The Wrestler (2008)

Directed by: Darren Aronofsky | 109 minutes | drama, romance, sports | Actors: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Mark Margolis, Todd Barry, Wass Stevens, Nick Volpe, Judah Friedlander, Ernest Miller, Dylan Keith Summers, Tommy Farra, Mike Miller, John D’Leo, Gregg Bello, Scott Siegel Donnetta Lavinia Grays, Andrea Langi, Armin Amiri, Vernon Campbell, Johnny Valiant, Ron Killings, Giovanni Roselli, TJ Kedzierski, Andy Anderson, Austin Aries, Brian Heffron, Nicky Benz, Brolly, Lamar Braxton Porter, Claudio Castagnoli, Cobian, Doc Daniels, Bobby Dempsey, Billy Dream, Whacks, Rob Eckos, Nate Hatred, Kit Cope, DJ Hyde, Jeff Joslin, Jess Liaudin, Judas, Kid USA, LA Smooth, Toa Maivia, Kevin Matthews, Devon Moore, Pete Nixon, Paul E Normous, Papadon, Sabian, Jay Santana, Sugga, Larry Sweeney, Robert Rosen, Elizabeth Wood

It takes some getting used to, a film by Darren Aronofsky without trips and hallucinations. Without claustrophobic images, without deeply distorted thoughts and without the total loss of rational awareness. Indeed, the story of Darren Aronofsky’s ‘The Wrestler’ is even quite straightforward. But straightforwardness does not equate to lack of depth. Aronofsky didn’t suddenly switch to the Hollywood approach here, whatever that might be. No, ‘The Wrestler’ seeks psychological depth in the small nuances and at the same time never makes it too difficult for itself. It produces a particularly intriguing portrait and can already be counted as one of the best cinema films of 2009.

Subject is Randy ‘The Ram’ Robinson (Mickey Rourke), a pro wrestler who has had his best days professionally. Apart from his physical decline, he has trouble getting everything in order in his private life. He only just manages to make ends meet financially and his daughter (Rachel Evan Wood) doesn’t want to see him anymore due to past neglect. The only real friend Robin, his real name, seems to have is stripper Cassidy (a strong acting Marisa Tomei), but that too is a difficult bond. Randy has to change his life.

Big asset of ‘The Wrestler’ is Mickey Rourke, who was nominated for an Oscar for his role. The former wrestler apparently had a lot in common with his character and it shows. ‘His’ Randy gets the nuances in the margins, not in exaggerated yelling or whining that usually turns out to be good for the statue. When Randy gets a few tears in his eyes in a short monologue to his daughter, it is still really moving, there is no need for any fanfare.

All in all, not too much is explained here; Randy used to just let it go with his daughter and that’s all. Dramatic stories about the former how and what are not needed here. Randy is not an exorbitantly nice character, where sympathy for him becomes almost inescapable. It takes time for you to appreciate it. But that is an affection that you will feel all too well. His ups and downs weigh more and more, until the unforgettable climax, in which especially not too much is shown.

The ever sober observing camera, which always looks over Randy’s shoulders and hardly ever seems to leave him, provides appropriate intimacy. It lets Randy commit but never lets him down and thus witnesses the smallest acts and events, without making his presence feel too heavy in overly beautiful filmmaking. The musical accompaniment of Clint Mansell and Bruce Springsteen completes Randy’s world. In that world he has to choose his own path and try to get the best out of it by trial and error. It is one of the most beautiful quests for happiness ever, in which thoughtful and less thoughtful choices, feelings and desires collide subtly but powerfully in Rourke’s fantastic game. An absolute must.