The Wrestler (2008)

The heartbreaking story of an aging wrestler who struggles to find his place in the world outside of the ring.

Outstanding director Darren Aronofsky brings a touching film that is loaded with questions about the nature of professional wrestlers, and their lives in America. Set in the trailer parks and local gyms of the U.S., this movie finds the devastating truth behind the masks, the fake fighting, and pretend props.

Randy "The Ram" (Mickey Rourke) was one of the most famous wrestlers during the 80's. He enjoyed the spoils of his success, and became obsessed with the lights, glamour, and action. To the detriment of his family, Randy dedicated his whole life to the ring, and became estranged from his family, including his daughter Stephanie (Evan Rachel Wood). The only company "The Ram" seems to find is with a local stripper called Cassidy (Marisa Tomei), who only seems to care as long as Randy buys a lap dance. Whilst taking part in the less popular, local underground wrestling scene, Randy's life also consists of working in a supermarket to make to ends meet, and pay for his humble trailer. During one match, Randy suffers a heart attack, and is told he must stop wrestling for good. It is here that the aging athlete discovers that his whole life has been lived through the eyes of his fans, and there is nothing out there for him.

An absolutely knock out film, that is the story about a man who takes a beating for a living in order to be a part of a family. His fellow wrestlers are like his brothers, and his fans are his blood, the thing that keeps him going. It is a brutal truth when Randy realises that without wrestling, his life amounts to very little. In conjunction with this, Cassidy's life as a stripper is as demeaning, being a subject of desire for others, pleasing their needs, in order to gain a life. The only difference for her is a child at home who she wants to protect.

In contrast to the bright lights and advertisement of professional wrestling, The Wrestler looks far dirtier and painful. It focuses on the desperation of the people involved, to stay at the top of their game by working out and taking steroids. Aronofsky uses handheld cameras and intimate closeups to portray the grim reality that wrestlers face.

Many may go into this film thinking it is going to be an all out action wrestling film, but it is definitely not. This is a movie that displays a story so touching and stark that it deserves the highest of accolades. Rourke is immense as Randy, both in physical and emotional terms. The camaraderie between the wrestlers is beautiful, and the strength of character that these people display is remarkable.

A truly brilliant film.