| Overall Grade: |
A |
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| Story: |
A- |
|
|
| Acting: |
A+ |
|
|
| Direction: |
A+ |
|
|
| Visuals: |
B |
|
|
Rourke's performance really stays with you.
by Susan (movies profile)
Dec 19, 2008
38
of
39 people found this review helpful
I went to a screening of this movie not knowing anything about wrestling or Mickey Rourke.
I almost didn't go because I remembered Million Dollar Baby. I don't like fight movies. But the cast and the director were going to be there so I'm glad I went.
But, let me tell you, this movie is a GEM. Run, don't walk, to your nearest cinema and go see it.
Great acting by Rourke and supporting actresses Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood, and of course great directing by Darren Aronofsky, who said it took 7 years to make.
Rourke trained for seven months at bodybuilding with frequent hi protein lo carb meals, and then trained as a wrestler for four more months before filming. He said it was hard for him to get the rhythm of a wrestler since he came from the boxing world and it was so different.
Bruce Springsteen does an incredible song over the end credits and the soundtrack features a lot of 80's bands. Since Bruce and Rourke go "way back" he gave them the song for free!
But Rourke's performance will stand out over time, like Anthony Quinn in La Strada or Stallone as Rocky Balboa. His whole life is in his face and those eyes, but his voice has a sweetness to it that counters his appearance. Darren the director focusses a lot on that face, showing us all the scars and the pain until we feel it too.
I want to see it again. You will too. This is a GREAT movie. |
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