The Wrestler

Ever wanted to explore monomania? That's what director Darren Aronofsky (one of Hollywood's best. He did The Fountain, Pi, and Requiem for a Dream) and writer Robert D. Siegel (his original screenplay) did with the The Wrestler. The movie is host to excellent directing, brilliant acting, and authentic characters. It follows the struggles of a down and out ex-pro wrestler and an over-the-hill stripper. Mainly focused on Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke), the movie shows how one's passions and strengths can in many ways become our greatest weaknesses. Though once a legend in his prime, Randy can now barely handle the independent circuit, let alone make rent and hold a job. He tries to make things work with his estranged daughter and even gets lucky enough to spark a love interest with his favorite local stripper (Marisa Tomei). But no matter how hard he tries, no matter how much life tells him he needs to quit, he can't stop wrestling. It's all he's ever done, it's all he's ever known. It's his religion, his opiate. Without it life is meaningless but if he keeps it up it could kill him. I don't want to go into too much detail because I don't want to spoil it for you, unlike AVPR. I'll be glad to spoil that one for you: the predalien and the predator kill each other. There, saved you two hours of your life. You owe me. But back to The Wrestler. Siegel and Aronofsky do a great job of exploring the characters and bringing them to life. The movie is centrally a character piece, fits Aronofsky's directorial bill, and is well worth watching. So beware Darren's usual moral: monomania = bad things. Oh, and besides doing a great job acting, Marisa Tomei makes for one HOT stripper! Sorry, couldn't help myself.

Fiction: 4.5
Pop: 3
Action: 2

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