The Wrestler
First screened in December 2008 / Most recently screened in November 2016
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Director: Darren Aronofsky. Cast: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Todd Barry, Wass Stevens, Judah Friedlander, Ernest Miller, Mark Margolis. Screenplay: Robert D. Siegel.

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Twitter Capsule: Yes, it cribs from Bresson and the Dardennes, but it's such inspired cribbing. And on this subject? Muscular emotion.

VOR: ④  Clear connections to Aronofsky's other work, with less heavy-handed macabre. Curious synthesis of American naturalism and current trends in European style. Galvanizing performance.

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Photo © 2008 Fox Searchlight Pictures/Protozoa Pictures

Not yet reviewed in full. Grade: B+

(in December 2008: A–)

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Academy Award Nominations:
	Best Actor: Mickey Rourke
	Best Supporting Actress: Marisa Tomei
Golden Globe Nominations and Winners:
★	Best Actor (Drama): Mickey Rourke
	Best Supporting Actress: Marisa Tomei
★	Best Original Song: "The Wrestler"
Other Awards:
	Venice Film Festival: Golden Lion (Best Picture)
	Independent Spirit Awards: Best Picture; Best Actor (Rourke); Best Cinematography (Maryse Alberti)
	Boston Society of Film Critics: Best Actor (Rourke; tie)
	British Academy Awards (BAFTAs): Best Actor (Rourke)

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