The Wrestler

I'm always a day late and a dollar short when it comes to movies. I don't enjoy going to movie theaters most of the time. They're usually overly air-conditioned, I always seem to get stuck behind someone like Javier Glatt, the BC Lions linebacker, or in front of the Jabberwocky family and their three lovely children, Talkalot, Cryalot and Fartalot. I prefer to wait until a movie comes out on DVD and I can watch it in the comfort of my own home. So I am just now getting around to watching the movies that were nominated for best picture at the Academy Awards.

One of my favorite movies of this past season is "The Wrestler". In my opinion, everything about the movie is perfect. Having disliked "Slumdog Millionaire" so much, it was a treat for me to watch "The Wrestler" which was also a contender for best picture. In addition, Mickey Rourke was nominated for best actor. He won the Golden Globe and the BAFTA for best actor, and probably should have won the Oscar as well. His performance is nuanced, subtle and flawless. This movie was directed by Darren Aronofsky with the finesse and elegance of a conductor of a fine symphony orchestra. In addition, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood were brilliant in their supporting roles as Randy’s friend and his daughter.

Mickey Rourke has had many incarnations during his career. He started out as the “pretty boy” heartthrob that women loved, but he has morphed into something completely different, and somehow more likeable. The pathos and humanity he brings to the role of Randy "The Ram" Robinson in this movie is brilliant. The movie pulled me in and made me feel as if I were a part of the whole experience, rather than just sitting and observing it. The movie feels real. I loved this movie. It was gritty and edgy and sad and completely wonderful. If you haven't seen it, you're in for a real treat -- just to watch Mickey Rourke's performance.