The Wrestler Review ***spoilers***

As usual, Darren Aronofsky brings us another psychological complex and depressing film for us to analyze deeply. This time however, it was far from being his usual. Without any out of this world story or setting, without any disturbing images and music about drugs, only a simple "documentary" about an old beaten wrestler. Supported with only a cast of 3 people, a powerful deep screenplay and a ferocious direction, Aronofsky creates his best film to date, and definitely one of the best of the year, in a harsh story about the final steps in life.

Randy "The Ram" Robinson is a wrestler with a falling career. He, who once enjoyed glory and fame 20 years ago, has reached a point in life where he can only keep up through medication, while hardly having enough to pay the bills. Alone in the world, except for a broken relationship with his daughter, and his only friend in the world, Cassidy, a 43 year old pole dancing mother with her own struggling life. After a heart pounding fight, Randy suffers a stroke, and wakes up only to realize his heart can no longer take the wrestling career on. He decides to make changes in her life, get a new job, ammend things with her daughter, and maybe finding her counter part in Cassidy. After trying different roads, he only comes to realize he may have had only one objective in life: wrestling, anything else doesn't work out for him.

Despite the low budget used for the film, it never lacks any visual innovations. A true outstanding makeup, a "documentary" work in the cinematography, and an extremely subtle score, accompanied in the end by Bruce Springsteen's beautiful song, the perfect closure to the experiences just lived through. And despite the story's slow development, not once did I look at my watch or wondered how much was left. In less than the first 15 minutes of film, you feel involved in the story and concerned about the characters, thanks much, to one of the screenplays with some of the best character development of the decade. A harsh truth, but at the same time, a heartful and daring work.

Much of the screenplay's effectiveness comes from the strength of the cast. With a relatively unkown cast of only 3 major players, the film never lacks any greatness from the acting. First of all, Mickey Rourke, the man of the hour. In what became one of the most amazing portrayals I've seen on the big screen in a very long time, even if Penn was good, it annoys me Rourke didn't walk away with the gold at the Oscars. Much of the critizism to the performance comes from Rourke's similarities to the character. Well, here's my answer: whether Rourke was Randy or not, in the film we don't see a spark of Rourke, we get to see Randy. He completely imerges himself into the most heartful and deep performance by a male in a very long time. And in those last minutes of life, all beaten up and ready for his last "Ram Jam", you get to see a live being, not only on screen. That for me, beats Penn acting as a gay political leader, or even Richard Nixon.

One would think that the movie is all about Rourke, well it is, and at the same time, it isn't. The two other major players: Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood are great at standing up to Rourke's tremendous work, and even with little screentime, their presence is felt throughly. Especially Tomei, who, like Rourke, took a simple "cliched" character and turned it into a complete human being. An interesting look at pole dancers, not the usual stuff we are used to. Meanwhile, in less than 10 minutes on screen, Rachel Wood screams, shout, cries and makes you feel for her. Never getting lost between Tomei and Rourke's grandness.

So yes, one would argue about the film being an acting showcase, and it is, but in a strange situation, the film is also propelled by great stuff behind it pushing further away, creating definitely Mr. Aronofsky's masterpiece. A deep, tragic and complex screenplay, a smart look and direction added to the already mentioned great performances make this one of the best of the year, and in this writer's humble opinion, much better than the Academy's 5 final picks.

RATING: 8/10

Taking out Kate Winslet, who's left?

After Kate Winslet's (very deserved and long overdue) win, the actress can finally be crossed out of lists about who should win an Oscar. Whether you thought she was overdue or not, let's take a look at those who still are: 

Michelle Pfeiffer

Why? Even though she was out of the business for a while, back in the 80s 

and the 90s she was a shinning star on her way up. Nobody really knows what happened, but talent she's got, and she's proved it more than once. You don't really need to have seen everything from her, with Batman Returns, The Fabulous Baker Boys and Dangerous Liaisons you'll wonder why this legend doesn't have one yet.

Nominations: 3 so far.

Closest She's Been: With her second nomination all the way back in 1989 for The Fabulous Baker Boys, she was the clear front runner to win just to lose in the last minute to veteran Jessica Tandy (but she was also deserving).

Coming Soon: Well, Mrs. Pfeiffer might just get her dues around this time next year, she stars in Cheri an Oscar caliber film with the director that led Helen Mirren to her Golden boy. 

Level of Overdue-ness: **** You better give her one this year or else.....

Leonardo DiCaprio

Why? The youngest actor in our list, only 34 and he's overcome the "just a pretty face" status everyone thought he was (but actually he had showed he was a great actor before he was widely known, in 93 with his first Oscar nominated role, What's Eating Gilbert Grape). After his mega super jump to fame thanks to the sinking ship movie (and a couple of flops later) he has joined high-profile directors and he has proved nowadays he's one of the best (if not "the") young actors working around. While his range has still to be shown, he already has more than one Oscar caliber performance under the belt.

Nominations: 3, but I must say he should have 5 by now.

Closest He's Been: With his last 2 nominations he wasn't the front runner, but the upset, but he had a better chance with The Aviator, because of his Golden Globe.

Coming Soon: After being wrongfully snubbed this year, he has another Scorsese project coming up: Shutter Island. Acclaimed novel + baity character = win?

Level: ** Shame on you, he should have one, but he's still young.

Annette Bening

Why? Mrs. Warren Beatty is one of the best out there, she has an excellent career backing her up, and it's even more insulting that she's only been nominated three times. Her strong are definitely powerful and complicated roles, but while subtlety is nother great aspect, when she's good, she's.....amazing.

Nominations: Only God knows why only 3.

Closest She's Been: Arguably ending up in 2nd place all the times she's lost (and twice to the same person....ouch), but the one that hurt the most was in 99 with American Beauty, when she was expected to win, slightly favored over Hilary Swank who won instead. 

Coming Soon: No projects coming at all for 2009, only 2 films coming up in 2010, though they don't really sound baity, but if 2 of Bening's nominations can prove is she can get the best out of a an average character and be nominated for a not so baity role. We might see her win or nomination when we less expect it. However, after the big flop that was The Women, don't expect it too soon.

Level: *** Can you explain how come Hilary Swank beat her twice? tsk tsk tsk 

 

Gary Oldman

Why? If anything, his recent works in blockbusters show his versatility. Definitely being one of the best actors of his generation, and one of the most reliable British actors currently. Dracula, JFK, Henry & June, Inmortal Beloved, Sid and Nancy, León, something else? 

Nominations: I'm speechless...........none.

Closest He's Been: After so many great peforfmances it's baffling the man hasn't even been a very strong contender for a nomination.

Coming Soon: He has 4 releases for 2009, A Chirstmas Carol, The Unborn, Rain Fall and Planet 51. A Christmas Carol has a December release and some are predicting it to be a player at the Oscars. He's the character you want to hug, maybe his first nomination?

Level: ***** Wait, not even a nomination? Shoot yourselfs.

Julianne Moore

Why? Lately, (actually, since her 02 double Oscar nomination) her films strike hasn't

 been that good, but she keeps giving great performances. Not enough? Well check

 out her 97-2002 strike, this woman was on fire. Hit, after hit, after hit, after hit, after hit, some critically and comercially. Jurassic Park: The Lost World, Boogie Nights, The Big Lebowski, Cookie's Fortune, The End of the Affair, 2 Paul Thomas Anderson's: Magnolia, Boogie Nights, A Map of the World, Hannibal (ok this one flopped with the critics), The Shipping News, The Hours and Far From Heaven. Only seeing a couple of these, you realize what an actress she is. In 00, people even began calling her "the new Streep". 

Nominations: 4 so far, including a double nomination in 02 for The Hours and Far From Heaven. 

Closest She's Been: In 02, with a double nomination, critically acclaimed year, being in a strong BP contender that was left out and a BP nominee, she was the Winslet of 08 back then. Most people thought that she would finally win. She was the early front runner in Best Actress taking most awards, but in the end, Zellweger (Chicago) and Kidman (The Hours) took the big ones and stole her thunder, making it a 3 way race. In the end, the slight front runner, Kidman, took it. 

Coming Soon: More of her usually good (but not great) films with her good (but not great) performances. What Mrs. Moore needs first of all is a big "break" to get noticed again and back into the race. If not, 10 years from today she'll be another Glenn Close.

Level: **** Don't force her to beg!

Ralph Fiennes

Why? If anything, since his jaw-dropping turn in Schindler's List almost 16 years ago, Mr. Fiennes has had one of the best, most consistent careers around. Going on to receive a second nomination, Fiennes has only had acerage to great movies and performances for the last 12 years. He keeps a low profile with the media, he is a respected actor among actors, he is known for being respectful and classy, and he even sometimes stars in baity projects. Why the hell has the Academy decided to ignore him? 

Nominations: Only a couple.

Closest He's Been: Unlike popular belief, he has nowhere being the favorite to the win in 93, he was a new face and it was Tommy Lee Jones all the way. He had a slightly better chance in 96, but Geoffrey Rush was also a slam dunk win.

Coming Soon: After his rocking 08 it was expected he'd want a break, since he has no upcoming projects so far.

Level: **** Just tell him what the hell he has to do to win one. Because I'm sure he (just like everyone out there) just doesn't know what is being his mistake. 

Joan Allen

Why? Always below the radar, but Mrs. Allen (like Mr. Fiennes) has one of the most 

respectable and careers of the past 2 decades. In regularly good to great films, filled with her always great performances, with an epiphany of outstanding work in between. She even stole the Bourne saga from Matt Damon (well her, and David Stratharin). 

Nominations: 3, but honestly she was stolen of a win in 05 for The Upside of Anger only because of distribution problems. If it hadn't been for that, she probably wouldn't be on this list.

Closest She's Been: uhmm....ermmm Nixon? Sadly, she probably ended fifth every time.

Coming Soon: She has three films coming out in 2009, with a somewhat interesting role in In Defence of Gravity along Jamie Bell.

Level: *** At least an Honorary one don'tcha think? She has the career.

Jeff Bridges

Why? No need to explain all over again, but he's the (even more respected) male Joan Allen, but his amazing career goes all the way back to the 70s. And, not to diminish Mrs. Allen, but he's even more talented. The only problem is that, unlike Allen, his career is filled of more ups and downs than a rollercoaster.

Nominations: 4 so far.

Closest He's Been: Sadly, like Allen, he probably ended last every time he's been nominated so far.

Coming Soon: After coming back into the light thanks to Iron Man, just like Allen, he has three projects scheduled for 09: Crazy Heart, Men Who Stare at Goats and Pablo.

Level: *** Is he just constantly good but never the best?

Laura Linney

Why? Because she's awesome, the queen of indie films, and one of the most natural and versatile actresses working right now. Besides her tons of indie flicks, she makes horror, child comedies, and even Eastwood dramas. And because unlike many acclaimed actors, she still has to have a bad performance under her name. The Truman Show, The Savages, The Squid and the Whale, Mystic River, You Can Count On Me and more.

Nominations: Only three, but she should definitely have more. 

Closest She's Been: What's good? The Academy likes her, every time she has gotten a nom she doesn't have a lot of precursors supporting her, and she still makes the cut. At a point during the race, she somewhat became the dark horse, but most believed she's never had a true shot at winning. 

Coming Soon: After taking home every possible award she could for HBO's John Adams, she joins her dear Mark Ruffalo in Sympathy for Delicious, which Ruffalo will also direct.

Level: *** She's young and she has a bright future, so there's time, and we can all understand why they haven't given her one yet, but if in 15 years from today she's still empty handed, there'll be trouble, BIG trouble.

Albert Finney

Why? Because he has at this point the career of a true legend. Since 1960 this hard working actor has gained the respect and the love of the industry, very much a la Kate Winslet. Unlike her, he just never got it.

Nominations: 5.........wow

Closest He's Been: 46 years ago with his first nomination, new bright face in the BP winner, weak year, he had a fairly nice shot.

Coming Soon: After the last Bourne and Before the Devil Knows You're Dead he hasn't had a single project planned. Retirement? Hopefully not.

Level: **** He's an icon you jackasses.

Sigourney Weaver

Why? This action hero actress just never got enough slack from the Academy, maybe like Brad Pitt they don't take her seriously enough for a win. If anything, she's one of the best of her generation. She's basically what made Alien the movie (and saga) it is. And not only that, besides action, she's proved herself in dramas and comedies.

Nominations: 3.....with 2 Golden Globe wins. 

Closest She's Been: When she received a double Oscar win in 88. She won for both performances at the Globes....and she went empty-handed at the Oscars. In a rather weak supporting actress lineup, she should have won with ease.

Coming Soon: After the horrible roles she's been getting she has Avatar with James Cameron (his Aliens director in a comeback after 12 years innactive) and she also has possibly Gypsy and Me and Night Train coming out in 2009. Comeback? We can hope, and if Avatar does well in box-office or at the Oscars, she may get recognition, or the boost she needs to get back in action.

Level: **** It will be a true atrocity if she retires and her status doesn't change.

Ian McKellen

Why? Not only is he a true British acting legend in theatre, but his transition from stage to screen has been great, and now he also has great work in front of the screen. I mean, the man can even make Magneto a great peformance!

Nominations: Only 2, but he should have more, and won those 2 he has.

Closest He's Been: Both times, the race has been pretty open and he has been a strong contender to take it, he was probably 2nd in line, but ended up lacking enough votes to upset the slightly favored front runner.

Coming Soon: A couple of possible theatre works, and on screen, he only has been rumoured to reprise his role as Gandalf in Guillermo del Toro's The Hobbit. Sadly, this will be at the most a nomination, and that' even if the rumor is true. *sigh*

Level: ***** He's the most overdue male right now, simple as that.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Why? Because she probably is one of the coolest persons ever to step on Hollywood, and because she got her breakthrough thanks to a horror saga the Academy has never cared for her. She's great in almost everything she does, from simple Disney comedies to great thrillers. 

Nominations: 0........even a worse case than Mr. Oldman because she has several performances under her name that should have been rewarded the gold. She even has 2 

Closest She's Been: In what was the worst snub of the year, after taking home the Golden Globe (and a SAG nod) for True Lies in one of the weakest years ever for the category, the Academy shamefully ignored her yet again....arghhh!!! 

Coming Soon: *exhales* after the horrible Beverly Hills Chihuahua she has no upcoming projects. 

Level: ***** In the words of the wise Tazmania from the Looney Tunes: argh uh bla ah whargh ha?!!!

Johnny Depp

Why? Because he's also one of the best actors working right now. Always reliable to turn in his homework nicely done, even if the film is let's suppose, Pirates of the Caribbean 8? And he's probably the only actor around that knows the best way to make out a great performance from a rather quirky and strange charcater.

Nominations: 3 so far.

Closest He's Been: Turning the tables around, after being a Murray (Lost in Translation) vs. Penn (Mystic River) race all along, he came from nowhere and took the SAG making him the dark horse with a very nice chance of taking the gold home, he lost to Penn in the end.

Coming Soon: With these projects it looks like his Oscar is just around the corner, he has a baity leading (biopic!!!) role in the buzzed Michael Mann's Public Enemies coming out in July (this hurts) and he also has a supporing role the role that was once Ledger's in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnasus coming out in September. If that doesn't work he also has 5 more projects coming up in 2010 and 2011, including his new Burton colaboration, Alice in Wonderland.

Level: *** It took years for the Academy to notice him, just give him one soon ok?

and last but not least.........Meryl Streep's 3rd....and 4th 

Why? Because, arguably the best living actress and one of the bests ever to be on screen, she has 15 nominations (a true record) under the belt, and at the age of 60 she's in one of the best periods of her life. Just like year she scored another nomination and the biggest musical hit in history AND with a woman in a leading role. It's only baffling to see she has only taken home the statue twice, one for supporting and one for leading, almost 27 years ago. Being the "best actress around" also has a problem, in the end you may just never be good enough to win again. 

Nominations: 15, winning 2 of those. So technically speaking, she has lost 13 times. Even like that, she still has more nominations than the RU in nods count, Katharine Hepburn and Jack Nicholson.

Closest She's Been: Despite being a "filler" a couple of times, she's also been close to taking it. Her best chances having been probably in 1985 for Out of Africa, and in during this decade, with each nomination she's gotten closer. She was the upset 2002 for Adaptation to the clear front runner Catherine Zeta-Jones (Chicago) and in 2006 for The Devil Wears Prada to Helen Mirren (The Queen). However, she has never come as close as she was two weeks ago for Doubt. In a baity Tony winning role, she finally took a SAG award home, and she also had the BFCA plus being present in all major awards all season long. Her problem? Winslet, who also, finally had her year, and to most, she was even more overdue. Hopefully, Mrs. Streep gets to go on stage at least one more time before she retires. But in my humble opinion, this woman should also hold the record of most Oscar wins.

Coming Soon: She reunites with her Doubt partner, Amy Adams in Julie & Julie, in a somewhat baity role, real life cook Julia Stiles. While she also has a untitled project with Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin directed by Nancy Meyers (Something's Gotta Give) and she may get a role in Stephen Daldry's (The Reader) upcoming The Ice at the Bottom of the World. Sadly, at this point all of this roles only shout nomination but not precisely a win.

Level: ***** for the 3rd one, and *** for the 4th one. Wait, Hilary Swank has more leading Oscars than her?

No I didn't forget the 2 holders of the record for most nominations without a win right now, Glenn Close and Peter O'Toole, but basically neither of them have the slightest chance of even being nominated again soon. Very sadly Mr. O'Toole is probably closer to his deathbed than to another Oscar nomination, Venus was their last opportunity to reward him and they screwed it up. Well, at least he has an Honorary one right? As for Mrs. Close, well basically, after the awesome 80s she had getting 5 nominations, followed by some good projects where she was ignored whe just probably gave up and thought they would never give it to her. Well, at least Mrs. Close decided to move from Hollywood to TV (and theatre as a matter of fact) where she's received the same amount of acclaim, but in here, her talent hasn't been underapreciated, currently being one of the most successful actresses in TV, with 2 Emmys, 2 Golden Globes, a SAG and 3 Tony wins. Yeah, Close is really talented, shame on you Academy. Maybe, hopefully, either of them gets the big break soon and a last minute long deserved win. 

Damn it, too much work.

All the school work (and stress) that surged during this last month prevented me from actually enjoying Oscar season the way I wanted to. Oh well, hopefully a better organization next year can make everything turn out better. Sadly I wasn't able to post my final Oscar predictions in time like I wanted (damn internet), even one week later. 

Well, I'll post thoughts about the winners (why Penn????) later, but I must say that even though it was one of the most entertaining ceremonies in recent years (good job Mr. Condon!) it also turned out to be pretty boring, if you get why I mean. I broke my personal record scoring 21/24 at my predicted wins, a lot more than my previous record (17/24), why? Well, the Slumdog sweep where it could, Button recognition at the techs, WALL*E and the acting categories turned out to be pretty average. The biggest "upset" of the night was in the Foreign Language Film, surprising? Not really.....

Anyways, here's to an exciting 2009 race and a great year for cinema! The last closing year for a decade turned out to be a pretty amazing one for filmmaking (1999 anyone?). So, hopefully, this feat repeats itself, while we also have an interesting race (which we actually had one this year, but in ruined in the end). 

COMING SOON: A load of reviews for 2008 films and the first 09 films, My Most Anticipated from 2009, First Predictions (yes, this early, more fun, and we can laugh at some ridiculous thoughts later can't we?) and of course The Star Awards. For the latter, give me break, a lot of films are still coming out and in a country not-being-US it takes even longer for quality films to get here. Hopefully, by the end of March I'll have seen what I really wanted to to make great lineups. Especially, seeing soon foreign gems The Class, Waltz With Bashir and Charlie Kaufman's directing debut, Synecdoche, New York.