NEURAXIS VOCALIST ALEXANDRE LEBLANC REVIEWS THE WRESTLER
Here’s an interesting factoid Neuraxis fans might now know: vocalist Alex LeBlanc has actually worked a few matches as a pro wrestler on the Canadian indie circuit! So we asked him to review Darren Aronofsky’s new, Oscar nominated film, The Wrestler. Here are Alex’s thoughts on the film and its portrayl of pro-wrestling. Enjoy!
Being into wrestling for eight years now, I went to see The Wrestler with an opened mind. I knew it was going to be good since I’m a fan of Mickey Rourke and [director] Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem for a Dream. The thing I was particulary interested in is the portrayal of the wrestling world. Let me tell you: it is so accurate.
The research done for this movie is just perfect. First of all, it is not a true story. It is more of a fictional character/story that takes place in the real world. Rourke plays Randy “The Ram” Robinson, an 80’s wrestling icon who is now barely paying his rent with matches in underground federations throughout New Jersey. His wrestling persona is clearly inspired by classic wrestlers from the past (Ric Flair, The Ultimate Warrior, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Hulk Hogan, etc.). Often we hear about the life of rich wrestling superstars, but this movie is about the other side of the medal.
After the opening credits, which features old newspaper advertising and posters from Randy’s glory days, the screen turns black and the cam starts to follow our hero, in events, meeting other wrestlers, meeting fans, in the locker room, while hearing his rough breath and feeling the pain through his entire body. It is filmed almost like a documentary (shoulder cam), giving it a sense of reality. Through his journey, we get to meet Cassidy (played to perfection by Marisa Tomei), who is a stripper and Randy’s confidant. Also, we get to meet his daughter, played by Evan Rachel Wood, with whom the hero tries to reconnect with after years of being absent.
Without giving further hints from the story, I think not only wrestling fans but every good movie fans should see this one. Even through it has his funny moments, it is a superbly well-filmed drama, with awesome acting and killer wrestling scenes. Interesting fact to know: Vince Mcmahon (WWE’s president) hated this movie. Probably because it was showing too much backstage tips and wrestling secrets. But now that the movie is getting a huge response, he wants to get Mickey Rourke for Wrestlemania in april…
-AL
Don’t forget that Neuraxis have also been doing an awesome tour diary for us! We’ll have their latest entry up next week, but in the meantime, catch up on parts one and two right now!!!
