Post by ghostwriter on Oct 13, 2008 18:09:27 GMT -5
Reviews from the New York premiere of "The Wrestler"
Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center was jammed to capacity as 2,700 movie goers gathered for the closing night of the NY Film Festival and The Wrestler did not disappoint. Those who bought their tickets at retail value paid $40 dollars to witness Mickey Rourke's Championship performance. Producer/Director Darren Aronofsky introduced the movie's stars (Rourke, Marissa Tomie, and Evan Rachel Wood) along with several other members of the cast and crew. (Aronofsky also called out Ernest Miller for applause and he looked to be in great shape)
At the end of the movie, the crowd, which was a stereotypical well-to-do, snobbish Manhattan socialite crowd, gave the film's connections a standing ovation. Aronofsky and company had to be thrilled with the reception. My only negative comment pertains to the crowd giggling, and laughing during several wrestling scenes. (for instance when all the wrestlers were going over their spots before heading to the ring) It amazed me how much of this crowd was ignorant of the inner-workings of wrestling. Yes they cringed and gasped during the Necro Butcher Death Match scene. What can't be denied is that The Wrestler, and specifically Mickey Rourke, are destined to bask in their new-found glory. As far as I am concerned, Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler lived up to the buzz. Mickey Rourke firmly deserves a Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Randy Robinson.
The fans who study the sheets, shoot interviews, and wrestlers' biographies, will feel vindicated that the business is depicted exactly as it is. For independent film followers, I bet there will be many favorable reactions. As far as the mainsteam, I do not see box office. The garbage wrestling sequence, complete with the usual props, sent some people running for the exits. There are a few other bloody spots as well.
This movie is about as far from a Hollywood blockbuster as one might imagine. A modest commercial response would be expected. But you never know.
The tenor of The Wrestler is one of those bittersweet deals. The Ram, desperately clinging to his past, willing to do whatever it takes to hang on, despite tremendous physical and emotional pain.
Awarded Best Film at its premiere at Venice, the oldest film festival in the world, The Wrestler honor of closing The 46th Annual NY Film Festival. I concluded it was worth buying a ticket, since October 12 was my one and only chance, until the American release in two months. received the
Lincoln Center and ECW Arena attract vastly different crowds. I hazard a guess that less than 27 of the 2700 people who attended The Wrestler have set foot in both venues, but I am proud to say that I was one of them. Very surreal, sitting in a Wanderlei Silva Chute Boxe hoodie, surrounded by sartorially splendid film buffs, though one couple did arrive in matching Chris Candido shirts.
Aronofsky spoke before the film was shown. He noted how humbled he was, a kid from Brooklyn, addressing Avery Fisher Hall. The director praised his screenwriter, Robert Siegel, who joined him at the podium. Evan Rachel Wood, Marisa Tomei, and finally, Mickey Rourke walked on to the stage, to much applause. Aronofsky also mentioned folks who worked on the film, asking them to stand up from their seats in the the audience. Ernest Miller received the biggest pop.
Shockingly, Necro Butcher was neither introduced nor visible in the theatre.
I do not want to give away much about the movie itself. Awards notwithstanding, reviews thusfar have been mixed, with some cynically knocking what they perceive to be The Wrestler's formulaic approach. Others have lauded the story and performances.
Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center was jammed to capacity as 2,700 movie goers gathered for the closing night of the NY Film Festival and The Wrestler did not disappoint. Those who bought their tickets at retail value paid $40 dollars to witness Mickey Rourke's Championship performance. Producer/Director Darren Aronofsky introduced the movie's stars (Rourke, Marissa Tomie, and Evan Rachel Wood) along with several other members of the cast and crew. (Aronofsky also called out Ernest Miller for applause and he looked to be in great shape)
At the end of the movie, the crowd, which was a stereotypical well-to-do, snobbish Manhattan socialite crowd, gave the film's connections a standing ovation. Aronofsky and company had to be thrilled with the reception. My only negative comment pertains to the crowd giggling, and laughing during several wrestling scenes. (for instance when all the wrestlers were going over their spots before heading to the ring) It amazed me how much of this crowd was ignorant of the inner-workings of wrestling. Yes they cringed and gasped during the Necro Butcher Death Match scene. What can't be denied is that The Wrestler, and specifically Mickey Rourke, are destined to bask in their new-found glory. As far as I am concerned, Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler lived up to the buzz. Mickey Rourke firmly deserves a Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Randy Robinson.
The fans who study the sheets, shoot interviews, and wrestlers' biographies, will feel vindicated that the business is depicted exactly as it is. For independent film followers, I bet there will be many favorable reactions. As far as the mainsteam, I do not see box office. The garbage wrestling sequence, complete with the usual props, sent some people running for the exits. There are a few other bloody spots as well.
This movie is about as far from a Hollywood blockbuster as one might imagine. A modest commercial response would be expected. But you never know.
The tenor of The Wrestler is one of those bittersweet deals. The Ram, desperately clinging to his past, willing to do whatever it takes to hang on, despite tremendous physical and emotional pain.
Awarded Best Film at its premiere at Venice, the oldest film festival in the world, The Wrestler honor of closing The 46th Annual NY Film Festival. I concluded it was worth buying a ticket, since October 12 was my one and only chance, until the American release in two months. received the
Lincoln Center and ECW Arena attract vastly different crowds. I hazard a guess that less than 27 of the 2700 people who attended The Wrestler have set foot in both venues, but I am proud to say that I was one of them. Very surreal, sitting in a Wanderlei Silva Chute Boxe hoodie, surrounded by sartorially splendid film buffs, though one couple did arrive in matching Chris Candido shirts.
Aronofsky spoke before the film was shown. He noted how humbled he was, a kid from Brooklyn, addressing Avery Fisher Hall. The director praised his screenwriter, Robert Siegel, who joined him at the podium. Evan Rachel Wood, Marisa Tomei, and finally, Mickey Rourke walked on to the stage, to much applause. Aronofsky also mentioned folks who worked on the film, asking them to stand up from their seats in the the audience. Ernest Miller received the biggest pop.
Shockingly, Necro Butcher was neither introduced nor visible in the theatre.
I do not want to give away much about the movie itself. Awards notwithstanding, reviews thusfar have been mixed, with some cynically knocking what they perceive to be The Wrestler's formulaic approach. Others have lauded the story and performances.