Film review: The Wrestler (2008)

[my_daroga]

There's something to be said for the pleasure of being surprised by a film, or a book, or even a discussion, about a topic you're not that interested in. It means that the treatment of it, the thought put into it, or the human drama of the situation transcends your own personal likes and dislikes and I, for one, enjoy that sort of surprise. When a

Comments

[confusedkayt]

Oh man. This movie *gutted* me when I saw it, though I recognize that it's for very idiosyncratic reasons. My biggest fear in life is turning out mediocre somehow, and this just gouged that wound. I was a wreck for a couple of days afterwards. (Perhaps I love me some movies a little too much... :P

[my_daroga]

I think I was unclear above. I am not sure how to express that I found the film very effective and affecting but didn't feel very personally towards it, though I can definitely see how you (or one) might. There was a certain distance in my reaction even though I did feel it very deeply--I'm sure I didn't say that, and I'm not sure I'm saying anything now that makes sense.

But I am not one to judge you for feeling a movie too much!

I'm probably taking my life in my hands to admit this to you, film buff that you are, but I can't stand most indie movies because of the aesthetic.I always think it's funny when people say stuff like this, because though it's the stereotype I am not a huge "indie" fan either. Not in and of itself. I like films where the aesthetic and the themes match, to some degree. Sometimes, the "gritty reality" thing totally works, but it has to be part of the overall plan. (Either that, or the film itself has to totally lack pretension and just be good, and then it can look like crap and I don't care.) Now that's not

[tinyholidays]

Is this out on dvd already? I never did go to see it in the theatre... Maybe I wanted to decrease what I've heard is a tough movie to watch down to a smaller screen.

Although I haven't seen Pi, it's interesting to me that Aranofsky is the person behind both RfaD and The Fountain, two films which have basically opposite views on human life, I think. (Although they are similar in that both are somewhat overwrought stylistically. ...Despite having that opinion, I have seen The Fountain four times and continue to recommend it to people. Do I secretly really like it? When will I inform me of my opinion?)

Speaking of films on subjects you're not interested in, I've been hearing and reading a lot lately about Tyson, but, ugh, I somehow can't manage to drag myself to see it. I really don't want to watch Mike Tyson for an hour and a half. Will you do it for me?

[my_daroga]

Lately I've not been seeing first run films in the theater, I suppose for the dual reasons of cost and uncertainty. But yeah, this came out on Tuesday.

The thing about The Fountain, for me, is that it's overwrought and computer-heavy but at the same time it works for what it is. It's pretty. I haven't re-watched it, but at least upon first viewing that was enough for me.

Hmm, dunno about Tyson. I have no interest whatsoever. It'll take someone I trust telling me I need to see it to get over that.

[filmnoir6]

Thanks for the great review as always, Ms. D. :) I'm also not in any ways interested in wrestling either, but with Aronosky's previous films, I think he could make it interesting. This is on my short list (~less than 20 :p) to watch.

[my_daroga]

I think you'll enjoy it. I should probably make myself multiple lists of varying urgency--there are far too many things to read/watch!