Fox Picks Up "The Wrestler" - Comeback for Mickey Rourke?
September 8, 2008 by Jane Boursaw
Variety is reporting that Fox Searchlight Pictures has picked up director Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler at the Toronto International Film Festival for about $4 million. The drama won The Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday.
The film centers on Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke), a burned-out, 1980s-era pro wrestler. After suffering a heart attack during a small-time match, a doctor tells him he could die if he fights again.
So Robinson takes a job at a deli, moves in with an aging stripper, and tries to build a relationship with her son. But the call of the ring — and a rematch with his old nemesis — looms large.
Mickey Rourke has averaged a few movies every year for the past 30 years or so. I remember thinking he was such an interesting and sexy character in 1990’s Wild Orchid. I don’t know if he’s just playing up the worn-out actor/wrestler thing, but man, he looks tough in recent film fest pictures. Don’t you think? Or is it just me? I don’t know if this is his comeback or his swan song.
Celluloid Dreams Nabs "Birdwatchers" and "Plastic City"
September 6, 2008 by Jane Boursaw
Rolling off a warm reception at the Venice Film Festival, Paris-based distributor Celluloid Dreams has sold several territories on Marco Bechis‘ Birdwatchers.
An eco-drama romance, “Birdwatchers” is set in the Brazilian jungle, and tells of a rebellion by natives against wealthy landowners. The film has also sold to the U.K. (Artificial Eye), Germany (Pandora), Benelux (Cinemien), Austria (Filmladen) and Switzerland (Trigon). Come on, people! We need this film in the U.S.!
More after the jump, including a trailer…
Mickey Rourke, Evan Rachel Wood Arrive in Venice to Premiere "The Wrestler"
September 4, 2008 by Jane Boursaw
The Venice Film Festival is in full swing right now, and there really hasn’t been a ton of star power in attendance.
But that changed when Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, and Evan Rachel Wood arrived on the scene to premiere The Wrestler, which centers on an aging former wrestler.
Is it just me, or does Mickey Rourke look a little rough around the edges? Probably good casting anyway.
Thursday’s premiere was Kathryn Bigelow’s well-received The Hurt Locker, the festival’s lone Iraq War film.
Image: Newscom.com