The Wrestler was nominated for a couple of major Oscars with Mickey Rourke nominated for best actor and Marisa Tomei nominated for best supporting actress.
Wow. I had heard really good things about this movie. But I'll admit, part of the reason I wanted to see it was to see Marisa Tomei as a stripper all in the buff. I'll admit it already. (She is on my top 5 BTW).
But wow. The Wrestler (2008) was an movie that surpassed my expectations. Melancholy, and sometimes heart stoppingly sad, this emotions are juxtaposed against the backdrop of the violence of pro wrestling. Rourke play Randy, the Ram, Robinson, who despite being older than most, still plies his trade in the pro wrestling circuit. But, after a brutal match, he is hit by a heart attack. That may have something to do with all the stimulants and steroids he pumps into himself, but hey, I'm not a medical doctor.
As he recovers, and tries to lead a different kind of life, he sees if he can build a relationship with Cassidy (Tomei) an aging stripper, who may be nearing the end of her entertainment career also. He also tries to reconnect with his adult daughter, played very well by Evan Rachel Wood. Some of Rourkes scenes with Wood are among the most heartbreaking and touching scenes I have seen.
Tomei is magnificent. She plays the somewhat cynical, calculating Cassidy pitch perfect. I will tell you, I have known some strippers as casual friends, and some more as entertainment providers, and she captures the vibe as well...no...better than anyone I have seen before. She is a nice person, but her profession has made her wary, and life has made her even more cautious.
The Wrestler is a movie to see. It could easily have been a nominee for best picture, it is that good.
And I am not just saying that because Marisa Tomei knows how to give a lap dance.
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