Aronofsky's "The Wrestler"

[ZGangsta 0]

Oh fuck, Vince is going to take out a hit on Aronofsky...

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/39603

[imajackoff? 0]

Saw it this weekend in Bethesda,MD. Very depressing flick with a great performance by Rourke and a very solid performance by Tomei. Aronofsky did a remarkable job of being true to a the subject matter.

 

I'd give it a 8/10.

[bob_barron 0]

Saw it in theaters tonight and it was quite a good movie but largely reliant on Rourke which is fine because he fucking shines in it. Wood is nothing special but Tomei delivers enough though IMO not enough to qualify as Oscar material. Our theater was located in one of the swankier areas of downtown Toronto so seeing all of the WASP-ish white people in their Burberrry scarves cringe at some of the more hardcore stuff.

 

I might be alone in this but growing up a huge wrestling fan for a good part of my life I found myself not laughing at things that others ( likely non-wrestling fans) were laughing much harder at.

 

As I said before, I hate everything about the Cumberland.

 

And guys, just wait the few weeks till it comes to your area. It's worth it.

[JimmyHendricks 0]

Wow, after seeing this, I can't believe Aronofsky had the balls to actually show this to Vince. He had to know what the reaction would be, I hope. I'm sure any backlash against the industry will be met with swift cries of "It's a movie, they oversensationalized it" or "In the WWE we take care of our performers". But like the NFL, once you're done, you have nowhere to go. I guess Vince can't be blamed if someone like Randy the Ram's contract runs out, he's released, and keeps wrestling another 10 years and destroys his body, but too many ex-wrestlers got into the business because they had nowhere else to turn, and when that ran out, they were lost. That's kind of what this film shows.

 

I can't believe Nic Cage was actually slated to play the lead in this, and understand completely why Aronofsky fought for Mickey Rourke. He brings a broken down presence to the character that Cage simply cannot do. Perhaps 10 years ago, but not now. I shudder to think how the scenes with Evan Rachel Wood could have played out if Cage were in that role.

 

The small little subtle things, like the hearing aid, Randy rocking out to 80's music, and the entire autograph signing made it so much more realistic than say, Randy the Ram simply being broke and popping pills for 90 minutes or something. I bet there were TONS of washed up wrestlers trying to land a part in this film.

 

It was essentially Beyond the Mat II, but I was more emotionally invested in this film.

[cd213 0]

From what I'm told, my mom works at a company that does payroll for the entertainment industry, Rourke wasn't even payed for the role. Aronofsky wanted him so bad that the backers told him they would put up the money if Rourke was in it over Cage. Aronofsy contacted Rourke and told him he couldn't pay him, but he'd get him an Oscar. At first Rourke didn't want to do it, but after reading the script, he jumped on it.

 

I haven't seen MILK or BENJAMIN BUTTON, but Rourke did the best job I have seen all year, and feel if Cage was in the role, the movie wouldn't be anywhere near as good as it was.

[Jebus 0]

From what I'm told, my mom works at a company that does payroll for the entertainment industry, Rourke wasn't even payed for the role. Aronofsky wanted him so bad that the backers told him they would put up the money if Rourke was in it over Cage. Aronofsy contacted Rourke and told him he couldn't pay him, but he'd get him an Oscar. At first Rourke didn't want to do it, but after reading the script, he jumped on it.

 

Yup, Rourke mentioned this on Letterman a couple of nights ago.

[dubq 0]

Saw it in theaters tonight and it was quite a good movie but largely reliant on Rourke which is fine because he fucking shines in it. Wood is nothing special but Tomei delivers enough though IMO not enough to qualify as Oscar material. Our theater was located in one of the swankier areas of downtown Toronto so seeing all of the WASP-ish white people in their Burberrry scarves cringe at some of the more hardcore stuff.

 

I might be alone in this but growing up a huge wrestling fan for a good part of my life I found myself not laughing at things that others ( likely non-wrestling fans) were laughing much harder at.

 

As I said before, I hate everything about the Cumberland.

 

And guys, just wait the few weeks till it comes to your area. It's worth it.

 

And I'm sure the Cumberland hates you, too, Bobby.

[dubq 0]

Mick Foley goes off on some Sports Illustrator reviewer who sat beside him at a media screening for the movie:

http://www.tnawrestling.com/content/view/1225/84/

 

MICK FOLEY RESPONDS TO A REVIEW OF "THE WRESTLER" IN THE LATEST SPORTS ILLUSTRATED MAGAZINE

 

The below column was sent to TNAwrestling.com by Mick Foley, who would like to address a review of "The Wrestler” that appears in the latest issue of Sports Illustrated. Foley is mentioned throughout the review by SI writer Adam Duerson.

 

---------------------------------

 

To: Sports Illustrated Editorial Dept.

 

“At a recent New York city screening of ‘The Wrestler’, one decidedly homeless-looking fellow stood out in the smartly dressed crowd.” So begins Adam Duerson’s review of Darren Aranofsky’s new film "The Wrestler” in the 12/22/08 issue of Sports Illustrated. My name is Mick Foley-a 3 time WWE Champion and author (hand-written, no ghost writer) of two New York Times #1 Bestselling Memoirs - and I am that decidedly homeless-looking fellow who Duerson sat next to at a December 5 media screening of the critically acclaimed movie.

 

foley3.jpgI play an important role in Duerson’s review; the real life man seemingly facing many of the same challenges that Mickey Rourke’s fictional Randy The Ram Robinson, an aging broken down wrestler, faces in the film. Early in the review Duerson sites my oversized duffle bag, in addition to a “billowing red flannel shirt and sweat pants and a crude Grizzly Adams haircut”. That duffle bag makes an appearance later in the review as an example that “finding dignity in retirement can be tricky”. You see, of all things, the duffle bag contained…drum roll please…a Santa Claus suit that I was to wear at a Twisted Sister Holiday Show later that evening. Duerson follows that shocking revelation by writing, “He’s not broke, he explained, but he is still making appearances on the road at least 10 days a month”.

 

Here is the problem; Adam Duerson, in his quest to find a theme or hook for his review, lets his omission of facts and questionable interpretation of details and events pertaining to his time spent with me, mar what could have been a fine piece of journalism.

 

Earlier this week, I spoke at considerable length (40 minutes) with Duerson, who seemed to have had trouble seeing why I might find his portrayal of me in the review to be unflattering. I told him it was clear to me, that based on his review, Sports Illustrated readers (according to Wikipedia, over 3 million subscribers, up to 20 million weekly readers) would be likely to see me as a former wrestling star, fallen on rough times, taking jobs as a homeless-looking Santa Claus at rock concerts just to get by.

 

“You did know,” I said to Duerson “ that I was there, like you, as a journalist, reviewing the movie?”

 

“Yes,” Duerson said, “I did”.

 

A few days earlier I had been asked by Slate.com, a popular and respected web site of the Washington Post to write a review from a wrestler’s prospective. I asked Duerson why he had failed to mention this little fact. Duerson told me he was pretty sure he had used the words “media screening” in his review, which would have at least somewhat conveyed the idea to the reader that I was attending the screening as a journalist. Except, as I informed him, the word “media” is nowhere to be found. Just “screening”, all by its lonesome. Duerson then told me that his editor, Mark Bechtel (a senior S.I. editor, a writer of the magazine since 1995), had decided not to include the word “media”.

 

“You do know I have written books, (8 of them) right?” I said to Duerson. Yeah, turns out he knew but opted not to include that little fact. Why are these omissions important? Because, in my opinion, mentioning them would be an inconvenient conflict with the guy that Duerson and his editor seem to want in this story. Let’s face it, if Duerson mentioned the Slate review, or five New York Times best-selling books (only two went to #1), his suggestions that follow would lack a certain amount of credibility. Apparently, they did not want to infer that the homeless looking fellow with the Santa suit might actually be doing just fine; that he not only had been legendarily thrifty with his wrestling money but had other income sources as well.

 

And about that Santa suit? The one that illustrates the trickiness in finding dignity in retirement? “Did you really think I was doing it for money?” I asked him. Duerson told me that I had referred to the Twisted Sister appearance as “my next gig” O.K. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt on that one, even if the Oxford American Dictionary that I am looking at right now makes no allusion or mention of payment or compensation in its definition of “gig”. So let me be clear – I was not paid for this “gig” which I had penciled in on my calendar last New Year’s Eve when the band’s lead singer Dee Snider, a longtime personal friend, asked me to. Besides, I love being Santa – go ahead google Mick Foley and Santa or Mick Foley and Santa’s Village. I dare you.

 

I asked Duerson if the very act of putting on the red suit and hat was undignified. If dressing up as the big guy in front of thousands of service members in Iraq in 2004 was undignified? If doing likewise in Afghanistan a year later was undignified? He assured me it was not. So, what exactly made this Twisted Sister situation so utterly lacking in dignity? Granted, helping out a famous friend may not be the same as entertaining troops in a war zone, but was it really that demeaning? According to Duerson, it was the association with a band, Twisted Sister, that was “stuck in the 80’s” that seemed undignified.

 

As it turns out, omitting the word “media” was not Mark Bechtel’s only decision (at least according to my conversation with Duerson) to alter the original text. Let’s return to an earlier sentence “He’s not broke he explained, but he is still making appearances on the road at least 10 days a month.”

 

The phrase “he’s not broke”, Duerson explained to me, was not his idea. Duerson’s original text (according to him) read: “He doesn’t need the money”. Is this just a subtle editorial alteration or is it a sizable shift in tone, message and implied inference? It is my belief that the text was re-worded in order to show me in a less enviable financial position. “Doesn’t need the money” is simply not the same as “He’s not broke”. One sentence implies success, the other failure. One sentence suggests winner, the other loser.

 

Now, lets get to those 10 appearances a month on the road. Duerson has already established that I am a homeless looking fellow, finding dignity in retirement to be tricky. In his review, Duerson actually does an effective job in describing the harsh reality facing Rourke’s washed up, broken down Ram character; writing of “dreary autograph shows where no one shows up” and “tussling in 500 seat hotel ballrooms.”

 

So, given Duerson’s previous description of me, given the description of the Ram’s depressing appearances, and given a total lack of information of any kind about my “10 appearances a month”, what kind of conclusion can a reader be expected to reach? Would a reader guess, for example, that I’d lectured at MIT? Apparently, Duerson failed to do much res earch concerning my actual appearances. Five minutes (or less) of research would have shown him that five of those monthly appearances are for TNA Wrestling; four of them on Spike’s nationally televised and internationally broadcast TNA Impact and one on national Pay Per View.

 

A little more background work on Duerson’s part might have unearthed even more information about my appearances. When I spoke to Duerson on the phone for the first time – December 10th – I was in North Carolina to support the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which raises money for troops suffering from brain trauma and injury. Two days later, I drove seven hours in the rain, sleet and snow to take part in a toy drive for needy children. He might have even mentioned my November trip to the West African country of Sierra Leone where I attended the dedication of four small community schools that I had funded. There is a nice little story on www.poststar.com (search Mick Foley) if anyone wants to look at a slightly different portrait than the one that Mr. Duerson offered to the Sports Illustrated readership. And hey, I just spent part of my Christmas Eve with a few hundred homeless people - real homeless people too, not just homeless looking, like me. Real kids in need, living in shelters, wondering if Santa might have a little something for them too. Real parents, down on their luck, depending on the kindness of strangers and the magic of Christmas (a wonderful group called Christmas Magic) to make their holidays a little brighter. Maybe I should have shared the SI review with them - they might have gotten a kick out of Adam Duerson’s insensitive stereotype of what he seems to think homeless people look like.

 

Which brings me back to Duerson’s opening line, “One decidedly homeless looking fellow stood out in the smartly dressed crowd.” Decidedly homeless? Who exactly made that decision? Did the smartly dressed crowd (which Duerson apparently considered himself one of) reach some kind of consensus while I was busy being caught up in Mickey Rourke’s remarkable performance? I am well aware of the casual nature of my wardrobe and will admit to an occasional fashion faux pas. As a matter of fact, I just received a Christmas card from General James Conway, the commandant (head honcho) of the United States Marine Corps and I immediately thought back to my regrettable decision to wear sweat pants and work boots when I was a guest in his home.

 

At a couple of points during our 40 minute conversation, Duerson claimed that I didn’t fully understand what it was like to work with editors. Actually, I do. I have written eight books, remember? I have worked with several editors, including a tough but very helpful one on my Slate piece. I certainly don’t know everything about the editorial process, but I do know this: A writer fights for what he believes is important in a piece of work, whether it be a memoir, a novel, a children’s book or a movie review.

 

I wonder if Adam Duerson fought for his viewpoint when faced with his editor’s proposed changes. I think he knew his editor’s changes would alter the reader’s perception of me in a negative way. I would like to think he knew that his initial way was more accurate; still misleading but slightly more accurate. But, I believe Adam Duerson lacked either the ability or willingness to effectively fight for what he should have known was right.

 

In a way, it is a shame Mr. Duerson chose to sit next to me at all. At the time of his arrival there were plenty of available seats at that small media screening. He chose to sit next to me, he told me during that December 10th phone call, specifically because he knew who I was and thought that a wrestler’s insight would be helpful. It’s a shame because it seems like I got in the way of what is in some ways a well written review of a great movie. Certainly, I second Mr. Duerson’s belief that The Wrestler is the sports movie of the year. As anyone who reads my Slate review will see, I did feel a distinct emotional connection to Rourke’s character. If Duerson had chosen to examine that emotional connection instead of concentrating on a misleading representation of my current status in life, I may have made a valuable addition to his review. Sadly, he let his sense of fashion and musical taste stand in the way of a more nuanced parallel between life and art.

 

You know, that Adam Duerson phone call had me down for most of the day. For a kid who grew up with SI covers plastered to his walls, being depicted as a homeless looking fellow, having trouble finding dignity in retirement was a pretty severe blow. But, then I received a phone call that brightened my day. It was Mickey Rourke, calling to say he had read my review for Slate and really enjoyed it, that my words had meant a lot to him. Words that millions of Sports Illustrated readers would not have known the existence of.

[Diamonddust 0]

Oh fuck, Vince is going to take out a hit on Aronofsky...

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/39603

 

Saw that this morning, and I can't wait to see the backlash Vince unleashes against this one now that Aronofsky is talking "union".

[bob_barron 0]

And I'm sure the Cumberland hates you, too, Bobby.

 

Given that I've never had a positive experience there, I'm sure it does. Except for when I saw Squid and The Whale.

 

One of the reasons Rourke did the film for free was because in order to swap out Cage for Rourke, the budget had to be slashed.

[Naked Snake 0]

Tried to see it yesterday at the Cumberland and it was sold out. I can't wait until the release date because these reviews are making me want to see the movie so bad!

[Lord of The Curry 0]

I went to the 7 @ Cumberland and the lineup was already pretty big and I arrived at about 6:15. Place filled up within ten minutes of them letting the line in. I'm sure you'll have better luck in the coming days with people returning to work and all.

[bob_barron 0]

The theatre I saw it at had sold out showings all day. We barely got seats.

[dubq 0]

And I'm sure the Cumberland hates you, too, Bobby.

 

Given that I've never had a positive experience there, I'm sure it does. Except for when I saw Squid and The Whale.

 

Meh, I don't mind it. It's definitely not the worst theatre in the city, that's for sure.

[bob_barron 0]

Rainbow Cinemas on King is pretty bad, but it's so cheap, so that's to be expected.

 

The Carlton is somewhat uncomfortable, but it's cheaper, and I lived down the street from it

[Twisted Intestine 0]

weird. I tried both links to pt 1 and it was just a little off

 

Try this one?

 

http://www.supernovatube.com/view_video.ph...43769498502ed04

 

And guys, just wait the few weeks till it comes to your area. It's worth it.

 

I don't expect it to be released in the theatre were I live. Yeah that's right, we only have one.

[Thoth 0]

When I saw it opening day in Orange County with my dad, the theater was pretty darn full. Amazingly, mostly older folks who were going to see Mickey Rourke moreso than a movie based in and around pro wrestling. Think there were two wrestling fans there besides me.

[cd213 0]

Mickey Rourke bashes Sean Penn here

[The Flamboyance 0]

Fantastic movie. Everything about it was great, and I loved seeing Necro Butcher, Poppadon, Claudio Castagnoli, the ROH ticket guy, and even that dick, the Green Lantern Fan in a major motion picture. I regret not going to that ROH show last year when they filmed the match between Randy the Ram and the Ayatollah. I look forward to watching this again.

[1234-5678 0]

Mickey Rourke bashes Sean Penn here

 

Poor Mickey hasn't learned anything.

 

[Jingus 0]

It's borderline invasion of privacy, considering it's a text message he sent to a friend, obviously this wasn't supposed to be some kind of public statement.

[dubq 0]

This entire thing is probably bollocks:

 

On December 28, a Los Angeles entertainment honcho shared a text message with me that Rourke had sent him: “Look seans an old friend of mine and i didnt buy his performance at all—thought he did an average pretend acting like he was gay besides hes one of the most homophobic people i kno" [sic]

 

Okay Gerald Posner.. we'll just take your word for it. Whoever you are.......

[MillenniumMan831 0]

Rourke must have used Jake Roberts as inspiration for his character.

[The Niggardly King 0]

Well, when he meets his daughter is shot almost just like the way Roberts met his daughter in Beyond The Mat... just in a cinematic touched up way.

[bob_barron 0]

Jake Roberts in Beyond the Mat was the inspiration for Randy.

[Diamonddust 0]

Jake Roberts in Beyond the Mat was the inspiration for Randy.

 

I thought there were touches of Greg Valentine (At least in physical appearance) as well.

[King Kamala 0]

See, from the trailers, I gather that Robinson is a cross between Jake Roberts (estrangement from his kid) and Lex Luger (appearance, both given health related setbacks that threatens to end their lives). Though I think this movie was probably at least written before Luger had his nerve impingement. Really we could probably draw compare and contrast Rourke's character with washed up pro wrestlers all day and have a hint of truth to each and every one of those comparisons.

[MillenniumMan831 0]

I was scrolling through the credits and saw Johnny Valiant pop up as The Legend Johnny Valiant. When did his scene take place cause I must have missed it. The only guess I can come up with is that he's the guy Ram hugs at the autograph signing.

[dubq 0]

Yah that's the only scene I can think of where I saw any older-older wrestlers.

 

Anyway, I just saw this last night. All of the positive things that have already been said, I can agree with, times 10. Seriously great movie. I hope this one takes in a ton of accolades when the time comes.

[mfn 0]

Just saw it, and I don't want to sound like a broken record, but the movie was just fantastic. Even if I wasn't a wrestling fan, I would have enjoyed it. I hope Rourke gets the Oscar.