The Wrestler

[CatDiesel]

This is probably my most anticipated film and this early review has me even more exicited:

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/38193

There are spoilers, so I didn't read much. But it seems like it's going to be amazing.

[nightskies]

calling it right now, going to be the best movie ever. necro butcher!

[poppa Q]

Absolutely love Aronofsky -- The Fountain often gets shat on, but it's one of my favorite movies. So beautiful.

[CatDiesel]

Absolutely love Aronofsky -- The Fountain often gets shat on, but it's one of my favorite movies. So beautiful.

Me too... It's great

[IAmNietzche]

Great review but I have yet to really be impressed with Aronofsky and this doesn't sound like the film that is gonna do it.

[Kif]

calling it right now, going to be the best movie ever. necro butcher!
That's "Hollywood" Dylan Summers to you!

[drudo182]

I love Aronofsky but I'm not sure if he will top The Fountain.

[jbaseball44]

I am interested in this movie but i think he is overrated. Requiem is my favorite film of his and i thought The Fountain had a lot of wasted potential.

[swt_catastrophe]

to be honest, i really didn't get into the fountain. i was so excited for it too.

[Ravenna]

I hope Marisa Tomei has her top off for half the movie again.

[irthesteve]

I love him, but this movie doesn't seem that exciting to me yet

[Until The Bombs]

Would be better with Diamond Dallas Page.

[jwelborn]

This is another one on my most anticipated list.

cRDainAvvrk

[drudo182]

This is another one on my most anticipated list.

cRDainAvvrk

Great piece. Thanks.

Aronofsky kind of reminds me of Bale at times.

[doomcrs04]

I love Aronofsky but I'm not sure if he will top The Fountain.
lololololololololololololololololol o

that movie was a piece of shit. He bit off more than he could chew and the film was a disaster.

[drudo182]

lololololololololololololololololol o

that movie was a piece of shit. He bit off more than he could chew and the film was a disaster.

That's cool.

[Rodeo]

Can't wait for this movie!!! I am in the boat of saying that The Fountain, while amazing, wasn't his best movie. But, again... I saw Pi in theaters and nothing could top that experience as a teenager.

[jbaseball44]

lololololololololololololololololol o

that movie was a piece of shit. He bit off more than he could chew and the film was a disaster.

I agree that The Fountain was not very good. I watched it and found that there was a lot of potential but he didn't do anything with it. It was one of the biggest disappointments of that year. On the other hand i am interested to see what he does with The Wrestler.

[TJ Wells]

The score to the Fountain was way better than the actual movie. I'd call it an interesting failure.

That being said, this movie just won the Golden Lion at Venice. I hope it plays at the CIFF.

[CubbyNick42]

via Slashfilm:

http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/thewrestlerposterreal-404x600.jpg

[jwelborn]

Wonderful poster, the wrestler, slumdog millionaire, and milk are my most anticipated for the rest of the year.

[drudo182]

via Slashfilm:

http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/thewrestlerposterreal-404x600.jpg

I want that poster!

Movie is going to be amazing.

[pshh]

I want to see this so bad, I hear Mickey is up for a nod for Best Actor.


oh shit my name is bold now, woot woot.

[CubbyNick42]

I want that poster!

Movie is going to be amazing.
Turns out that was just a mock-up. Here's the real one.

http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/thewrestlerposterfinalreal-404x600.jpg

[Until The Bombs]

I thought Sin City was the resurrection of Rourke. He never would have landed this without it.

Edit: And awesome poster.

[dretti]

I'm a big fan of Aranofsky. So I'm definitely looking forward to this.

[chokeychicken]

aranofsky is probably my favorite director, so this is certainly my most anticipated. is it due for a limited release?

[drudo182]

Turns out that was just a mock-up. Here's the real one.

http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/thewrestlerposterfinalreal-404x600.jpg

Even better. Love the black background. I thought it said Raw in the background and I didn't get it but whatever. Want it.

[CubbyNick42]

It's says Ram. That's Rourke's character.

[jwelborn]

aranofsky is probably my favorite director, so this is certainly my most anticipated. is it due for a limited release?

As of right now it is, but if it keeps getting all of this oscar talk it will definitely get a wide release before the end of the year.

[drudo182]

It's says Ram. That's Rourke's character.

Oh, lol. Much better.

[glassjaw777]

all of his movies are sick. my favorite one darren made was requiem for a dream which is disturbingly amazing. reading from the review, sounds like the wrestler is gonna be good.

[-Aaron-]

It's playing at the St. Louis Film Festival this week. Going to see it Sunday.

[eMart]

This and Slumdog Millionaire are the last movies on my Must See list.

[drudo182]

Wrestler, Milk, Slumdog, Benjamin Button.

[Thomas Balkcom]

via Slashfilm:

http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/thewrestlerposterreal-404x600.jpg

thank you for this

[jwelborn]

the trailer is here...

http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/11/20/the-wrestler-movie-trailer/

[Thomas Balkcom]

that's awesome, thanks for posting that

[terrycw89]

Very nice. I like how the song Springsteen wrote for the movie was in the trailer.

[pshh]

Looks amazing, will definitely have the tissue box out.

[up da punx]

looks fucking amazing

[cahrishurr]

gotttttttttttta see this

[jwelborn]

I am also quite excited to hear a full version of Bruce Springsteen's "The Wrestler."

[Adrian Villagomez]

This looks great.

[Thomas Balkcom]

I am also quite excited to hear a full version of Bruce Springsteen's "The Wrestler."

As am I, I have watched the trailer like three times today and I keep sending it to friends.

[drudo182]

Beautiful trailer. Watched it a couple times today and just watched it again.

[jusscali]

Can't wait.

[TheBestBet]

Saw the trailer for it today. Looks pretty cool, might have to check it out.

[drudo182]

When is the Mansell score coming out? I am looking forward to that so much.

[jwelborn]

I hate to see the day when The Wrestler drops from being at 100% over at RT.

[andrewshungry]

this is by far my most anticipated of the year. the trailer was so amazing.

i haven't seen a really really good movie in at least a year. into the wild was the last one. i think the wrestler will be the next.

[drudo182]

It's a toss up between this and Milk. Van Sant is my favorite director so I'll probably say Milk is my number one but this looks beautiful and Aronofsky hasn't disappointed me yet. Just hope this tops The Fountain.

[pinklipgloss]

I love how the song by the boss meshes with the trailer perfectly.

[drudo182]

Yeah. Can't wait to hear the full song. Going to be a great score/Bruce song.

[Thomas Balkcom]

http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/wrestler-7.jpg

http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/wrestler-1.jpg

http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/wrestler-9.jpg

[Thomas Balkcom]

http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/wrestler-6.jpg

http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/wrestler-5.jpg

http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/images/wrestler-4.jpg

[drudo182]

Evan Rachel Wood looks really hot in this movie. Is she still going out with Manson?

[Thomas Balkcom]

Evan Rachel Wood looks really hot in this movie. Is she still going out with Manson?

completely agree about her looking hot but unsure about Manson, I'd assume yes since I have not heard anything

[drudo182]

Ahhh, nevermind. They aren't.

[Thomas Balkcom]

Ahhh, nevermind. They aren't.

Ah, I see

[drudo182]

Just read this in a fan review/Q and A update. Wonder if Mansell did any work on music. The trailer says it's done by him.

Someone also asked Aronofsky about the score, or rather, the lack of one. He said that in this film, a score wasn't needed. The actors told the story. He wanted the scattered rock songs, but that's it. He did say that the Bruce Springsteen song that plays during the credits is one that Bruce wrote while on tour in Europe, and then gave to them for free because he loved the script so much.

[pshh]

http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/11/26/more-photos-the-wrestler/

New pics, so excited.

[jwelborn]

I do believe i've come across Bruce Springsteen's The Wrestler track in full. If this has been out for a while, I wish someone would have let me known.

http://www.imeem.com/theeplaylist/music/PrLSqjJu/bruce_springsteen_the_wrestler/

[mattybobviously]

I cannot wait for this film.

[bradyreier]

I'm also excited to see this.

[fake empire]

Just read this in a fan review/Q and A update. Wonder if Mansell did any work on music. The trailer says it's done by him.

Someone also asked Aronofsky about the score, or rather, the lack of one. He said that in this film, a score wasn't needed. The actors told the story. He wanted the scattered rock songs, but that's it. He did say that the Bruce Springsteen song that plays during the credits is one that Bruce wrote while on tour in Europe, and then gave to them for free because he loved the script so much.

Whattttttt no score? What about Clint Mansell?

[fake empire]

Well one song from the Wrestler is on Clint Mansell's myspace

[Smash Adams]

currently 100% on rotten tomatoes, I don't think I've ever seen that before
can't wait to see it this week or next

[jwelborn]

Yep, 44 fresh reviews and 0 rotten, and its already certified.

[Mitch]

This is going to be great.

[gusta0117]

i need to see this. im definitely willing to drive a distance for this.

[heyozzie]

although i love clint mansell's scores in the past movies, i trust arnofsky's judgment. if he says it doesn't need it, than it doesn't. movie is really going to be incredible.

[Thomas Balkcom]

http://content.foxsearchlight.com/inside/node/3041

damn I have to wait until January 16th?

[jwelborn]

http://content.foxsearchlight.com/inside/node/3041

damn I have to wait until January 16th?

Looks like i'll be going to Atlanta on Jan. 16th.

[eMart]

currently 100% on rotten tomatoes, I don't think I've ever seen that before
can't wait to see it this week or next
Impressive especially with 47 reviews in. The only other movie that I can think of that was 100% recently was Man on Wire (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/man_on_wire/).

I'm watching this movie later this week, so excited.

[Recovery Room]

I know what I'm doing on the 26th.

[mattybobviously]

Ahahaha, some absolute prick gave this it's first rotten rating, he's the man who thinks Transporter 3 was the film of the year.

[Ailite]

Man this looks so good

[windmillninja]

I just came back from this movie, and it is, without a doubt, THE film of the year. What an unbelievable performance by Rourke. I was close to outright bawling. It's just...man. I don't even have words for how much this film moved me.

[eMart]

Well it dropped to 96% at RT thanks in part to this douche Armond White (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/author/author-2725/?letter=d&cats=1%2C+2%2C+3%2C+4%2C+5%2C+7%2C+ 8%2C+12%2C+13%2C+14%2C+16%2C+17%2C+ 18%2C+19%2C+20%2C+21%2C+22%2C+24%2C +23%2C+26%2C+27&genreid=&switches=). I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but this guy is seriously like a troll in the critic world. He always gives bad reviews to the most critically acclaimed movies, including:
Slumdog Millionaire
The Class
Doubt
Milk

and of course,
The Dark Knight


I just came back from this movie, and it is, without a doubt, THE film of the year. What an unbelievable performance by Rourke. I was close to outright bawling. It's just...man. I don't even have words for how much this film moved me.Glad to hear that, I'm planning on watching it at Arclight this weekend.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

excited for this. will not make it to KC until Janurary tho which stinks

[last light]

Well it dropped to 96% at RT thanks in part to this douche Armond White (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/author/author-2725/?letter=d&cats=1%2C+2%2C+3%2C+4%2C+5%2C+7%2C+ 8%2C+12%2C+13%2C+14%2C+16%2C+17%2C+ 18%2C+19%2C+20%2C+21%2C+22%2C+24%2C +23%2C+26%2C+27&genreid=&switches=). I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but this guy is seriously like a troll in the critic world. He always gives bad reviews to the most critically acclaimed movies, including:
Slumdog Millionaire
The Class
Doubt
Milk

and of course,
The Dark Knight


Glad to hear that, I'm planning on watching it at Arclight this weekend.

I'll be at the Arclight for this as well.

[Gedarov]

random - i met marissa tomei at my favorite local watering hole 2 weeks ago. i went up to get a drink and she tapped me on the shoulder...she was just sitting at the bar, chatting with people. had about 3 friends with her from Los Angeles. she's really down to earth, and still looks AMAZING - i had no idea how old she was.

at any rate, i'm pretty stoked for this movie. mickey rourke finally getting a good part???

[IAmNietzche]

http://www.reel.com/movie.asp?MID=151623&buy=open&Tab=reviews&CID=13#tabs

Great review.

[Swayback]

There is a great cast for this flick. Already has an 8.9 on IMDb!

[Adeniz19]

I'll be at the Arclight for this as well.my gf and i were thinking about going to this today before the dustin show, and watch a couple of movies, but we both had to end up working

[last light]

my gf and i were thinking about going to this today before the dustin show, and watch a couple of movies, but we both had to end up working


Lame, still coming down for the show?

[Adeniz19]

Lame, still coming down for the show?:nod:

We're still going to leave pretty early, just because we're worried about traffic on the grapevine, but doubt we'll be able to catch a movie

[last light]

:nod:

We're still going to leave pretty early, just because we're worried about traffic on the grapevine, but doubt we'll be able to catch a movie


Word. Show should be awesome, I have to come late though because I have a herniated disc in my back and can't be on my feet for real extended periods of time. Shit sucks.

[LongDistanceDrunk]

this is by far my most anticipated of the year. the trailer was so amazing.

i haven't seen a really really good movie in at least a year. into the wild was the last one. i think the wrestler will be the next.

I fucking loved Into the Wild. That was the best serious movie I saw in the last year until I watched Milk.I only find 1-2 actually good movies, besides comedies, I like each year. This looks pretty good though. Isn't this by the dude that made Requeim for a Dream and the Fountain?

[Adeniz19]

Word. Show should be awesome, I have to come late though because I have a herniated disc in my back and can't be on my feet for real extended periods of time. Shit sucks.Damn that sucks. You could always just grab a seat in the balcony area haha

[last light]

Damn that sucks. You could always just grab a seat in the balcony area haha

Ya, I'd just be worried that I wouldn't get one. I really only care about Chris and Dustin, although now that Aaron Weiss is added I might try and come early and grab a seat. I could also probably get one at the bar so we'll see.

[LongDistanceDrunk]

http://content.foxsearchlight.com/inside/node/3041

damn I have to wait until January 16th?

Lame I have to wait till Jan 23. Since I'm so impatient I guess that means I'' be watching it online. The dates page did say it was subject to change.

[Thomas Balkcom]

Lame I have to wait till Jan 23. Since I'm so impatient I guess that means I'' be watching it online. The dates page did say it was subject to change.

They said the same thing last year with There Will Be Blood, all the dates were moved closer a week thanks to critical acclaim, I am assuming the same will happen here.

[last light]

Saw it this afternoon. Lived up to expectations.

[Ailite]

Amazing film.

[eMart]

Definitely lived up to the hype for me. Mickey deserves all the attention he's getting for the role.

[Recovery Room]

So stoked to see this. The 26th can't get here soon enough.

[Bob Payne]

I hate all you assholes who live in LA and NY.

[fromwithin]

I'm waiting for a screener to pop up any day now.

[katekate]

I have free tickets to see this. Might go watch it tonight.
Also.. Having an ex work at the cinemas sucks

[poppa Q]

I'm waiting for a screener to pop up any day now.

Hope so!

[Adrian Villagomez]

By the end of this year I need to see this movie, Milk, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

[glassjaw777]

i hate when people and critics build up movies.

[last light]

I hate when people like Glassjaw.

[Adeniz19]

people should keep their opinions to themselves!

[last light]

people should keep their opinions to themselves!

Loved the acoustic Milly Michaelson on Friday.

[jwelborn]

i hate when people and critics build up movies.

Look at your favorite films, some of the most over rated/hyped movies out there.

[Recovery Room]

i hate when people and critics build up movies.
Yeah, I hate when due credit is given to exceptional acting and filmmaking.

Bastards.

[Smash Adams]

http://www.avclub.com/content/feature/darren_aronofsky
really cool interview with Darren, I had no idea that necro butcher guy was real

[Mitch]

I am probably going to see this on Friday.

[shwaz499]

just came back from NYC to see this film. Incredible. Deserves tons of oscar nominations. I can definitely see Rourke winning best lead actor. I was blown away by this. Aronofsky never fails. His 4 feature films are all on a very exclusive list of my favorite films.

[WFUJerseyJon]

This movie was incredible. Definitely deserving of all the Oscar buzz. Go see it if you can.

[Mitch]

I was going to see it today but can't.

[Recovery Room]

Just got back and, well, the movie as a whole was good but I can't lie and say I wasn't letdown.

Rourke, however, was just as phenomenal as everyone is saying.

[MIKEY_HORROR]

Awsome movie, I absolutely loved it!!

although the ending was basically perfect for the movie..not gonna lie, I was a little pissed at it...but it didnt take anything away from the movie at all..if anything it added to it.

[Mitch]

Watching this right now and loving it. Rourke is fantastic.

[Mitch]

Wow, what a film.

I love Requiem, I love The Fountain, and I like Pi a lot. This movie, however, is the one Aronofsky movie out of those three where everything about it works out (prob. has something to do with the minimalistic style) to perfection.

I love it when I watch a movie and get this absorbed, convinced that I'm watching real life.

I agree with this review that I found on RT:

Director Darren Aronofsky and his ensemble transcend the melodrama of the genre to present something heartbreakingly real.

[Mitch]

Awsome movie, I absolutely loved it!!

although the ending was basically perfect for the movie..not gonna lie, I was a little pissed at it...but it didnt take anything away from the movie at all..if anything it added to it.

Mhmm.

What was your gripe with it?

[MIKEY_HORROR]

Mhmm.

What was your gripe with it?

I guess just the way it was left open to interpretation. ..sometimes I just like it "spelled out" for me...but I think the open ending was perfect for ths movie.

and I wouldnt even call it a gripe, as this is probably my favorite movie of the year. (This or Slumdog Millionaire)...Just wasnt expecting it to end when it did.

[Mitch]

I wasn't disagreeing with you about the ending being "basically perfect for the movie." I agree that it was.

And for some reason, I was expecting it to end exactly when it did. As soon as he got up on the rope, I knew it was about to be over.

[Mitch]

Just watched it again. My dad walks in during the last 2 minutes, watches until the credits start rolling, and says, "That's it? What a sucky ending."

And the fuck wonders why I don't watch movies with him anymore.

[stayillogical]

I agree too that it ended perfectly. I saw that coming and was glad it stopped there.

[Recovery Room]

There's no other way to end it.

People will all come to their own conclusions, though I'm pretty sure of the outcome.

There's no way to show an ending that goes one way or the other without it being cheesy and ruining the whole vibe of the film.

[Ailite]

Everyone here Vince McMahon slam this? What a fucking toolbag

[Recovery Room]

Everyone here Vince McMahon slam this? What a fucking toolbag
Well, if there's one thing Vince McMahon knows it's quality entertainment.

What was his reasoning?

[dashboard1190]

Watched it last night and honestly only watched it because it was getting all of the Oscar buzz.

But wow, I was so impressed. Rourke blew me away, as did Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood. It's an impeccably acted film.

Honestly, Rourke deserves every ounce of recognition he's getting for this film. I'm sure there was a lot of cosmetic/makeup work done for some of his appearance, but regardless, he became a wrestler on the screen.

As for the ending, during the last scene i kept thinking to myself either he will have another full-blown heart attack or the other guy will actually start winning but I wasn't exactly expecting how it did end. I'm extremely happy though that it did end this way.

The whole film just felt so relatable for some reason even though I don't know any wrestlers, strippers/moms, or estranged daughters.

Terrific.

[Mitch]

Well, if there's one thing Vince McMahon knows it's quality entertainment.

What was his reasoning?

http://bigpicture.fancast.com/2008/12/the_wrestler_angers_wresting_k.html ?cmpid=FCST_hpcover

[gusta0117]

i saw this last week. the movie lives up to the hype IMO.

great performences

[IAmNietzche]

Marisa Tomei is so fucking hot.

[marrost]

Seriously couldn't believe that she is 45.

Perfect ending, perfectly explained in the reel review.

[Recovery Room]

Seriously couldn't believe that she is 45.

Perfect ending, perfectly explained in the reel review.
Link?

[fantasma]

The ending was so good. So good.

[marrost]

Link?www.reel.com

I hope his next movie follows the same minimalistic format. This was much better than that last piece of crap.

[Vincewithouthee]

Fantastic movie.
Probably my favorite movie of the year.
Rourke owned.
Tomei really is fucking sexy as hell.
and the ending was perfect.

[dashboard1190]

Seriously couldn't believe that she is 45.

Perfect ending, perfectly explained in the reel review.

she's 45?

holy crap.

I found it hard to believe that Cate Blanchett is almost 40, but this is actually unbelievable.

[Recovery Room]

www.reel.com

I hope his next movie follows the same minimalist format. This was much better than that last piece of crap.
Thanks.

And I agree completely. However, I think there was an overabundance of shots behind Rourke as he walked.

[Mitch]

Watching this for a third time.

[Recovery Room]

Watching this for a third time.
How? Where?

[Mitch]

In an illegal manner.

[jwelborn]

I'll probably rewatch it in the next couple of days.

[Recovery Room]

In an illegal manner.
Haha, I know that.

I meant via torrent or streaming site?

[Mitch]

Haha, I know that.

I meant via torrent or streaming site?

Torrent, haha.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

Makes me sad--but hardly surprised--that some people thought The Fountain was crap. Philistines :hitself:.

[Thomas Balkcom]

Makes me sad--but hardly surprised--that some people thought The Fountain was crap. Philistines :hitself:.

AVC: Do you feel The Fountain has found a second audience at this point?
DA: Oh there’s definitely an audience for The Fountain. I’d say it’s probably 30-70, 30 percent of people who really get it, and those types of people have seen it a few times. The reality is, to make a commercial movie about coming to terms with death—a lot of people want to see people get killed, not a metaphysical take on death, so it’ll take its time to find people that are open to it, and there’ll always be people that won’t at all want to experience it. It’s my best work, and the final film is the film I wanted to make, and I’m very proud of it. My intention got out there.

You've probably already read that but I thought that was such a great point. And to be clear I loved The Fountain since I saw it opening night.

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

AVC: Do you feel The Fountain has found a second audience at this point?
DA: Oh there’s definitely an audience for The Fountain. I’d say it’s probably 30-70, 30 percent of people who really get it, and those types of people have seen it a few times. The reality is, to make a commercial movie about coming to terms with death—a lot of people want to see people get killed, not a metaphysical take on death, so it’ll take its time to find people that are open to it, and there’ll always be people that won’t at all want to experience it. It’s my best work, and the final film is the film I wanted to make, and I’m very proud of it. My intention got out there.

You've probably already read that but I thought that was such a great point. And to be clear I loved The Fountain since I saw it opening night.

saw it opening night as well - and it has remained one of the greatest pieces of art on film i have ever seen. truly beautiful.

[chokeychicken]

i am so sad that this will not be in richmond until the end of january. i might have to drive to DC to see it. i am dying. partly because i love every movie darren has ever done (requiem is my favorite movie of all time, or one of them) and reading these reviews just gives me chills.

[Ben09]

Ram jam baby

[Stephen Chamberlain]

AVC: Do you feel The Fountain has found a second audience at this point?
DA: Oh there’s definitely an audience for The Fountain. I’d say it’s probably 30-70, 30 percent of people who really get it, and those types of people have seen it a few times. The reality is, to make a commercial movie about coming to terms with death—a lot of people want to see people get killed, not a metaphysical take on death, so it’ll take its time to find people that are open to it, and there’ll always be people that won’t at all want to experience it. It’s my best work, and the final film is the film I wanted to make, and I’m very proud of it. My intention got out there.

You've probably already read that but I thought that was such a great point. And to be clear I loved The Fountain since I saw it opening night.

saw it opening night as well - and it has remained one of the greatest pieces of art on film i have ever seen. truly beautiful.
Wise men.:wave:

[fluke182]

The performances by the main three were absolutely fantastic in it. I enjoyed them immensely. It was a very well made movie with great performances, but overall, I'd say it wouldn't make my top five this year just because I found it hard to connect to Randy overall as a character. His daughter was exactly right, he was a huge fuck up and he was right, he deserved his fate. I guess I tend to have problems connecting with characters who seem to deliberately make terrible decisions. I know that may seem stupid to some, but everyone interprets differently based off their own point of views. The Wrestler was adjusted by that. I'd definitely place it at #7 this year though.

But masterful performances all around, and I loved the minimalist style production Aranofsky went with (seriously though, is this an all time record for most camera shots following a person as they walk? It worked great for providing the contrast between his wrestling life and his other life, but perhaps overused). Very emotionally wrenching movie to watch.

[IAmNietzche]

The performances by the main three were absolutely fantastic in it. I enjoyed them immensely. It was a very well made movie with great performances, but overall, I'd say it wouldn't make my top five this year just because I found it hard to connect to Randy overall as a character. His daughter was exactly right, he was a huge fuck up and he was right, he deserved his fate. I guess I tend to have problems connecting with characters who seem to deliberately make terrible decisions. I know that may seem stupid to some, but everyone interprets differently based off their own point of views. The Wrestler was adjusted by that. I'd definitely place it at #7 this year though.

But masterful performances all around, and I loved the minimalist style production Aranofsky went with (seriously though, is this an all time record for most camera shots following a person as they walk? It worked great for providing the contrast between his wrestling life and his other life, but perhaps overused). Very emotionally wrenching movie to watch.
In Gus van Elephant the camera follows one actor for close to 10 minutes real time. This happens (in albeit shorter periods) throughout the film.

As for your comments on the Wrestler, I agree that Randy made deliberate bad decisions but I feel comfortable in saying that the only one's it's hard to identify with are one's made outside the film (his abandonment of his daughter) which we don't really know that much about. The bad decisions he makes in the film (partying the night before he is supposed to meet his daughter and continuing to wrestle with his heart condition) are decisions I would venture to say are outside his control. The pull of fame for this man is something he cannot escape. By the end of the film as he addresses the crowd, we see that his daughter isn't his family (however loathesome that may seem) his family is the people who love him as Randy the Ram Robinson, not Robin Ramsinski, and he was always supposed to be there, on that mat, at that point in time, in front of those people. It's a movie of addiction as poignant and affecting (if not moreso) as Aronofsky's own Requiem for a Dream.

[narcoleptic953]

I need to see this

[stayillogical]

I agree that I couldn't connect with the main character because of his decisions. That was my only gripe with the movie and why it's not in my top. Well made, fantastic performances, but personally, I don't care enough to watch it again.

[fluke182]

In Gus van Elephant the camera follows one actor for close to 10 minutes real time. This happens (in albeit shorter periods) throughout the film.

As for your comments on the Wrestler, I agree that Randy made deliberate bad decisions but I feel comfortable in saying that the only one's it's hard to identify with are one's made outside the film (his abandonment of his daughter) which we don't really know that much about. The bad decisions he makes in the film (partying the night before he is supposed to meet his daughter and continuing to wrestle with his heart condition) are decisions I would venture to say are outside his control. The pull of fame for this man is something he cannot escape. By the end of the film as he addresses the crowd, we see that his daughter isn't his family (however loathesome that may seem) his family is the people who love him as Randy the Ram Robinson, not Robin Ramsinski, and he was always supposed to be there, on that mat, at that point in time, in front of those people. It's a movie of addiction as poignant and affecting (if not moreso) as Aronofsky's own Requiem for a Dream.
Yeah, my mind immediately went to Elephant when I thought of the camera following the actor. It's not really the length of time that got me, it was the frequency.

I agree with your points, and while I do recognize them as good points (besides the partying the night before thing - that is in his control, everyone has a choice one way or another), it still doesn't change the fact that my viewing experience was altered by the way I look at life. It's part of the reason why I can't watch Requiem more than once every couple years - it's a really hard time for me to watch people decimate their lives like that.

Very good point about his perception that his real family is the crowd and his true persona is the Ram, not Robin Ramsinski. I do think that's another angle at how he fails at life however, as it's his own choices in life that puts him in the position for his daughter to hate him. There isn't a better example of this than at the very end, when he could quit and live his life with Marisa Tomei maybe ("I'm here now" was awesome) instead of wrestling again and possibly dying. He lives (and possibly dies) with the choices he makes.

It's funny how discussing movies makes them improve in your mind. I'm already liking it more than I did before, and I quite liked it before.

[mouood]

Saw this today. Loved it.

[terrycw89]

I'm not a wrestling fan at all, so I didn't know if I'd like this movie all that much. But, I ended up enjoying it a lot more than I thought I would.

[wildaman1]

I also loved the minimalist style, it made me feel like i was watching a much more real-feeling documentary; real footage but without somebody telling me what to think or what's going on. I also can't stress enough how much I loved Mickey Rourke, and I feel that he was incredibly convincing.

Another film with long camera shots in it is Children of Men. It's not quite the same as in The Wrestler, as these shots were mostly just long action sequences and actually were multiple shots digitally put together rather seamlessly. However, some of the shots were upwards of 4-5 minutes, if I remember correctly.

[DroppedUrPocket]

enjoyed the film a ton. the performances were top shelf. extremely heart-wrenching.

[jbaseball44]

Watched it the other night. Loved it.

[WFUJerseyJon]

I think the thing about this movie I liked the most was the way Aranofsky portrayed wrestling so honestly without judging it. It is what it is, and there isn't a positive or negative light to it. Brilliantly done.

[GiggsOho]

I think the thing about this movie I liked the most was the way Aranofsky portrayed wrestling so honestly without judging it. It is what it is, and there isn't a positive or negative light to it. Brilliantly done.

I do have to agree, I saw this today, and it didn't hit me (maybe because I followed pro wrestling from ages 8-20) until hours after that "wow, the wrestling was really honest, from everything i've read/heard, that's exactly it."

The last 2 minutes sealed the deal for me on this movie.

When he is on the verge of possibly dying, looks around the crowd, and then looks back up for Cassidy, and she is gone, and then he finally jumps and it cuts...I thought to myself "Wow, what a great way to end this movie. It really doesn't matter if he dies, because really, is it really that much worse than what he has going for him?" Which in the end, makes the movie sad beyond belief.

Fantastic movie.

[Mitch]

Which regular user is it that has a dislike of Aronofsky? Is it IAmNietzsche?

Edit: I believe it is. What did you think of The Wrestler?

[pshh]

did anyone else notice the big ass vampire weekend poster in evan rachel wood's house?

beautiful film, it appeared to me to be a very, very raw film and i loved it. so character and plot driven it goes to show what a good story, great actors, and little money can do..


also a kickass song.

[sevinw0rds]

I loved this film from beginning to end. Talk about a performance where an actor gives everything and then some. I'd read online that Ram's speech at the end feels like a breaking of the third barrier where it's really Rourke talking about himself and his mistakes, but it made it so much more poignant for me rather than removing me from the experience, which would have easily happened with a lesser director/actor team. I applaud The Wrestler to no end.

[Colorblind!]

Why the fuck is this not playing in the tenth biggest city in Canada?
Really...

[bootsydan]

Very disappointed that this didn't receive more oscar love.

Too everyone saying they couldn't connect with the character - to me that's what made this movie even better. Is because he had obvious flaws that he couldn't overcome - and this is very true to real life. True to just about everyone in this world. So I loved the movie all the more for that.

Great direction (In elephant, sometimes the over the shoulder shots felt very staged, but to me they didn't in this film (except maybe at the very beginning)). And especially great script. How it didn't get a best screenplay nom I cannot see.

[dretti]

I do have to agree, I saw this today, and it didn't hit me (maybe because I followed pro wrestling from ages 8-20) until hours after that "wow, the wrestling was really honest, from everything i've read/heard, that's exactly it."

The last 2 minutes sealed the deal for me on this movie.

When he is on the verge of possibly dying, looks around the crowd, and then looks back up for Cassidy, and she is gone, and then he finally jumps and it cuts...I thought to myself "Wow, what a great way to end this movie. It really doesn't matter if he dies, because really, is it really that much worse than what he has going for him?" Which in the end, makes the movie sad beyond belief.

Fantastic movie.


Couldn't agree more with you on the ending of the movie, I loved it. Probably top 3 on the year for me

[narcoleptic953]

Mickey Rourke in this movie might have been the most genuine and believable performance I have ever seen. Absolutely mindblowing. If he doesn't win the Oscar, I'll never watch them again.

[drudo182]

He'll win the Oscar.

[batmannj]

He'll win the Oscar.
i am sure he will. but if he doesn't, i will be very upset.

[drudo182]

I'm surprised Arononfsky didn't get a nom for this film too. Robbed.

[jbaseball44]

I see that Penn won tonight at SAG's, i still think Rourke will win at the Oscars.

[TEAMRAMROD]

saw this tonight. wow.

[drudo182]

I'm kind of surprised that Penn won tonight over Rourke. Both were good performances but I think it's better for Rourke because he hasn't done something this good in a long time. Penn is always good.

[MyWorldEntire]

I loved Rourke's performance, but I still believe Penn deserves Best Actor at the Oscars.

[NickLopez]

I do have to agree, I saw this today, and it didn't hit me (maybe because I followed pro wrestling from ages 8-20) until hours after that "wow, the wrestling was really honest, from everything i've read/heard, that's exactly it."

The last 2 minutes sealed the deal for me on this movie.

When he is on the verge of possibly dying, looks around the crowd, and then looks back up for Cassidy, and she is gone, and then he finally jumps and it cuts...I thought to myself "Wow, what a great way to end this movie. It really doesn't matter if he dies, because really, is it really that much worse than what he has going for him?" Which in the end, makes the movie sad beyond belief.

Fantastic movie.
My thoughts exactly. I loved this film so much. Everyone--Rourke, Tomei, Wood, Aronofsky--did a great job. I liked this more than nearly every other movie of the year.

[batmannj]

Of the performances I have seen, I think Rourke deserves Best Actor, but I have not seen Milk yet. I want to, its just not in my area yet...:(

[EndSerenading]

Saw it this weekend, awesome movie.

[Mitch]

I can't wait to own this on DVD.

[Mitch]

8 days until the DVD release :-)

[Adrian Villagomez]

It's funny to me that people were talking about 'connecting' with Randy 'The Ram.' "No Randy, I would have made this decision if I were you."

[xglassjawx]

8 days until the DVD release :-)

No way! Really?

[stayillogical]

It's funny to me that people were talking about 'connecting' with Randy 'The Ram.' "No Randy, I would have made this decision if I were you."

If you're watching a character piece where the object is for you to care about said main character, it's difficult to love the movie if you just don't. Did I make sense there?

[xglassjawx]

June 1st is when UK gets the DVD. Tooooo long. :-(

[jbaseball44]

Pretty excited to buy this on DVD.

[itsmesean0630]

I've been holding off on buying movies right away, but I might have to for this fantastic movie.

[a speedo model]

I want to own this. Cannot wait to get my hands on a copy.

[Thomas Balkcom]

I want to own this. Cannot wait to get my hands on a copy.

same here

[Chemical Love]

I just saw this last night and I was blown away by Mickey Rourke's performance. I dont know how he didnt win the Oscar (oh yea, he's Mickey Rourke). I loved the movie, I thought the ending could of been a bit different, but I understand why it ended the way it did. And this movie was much better than that mediocre film that won the Oscar for best movie.

[eraserhead]

Finally saw this. Fucking depressed me.

[xglassjawx]

And this movie was much better than that mediocre film that won the Oscar for best movie.

Was that Slumdog Millionaire? I liked it but it was very overrated. The Wrestler is a phenomenal film.

[MyNameIsRoss]

good bump. finally got around to watching this. hbo. good flick, bummed me out kinda.

[bard]

watched The Wrestler for the first time tonight.
don't see what the big deal was.

[Full Effect Ed]

Not every movie can please everyone I guess

[bard]

yeah i know, it's just the hype was so high for this.

i mean, he did a good job acting, but it seemed like the goal of the movie was to depress the viewer.

[kaycey]

this was an amazing film. so glad i finally got around to watching it, really hit the spot.

[Full Effect Ed]

This is one of those films that will never get old to me. I always find myself watching it anytime its on HBO, no matter what part I come in at.