Mickey and director Darron Aronofsky talk about trying to convey the reality of wrestling - as a sport in its own right.
WOW!!!
When I heard about this movie on a message board, it said that Vince McMahon didn't want this released. So I came into the movie with a negative mindset but it was anything but that. Yes it showed the darker side of professional wrestling, but it's a side that needs a light shed on it. Mickey really made me feel the character and I'm glad he took the role serious. Really good movie.
The only problem with getting opinions from real wrestlers is that they're all catty and if they're not one of the guys at the top they will never give any credit to those above them.
It's a very selfish and backstabbing business. If you're in WWE, most small timers (and yes, if you're not in WWE and you wrestle in America, you're small time) will insist you're very overrated or just not good at all.
With that said, I've been a fan of wrestling for over 20 years and have been looking forward to this sincere movie since the first time I heard of it's creation.
Your opening statement makes it look like you obviously have no idea what you're talking about other than what you've read on messageboards .Since as of your post you haven't seen the movie here's a little advice:Pay real close attention to the conversation Randy has with his opponent about talent and politics.Hopefully in the 20 years you've been a fan it hasn't just been of the Fed, 'cause there is a whole lot more out there.
Just for clarification, when they where talking about the wrestlers opinions that they got, it wasn't really the current WWE guys that they were talking about. They were talking about guys like Roddy Piper (who actually cried and hugged the director after he saw it), DDP, Greg the Hammer and others. They are doing a roundtable with a bunch of those guys, I really hope that it makes it online!!
I've watched professional wrestling since I was a kid (I'm now 54.) and as I got older and became a journalist, I got to meet and talk privately with a few wrestlers who lived in the metro Atlanta area. Kudos to the filmmakers for giving a very real depiction of professional wrestling and pro wrestlers who are craving out a living on the secondary circuits. This is Mickey Rourke's best role. He will and should be in contention for Best Actor in a number of awards competition. He will certainly be on my list of Best Performances of the Year.
My Name is Tron Payne BKA Tha Playa I am Now the age of 36, trying to break in the the upper ranks, watching this film and knowing 45% of the wrestlers in the film including my best friend R Truth makes me proud of my sport" Thank you Mr Rourk" Thank you for showing that we are real we are for real Thanks to the director and writers for this movie,I pray this opens promotions eyes and the wrestling world in general. I love you all thanks form the Tha Playa!!
I've been a fan of the sport/business for about 25-30 years. Im really looking forward to this movie and from what I've seen and read. They took it very serious and didnt make fun of the product. Very refreshing, thank you
Movie of the year material. The movie and actors will clean up at the awards. This movie and story of professional wrestling needed to be told, and now it has been. Mickey was and is a huge part of the major success. Perfect casting.
5 Stars.
Greg Tingle
Media Man Australia