Some critics would say it's easier for an actor to portray himself or herself in a role rather than a fictional character because stepping into another person's shoes is the hardest faction of professional acting. Then there are others who would say the contrary. Some theorize that playing yourself, or a role close to it, is actually more difficult because an actor has to then expose themselves to the entire audience. They can no longer hide behind a wall in the form of a character, which for many actors is the security blanket that wraps around their talent.
Mickey Rourke’s performance in The Wrestler is nothing short of magnificent. No doubt that Rourke had a plethora of real-life experiences and emotions to reference in this role. From preferring to be called by his nickname to his short-lived professional boxing career, Mickey Rourke draws many parallels to his character Randy “The Ram” Robinson. Rourke leaves it all on the table in this film. It’s definitely the most vulnerable role the quintessential “tough guy” has ever played. And it may even deliver the Academy Award for “Best Actor.”
Rourke’s character Randy “The Ram” Robinson use to be the end-all be-all in professional wrestling back in the 1980’s. Now some twenty years later, the once "king of the ring," has been reduced to playing extremely small venues in the independent wrestling circuit. The wrestlers have to buy their own props and resort to extremely violent gimmicks like barbwire and staple guns, in order to draw any type of a crowd. They put themselves through pure hell for little money just to keep their dream alive. Of course the wresters in this circuit look at Randy as a “god,” as most of them grew up idolizing his performances. On the weekdays, Randy works at a local supermarket to try and keep up with the rent on his trailer-park home. He has an estranged daughter that he abandoned during childhood and spends his spare time at the local strip club where he pays all of his attention to a stripper named Cassidy (Marisa Tomei), for whom he has romantic feelings. Although he looks to be in good physical shape, Randy’s body is on the verge of total collapse after all the years of performance drugs and physical brutality.
A major area where this film succeeds is its ability to shine a light on the darkest part of professional wrestling. Even the big-time performers like Hulk Hogan have admitted to drug use in order to maintain an edge on the younger competition and prolong their careers. Performance drugs and many other types of pain-coping substances are easily available to these athletes willing to trade long-term health for a shot at stardom.
Mickey Rourke’s career is not the only one to receive an adrenaline shot from this film. Marisa Tomei has also been nominated in the upcoming Academy Awards in the “Best Supporting Actress,” category. Tomei is very solid in the role of Cassidy, an aging stripper who, like Randy, is weary of her future in a profession tailored for younger people. She also has 9-year-old son and is trying to make a better life for both of them by quitting the business. She has a very soft spot for Randy that could develop into something deeper if she let it, but is cautious about getting too involved with a customer.
The Wrestler is not the stereotypical uplifting sports film where the main character is able to overcome their challenges and stand in total triumph at the end. This is no “Rocky” story. However the film’s ending is absolutely appropriate and some would even say “happy,” in a very paradoxical manner.
Story: 8.0
Acting: 9.5
Writing: 9.0
Captivation: 8.5
Replay Value: 6.5
Total = 8.3
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