The Wrestler Scoops Golden Lion

08 September 2008

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Darren Aronofsky's The Fountain many have got a rough ride with critics last time he made the trip to the Venice Film Festival but his new movie The Wrestler took top honours this weekend scooping the Golden Lion.

The Wrestler follows Randy 'Ram' Robinson, played by Mickey Rourke, a retired professional wrestler who was forced to quit after a heart attack threatened to kill him if he wrestled again.

Trying to move on Robinson starts working in a deli as well as moving in with an ageing stripper and trying to build a relationship with her son.

But the chance of a rematch with his old nemesis Ayatollah proves too much of a temptation even though the fight could cost him his life.

The role sees Rourke return to the big screen after a troubled career, but his recent roles in Sin City and Domino have proved successful, and there are already whispers of Oscar success for his performance.

Aronofsky was presented with the coveted prize on Saturday (06Sep08) by German filmmaker Wim Wenders, who headed the jury for this year's (08) festival.

Praising Rourke's portrayal of the fighter, Wenders said it was a "truly heartbreaking performance, in the very sense of the word".

As Aronofsky collected his award for best picture, Rourke was on hand to lead the congratulations, telling the audience at the ceremony, "Darren could make other kinds of movies if he wanted to, make a lot of money in the United States.

"I love and respect him because he doesn't compromise and he wants to make movies that are not that expensive, that have a lot of integrity."

It may have been a poor showing this year for American movies but Aronofsky's movies has been the highlight of the under par festival.

Venice has come under fire this year for fielding a weak selection of twenty one movies for the main competition. Despite this The Burning Plain starring Charlize Theron and Hayao Miyazaki's Ponyo on the Cliff were strong contenders for the top prize.

Meanwhile, the Silver Lion was awarded to Russian filmmaker Aleksey German Jr. for best director for his work in Bumaznyi soldat (Paper Soldier). The best male and female titles went to Italy's Silvio Orlando, for Il Papa di Giovanna (Giovanna's Father), and France's Dominique Blanc, for her role in L'Autre (The Other One).

Venice Film Festival marks the beginning of the long road to the Oscars and although it seemed unlikely at the beginning of the festival a possible Oscar contender may just have been found.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw

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