The Wrestler Knocks Down the Audience in Triumph

By Kara Jordhoy

Randy ‘The Ram’ Robinson beats his nasty opponent to the ground and raises his arms in victory for an extremely small crowd surrounding the ring. He leaves his fans, who mistake his heavy breathing for victory, not defeat. After being cared for by nurses in his dressing room, Randy collapses to the ground. This beginning shows not only his exhaustion from the deadly battle, but also his fight to keep his life in order.

At the New York City Regal Union Square Stadium 14 premiere of The Wrestler on Jan. 30, many showed up to see the much talked about film that got actor Mickey Rourke nominated for an Oscar. After being invited by a New York University film student, John Schlirf, we sat and watched the movie eagerly with many others. Fortunately, this movie was engaging and moving; however, it was emotional in a way that depressed most of the audience.

“It’s a kind of movie that you can experience alongside the actor,” Schlirf said. “Mickey Rourke brings along his experiences as an actor that makes him even more believable.”

In The Wrestler, Rourke (Sin City) makes a come back by playing Randy, an old, washed-up fighter from New Jersey who constantly screws up with the people he cares for most. Directed by Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream), this movie had a documentary-feel to it, with shaky, hand-held cameras depicting Randy’s days after fame and fortune had ended. Obviously once on drugs, Randy tries to fix his broken life by making amends with his daughter Stephanie, played by Rachel Evan Wood (Across the Universe), getting a job in the deli section of a grocery store and forming a relationship with a stripper. This classy lady named Cassidy, played by Marissa Tomei (The Sopranos), is not the classic stereotypical depiction of a pole dancer. A single mom who yearns for a better life, Cassidy is also attempting to improve her life alongside Randy. While his efforts are admirable, Randy soon finds that it is much harder to keep up with responsibilities and relationships than it is to wrestle.

“The story has a very slow, deliberate pace to it that makes the film seem more like you’re following this guy around through his life,” Schlirf said. “It seems like there’s no barrier between you and the character.”

Written by Robert Siegel (The Onion Movie), The Wrestler is a moving, heart-wrenching tale; one that moved the audience and touched the lives of many. The acting was phenomenal, especially that of Tomei, who was nominated for the Academy Award’s Best Supporting Actress. Her willingness to be nude in multiple scenes, plus actually doings the tasks of a real stripper presented her ability as an actress. Also, Rourke’s talent as an actor was shown through Randy, because he played basically himself: a prior drug addict who is trying to reach for the fame he once had. Once on his way to stardom, Rourke ruined his chance by being rude to his coworkers and tarnishing his good looks by taking heavy medications. After people refused to work with him, Rourke decided to get his career back together again. Happily, Rourke has succeeded, winning a nomination for the Academy Award’s Best Actor.

“Rourke deserved to win because of the sheer amount of self he put in the role,” Schlirf said. “But he lost because he made so many enemies in his past.”

All in all, The Wrestler is a brilliant film, though somewhat depressing. Most of the audience left the theater with glum or sad expressions. While it can be inspirational to some, others may find no hope from it at all.