Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler Trailer
Early Oscar Buzz for Mickey Rourke in Comeback Role
Nov 21, 2008
A Glimpse Into The Wrestler
The trailer for Darren Aronofsky’s newest film, The Wrestler, displays none of the hyper sensory montage techniques of Requiem for a Dream, nor the visual artistry of The Fountain. What the trailer does feature, however, is the familiar humanity, inner turmoil, and intense relationships also found in Aronofsky films.
According to the Apple.com Trailers site, The Wrestler is the story of Randy “The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke), who enjoyed popularity as a professional wrestler in the 1980s. Today, Randy continues to cling to the exhilaration and pride he once felt in the ring, now settling for second rate wrestling gigs and a labor job. As Randy struggles with his sense of identity, he attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) and begins a relationship with a local exotic dancer (Marisa Tomei).
Opening with a roar of a crowd, the trailer introduces Rourke as he enters a fight with a Bon Jovi-esque mane and a rock song to match. The excitement dies down, and the trailer segues into an acoustic Bruce Springsteen song as an intimate portrait of a man and his post-success personal journey is revealed. Text of critical praise for Rourke is interspersed throughout the trailer, adding a double meaning to the comeback theme of the film. There are several touching shots of Rourke and his emotional interaction with Wood and Tomei, and the realistic images of working class New Jersey fit the mood well.
Screenplay, Score, and Songs
The Wrestler’s screenplay was written by Robert D. Siegel, and it is intriguing to see the subject matter of professional wrestling be included in a serious drama, as it is usually reserved for comedic films such as Ready to Rumble and Nacho Libre.
The score will be composed by loyal Aronofsky collaborator Clint Mansell. The trailer’s Bruce Springsteen song, called “The Wrestler,” was written for the film’s ending credits and will be available on Springsteen’s upcoming album, Working On A Dream, due out January 27th, 2009.
Early Buzz
It is apparent from the trailer that Aronofsky has chosen to step back with his trademark filming techniques and let Rourke’s performance take center stage here. The Wrestler may become Aronofsky’s most accessible film, and it appears certain that it will garner a Best Actor nomination for Rourke. Raves for Rourke have already appeared from critics following film festival screenings, and it is easy to see why even after only viewing the clips in the trailer.
The Wrestler premiered at the 2008 Venice Film Festival and it was awarded the Golden Lion. The film went on to be featured at the 2008 Toronto Film Festival, where it was purchased by Fox Searchlight.
