Mickey Rourke, right? That’s his name isn’t it? I mean, apparently, back in the day this guy was a big deal and his comeback is the best since Jesus’ resurrection.
Well I will have to admit that if this guy was acting his heart out like this as a young man then he disappeared into a binge of self destruction and solipsism, then, this is the best comeback since… maybe not Jesus but certainly the Cadbury Caramel Bunny (fuck, she’s hot!).
The Wrestler is a character study of a likeable loser who has a chance to turn his life around or to resuscitate his career, and the two acts are mutually exclusive. The adulation he receives in the ring alleviates his boredom and reminds him of his glory days but every knock he takes him closer to a forced retirement that involves a catheter and wheelchair.
His Wrestler alter ego, the glory hound and the boy that has never grown up is at odds with the man he wants to become for his estranged daughter and the woman he loves. Ultimately, the two sides never reconcile and the man retreats to the ring where he has learnt to face the physical pain to escape the emotional pain he feels outside of it.
