinson but after a month, Aronofsky's first choice, Rourke, stepped in to fill the role. This was a lucky change because Rourke is the hero of "The Wrestler." Looking like a half human/half Frankenstein man with his scarred, steroid-pumped body roasted a golden brown from tanning booths and his mottled face swollen by years of abuse, he embodies the character of a burnt-out wrestler. Rourke plays the role with a subtlety that highlights his character's tender humanity.
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