Undoubtedly, you're familiar with Mickey Rourke's film project, the Wrestler.
In a nutshell, the story goes something like this.
Although once a headlining Wrestler, Randy "the Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) has hit the skids.
The down-on-his-luck athlete manages to rustle up a few bucks here and there, though, performing for a handful of devout fans in high school gyms and community centers out on the East Coast.
Relationships are a tough row to hoe for Randy - one with his daughter for instance - so he throws himself full-throttle into the illusionary glory of fight bouts.
While basking in the short-lived adrenalin rush, he pines for a chance at the brass ring.
A trouble spot in his health (a heart attack) forces him to recognize how precious life is.
Although I was invited to the premiere at Mann's Chinese Theatre sponsored by the AFI last month, I sauntered over to the ultra chi-chi kick-off bash for the Danish Film Festival held amid the old-world-charm of the tony Roosevelt Hotel.
Press pals who attended the Wrestler on my behalf were in accord about one thing.
The fight pic was a downer.
So, it's doubtful I'll be in the "mood" to catch it.
However, this week when I attended a screening of "Milk", a trailer for the drama flashed up on the screen before the feature presentation.
If the acting I witnessed onscreen that night in the clips is matched throughout the Wrestler, then I am inclined to take a gamble and note for the record - in spite of the fact I have not screened the drama in its entirety - that Rourke may get a nod from Oscar!
No surprise!
Every scene Rourke graced the screen in, sprang to life by virtue of a performance that was both moving and deeply honest.
In fact, it's been a couple of years since I've encountered such a natural unaffected acting style that resonated with such truth.
Rourke was a revelation!
Now, let's hope his handlers don't fu** it up for him prior to the big night!
