The Wrestler, while it could be seen as a departure from Aronofsky’s distinct style, might just be his best film.

Aronofsky’s gone back to his roots in a way with this film, though I don’t mean in terms of the jagged, jarring edits of his first two films or even the beautiful cinematography and art direction of The Fountain. What I mean is that he’s gone back to the simple, dealing with a very low budget tale of a simple man.

The Wrestler is a heartbreaking tale of Randy “The Ram” Robinson, a professional wrestler who’s about 20 years past his heyday. The film largely centers in on the various relationships that The Ram has: his wrestling buddies, both young and old, who respect the hell out of him; the kids that live in the same trailer park as him who play video games with him and whom he pretends to wrestle with; the stripper Cassidy, the closest thing he’s got to a friend; his estranged daughter Stephanie; and his boss at the local grocery store. There’s a major plot point that has somehow stayed unheard of that happens near the beginning of the film that really puts a twist on what happens to The Ram, something that at first seems cliché, but which pays off, big time.

Mickey Rourke plays the part of The Ram just as good as you’ve been hearing: he plays the part with such normalcy, such pathos, such gritty melancholy that it’s no wonder that the story of The Ram so parallels the trials of his own life.  The supporting cast does a wonderful job as well, Marisa Tomei standing out in the daring role of the stripper Cassidy.

Aronofsky put together a fantastic movie, full of great, intimate moments that resonate powerfully on a very personal and emotional level. While not for everyone, it is a fantastic character study and explores a world that has been completely ignored in terms of literary or significant stories. Aronofsky and his writer, Robert Siegel, found a wonderful story in Randy “The Ram” Robinson, and it shows. One of the most powerful and moving films that I’ve ever encountered.

See it!

Who would like this movie: Fans of wrestling, I would imagine, would love this film. But also anyone who’s got a heart, I have to say. Those interested in the story of the washed up, common man with no flourishes, no clever little quirks, and almost nothing to live for.

Who wouldn’t like this movie: Fans of nonviolence. Impatient filmgoers.

• Info: IMDB
• Watch: Youtube Trailer
• Tickets: Fandango