When I watched The Wrestler, I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew a little about what the movie was about, but I didn’t think it would wind up being anywhere near as engaging and inspirational as it was. Every wrestling fan has a favorite wrestler who they think they know, due to their public portrayal and in ring persona. This movie takes you so far beyond that and humanizes the wrestling world.
The movie follows the story of Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke), a wrestler who at the peak of his career packed stadiums across the world, and is now relegated to doing backyard shows in high school gyms. Once a world renowned superstar, he struggles just to pay his rent and is sometimes winds up having to sleep in his van. He is plagued by nagging injuries from his premium wrestling days along with new injuries incurred from his latest low budget wrestling shows. His only comfort is with an aging stripper named Cassidy (Marisa Tomei) who is going through her own fade from the limelight as her customers often opt for younger, “hotter” strippers instead.
After a heart attack, his doctor orders him not to wrestle anymore or he could die. The Ram then finds a job at a deli, cutting meat and scooping salad with a side of sarcasm. Some of the best scenes take place in the deli as Rourke spouts one liners while serving the patrons. Despite all the hard knocks thrown his way, The Ram remains optimistic and is actually a really likable person. Despite his only family being a daughter that hates him, he always has time to befriend the local trailer park kids. The other scene that stands out is the “video game” scene. Without ruining it, the irony of it all is just hilarious and you’ll know the scene once you watch it.
When the opportunity for a 20th anniversary championship rematch between The Ram and his former nemesis The Ayatollah comes his way, The Ram must choose whether to play it safe and continue cutting meat or risk everything, including his life, to grasp a spark of the glory he lost so long ago.
The directing style borders on a documentary, with just enough voice to keep things well paced. It works really well with the subject material and allows the characters to really shine. Marisa Tomei really got a makeover for her role and she seems believable both physically and emotionally. Her performance is solid and serves as the perfect compliment to Rourke’s larger than life wrestling persona. Rourke is amazing in this role. It is the role he was born to play. Similar to The Ram, Rourke has had quite a few ups and downs in his career. When you see him playing The Ram, the emotions and feelings are genuine to the point that you almost believe he is a real character. These are the two characters that are most prevalent throughout the movie, but make no mistake- this is definitely Rourke’s movie and he pulls it off perfectly.
You don’t have to be a fan of wrestling to appreciate this movie. If you like watching triumphs of the human spirit, you’ll like this movie. I can understand that it may not be for everyone, but I loved it and highly recommend this film. It is definitely one of the more unique and sincere movies to come out in a while.