wrestling with the wrestler

The Wrestler (Darren Aronofsky, 2008)
* (Has redeeming facets)


The Wrestler is an example of vulnerable film making. The film depends on a repetitive formula of short establishing shot, close up, close up. The images have a lackluster quality to them with no manipulation of light and colour which residing effect is a very monotonous look and the long shots have a sense of imbalanced composition. Long handheld tracking scenes following Randy 'The Ram' Robinson, Mickey Rourke, on his way to the ring as the camera is placed looking at his back and follows him for a considerable amount of time. This same preparation and rituals are shown and constrasted when Randy is getting ready for his duties at his part time job working at a grocery store. This creates a unaesthetic slow paced scene which distracts from the narrative. The Wrestler follows Randys plight from being a washed up wrestler, to him learning of his hazardous condition, getting a deli job, attempt to rekindle a family life, realize all he has left is the legacy of 'The Ram', and in the end decides to partake in his ultimate match.-David Davidson