Redemption? …………………….. Self-Actualization?…………………….. These were the thoughts I was going to and fro as the credits ran up my screen. What was it that Randy was searching for? Was he just an old school athlete who wished to make things right once it has already been called too late? Or was he an old man who suddenly grew up once the grim reaper came knocking on his door? It is said that your whole life flashes before your eyes when you are at the end of it all, but none of that did happen; instead we the viewers are given the opportunity to make our own choice. Was that ending actually a choice given? Or was it the director asking us “How would you want your life to be at the end of the road?”
Darren Aronofsky is known to be unorthodox; so are many directors of today. “Requiem for a Dream”, then this movie in 2008 and last year “Black Swan”. Whilst I do not share the enthusiasm in this movie, nor the director,this has been considered a blockbuster movie at the time it hit the screens. Being unorthodox in your approach does not mean you can take your own sweet time in reaching the climax of the plot, I paid good money for this movie, maybe those who make this are millionaires, but some of us viewers aren’t!!
The only silver lining to an IF not *yawn* ruined evening is the fact that Mickey Rourke was dashing. He got me feeling and thinking of how I would like to be in my old age. Mickey drove himself from hero to zero to “oops time to correct my mess ups”. He was convincing in his place, he took me through the pain and gave me the ray of hope of redemption. Mickeywas successful in single handedly pulling the ratings of this movie from a subzero negative to an overrated 8. Whilst the rest of the cast did not have the depth in the script they were an important element. Especially that of Marissa Tomei , the lustful Cassidy. There are a handful if not more of less fortunate such as Cassidy who are driven to the darkest ends just to live on. A mother by day and a stripper by night, it tugs my heart and it aches at the thought of leading such grievous lives. That tug I felt was an indicator of the penetration of her character, her talent as an actress which won her a nomination at the 81st Academy Awards together with Micky Rourke for the movie “The Wrestler”
Massive lessons are to be learnt and shared – in my own words what I would describe as an “Award winning ending – but a crappy drag until the end”. You can literally prepare a meal whilst the movie plays and come and sit back and watch the end and then go WOW! That was AWESOME! I disagree. That isn’t honest Cinema!
Title: The Wrestler
Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marissa Tomei
Rated: R for violence, sexual/nudity, language and some drug use.
Rating: 04/10