FamilyFans Movies
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THE
WRESTLER (R)
Plot Summary: A pro wrestler, past his prime and in ailing health, seeks a return to the glory days of his youth.
Reason for the Rating: Violence, sexuality/nudity, language and some drug use.
Remember Mickey Rourke?
He hasn’t been in any blockbuster’s lately, but was hugely popular in the late 1980s for movies such as 9 1/2 Weeks, Barfly, and Wild Orchid. He’s been in movies since then, but nothing that really put his name out there and got him noticed (and in 9 1/2 Weeks and Wild Orchid, it was the sexual content of said movies that got him noticed, not necessarily his acting). So, imagine my surprise when I heard Mickey Rourke was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his role in The Wrestler. Needless to say, I had to see what all the fuss was about, and, of course, give my opinion on the whole situation.
The Wrestler is a disturbing movie about Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke), a professional wrestler who can’t let go of the past. Wildly popular and successful twenty years ago, The Ram is still seeking fame and acceptance through wrestling, even if it is only at the local community center. He doesn’t know what else to do or who else to be. So, he still listens to AC/DC, wears long hair, and has pictures of naked women hanging in his bathroom. Several times a month, The Ram frequents a strip club where he has struck up a consistent “relationship” with Cassidy (Marisa Tomei), one of the exotic dancers, with whom he relives the glory days.
After
experiencing a heart attack, his life is turned upside-down and Randy loses
everything of importance to him. Well, really the only thing of
importance…wrestling. Left only to himself, Randy realizes what a miserable
existence he has created for himself. Unable to maintain any kind of
relationship, he has estranged himself from his daughter and any other person
that could have possibly supported or taken care of him during his recovery.
Friendless and purposeless, Randy turns to the only thing that has ever given
him acceptance or direction…wrestling
This was a movie that was hard for me to watch for two reasons: pain and sexual content. Some of the wrestling scenes are just brutal to watch. Which, honestly, I couldn’t. How do you watch a man attach money to his forehead with a staple gun? Or roll around on barbed wire? Who knew this was a sub-culture of wrestling? It never ceases to amaze me what people will do, or watch, for entertainment. The sexual content was all used for a purpose, and certainly underscored The Ram's godless life and pursuits, but that didn’t make it easier to watch.
The
Wrestler is a heavy movie,
and is not for those who prefer happy endings. But, it is thoughtful and worthy
of discussion.
Mickey Rourke was truly amazing as “The Ram” and certainly deserves his Oscar nomination, as well as the Golden Globe he won for Best Actor. He is absolutely believable. And while I didn’t feel great emotion for Cassidy, I do think Marisa Tomei gave an excellent performance as a woman torn between the boundaries she has set for herself and the compassion she feels for Randy.
FAMILYFANS RECOMMENDS:
The Wrestler is not for everyone, and certainly inappropriate for anyone under 17. (This film more than earns it's R rating.) While it has it's artistic merits, as a whole, this one is difficult to recommend to anyone other than hardcore cinephiles or Mickey Rourke fans.
AFTER THE SHOW:
Use these questions to spark discussion among family members who are interested in this movie:
• What have I been unwilling let go of? Have I been reluctant to change or grow in an area that is keeping me from maturing in my relationships with others or with God?
• Whom do I rely on for encouragement and support? Do I have relationships I could turn to in a time of great need?
• Many, many people are lost in this world, living lives whose only direction of purpose is the next promotion or the next relationship. How active are you in offering the eternal hope and purpose of Christ?
JW
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