Fully acknowledging that I was a pro wrestling fan for years, I enjoyed this film, and the curtain-lifting which reveals some of the realities of "the show". That being said, the film is still only a standard melodrama, with more than a little predictability, especially in the relationship scenes. This is not a tell-all, but a work of fiction in the European, indie, slice-of-life , small-movie mode. As such, the acting is everything. Mickey Rourke does more with his eyes than Tom Cruise does with a couch and a dance. Marisa Tomei shows a lot of courage (and a lot of everything else), even to the point where her nude scenes were probably a little too exploitive. Evan Rachel Wood is effective with so-so dialogue, but what is particularly noticeable is what a compelling actress she is becoming...can't wait to see how she develops and how she does with the selection of her future roles. The supporting cast was like good costuming, and the camera work was outstanding. It will be a tough sell in America, but this will win some hearts and monds , worldwide.
Dan's comments are, as usual, right on. This will be a difficult film for some to watch, due to the graphic violence and the bloody aftermaths, but fans of great acting will have to see it for Mickey Rourke's resurrection as an actor. Nudity aside, Marisa Tomei puts in a wonderful performance showing us extra dimensions to the stereotypical role of the stripper with a heart of gold. I would be very surprised if the acting did not get some Oscar nominations
2 comments:
Fully acknowledging that I was a pro wrestling fan for years, I enjoyed this film, and the curtain-lifting which reveals some of the realities of "the show". That being said, the film is still only a standard melodrama, with more than a little predictability, especially in the relationship scenes. This is not a tell-all, but a work of fiction in the European, indie, slice-of-life , small-movie mode. As such, the acting is everything. Mickey Rourke does more with his eyes than Tom Cruise does with a couch and a dance. Marisa Tomei shows a lot of courage (and a lot of everything else), even to the point where her nude scenes were probably a little too exploitive. Evan Rachel Wood is effective with so-so dialogue, but what is particularly noticeable is what a compelling actress she is becoming...can't wait to see how she develops and how she does with the selection of her future roles. The supporting cast was like good costuming, and the camera work was outstanding. It will be a tough sell in America, but this will win some hearts and monds , worldwide.
Dan's comments are, as usual, right on. This will be a difficult film for some to watch, due to the graphic violence and the bloody aftermaths, but fans of great acting will have to see it for Mickey Rourke's resurrection as an actor. Nudity aside, Marisa Tomei puts in a wonderful performance showing us extra dimensions to the stereotypical role of the stripper with a heart of gold.
I would be very surprised if the acting did not get some Oscar nominations
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