Darren Aronofsky's Movies Ranked From Worst To Best

2. The Wrestler

The Wrestler Ram
Fox Searchlight

Surely the single "normal" slice-of-life movie Aronfosky has made, The Wrestler is a fascinating look into a world so often ignored by the mainstream media, a bleak but highly affecting character study with a stunning, Oscar-worthy performance from Mickey Rourke.

Whether you're a wrestling fan or not, this glimpse at the life of over-the-hill superstars is a sobering drama that never dares to feel anything less than totally authentic, something backed up by countless real-life wrestlers since its release.

Aronofsky's more pared-down, observational directorial style is thoroughly appropriate for the material, and while it's easily his least-audacious film in terms of style and content, it's certainly got the most heart.

Trivia: Nicolas Cage almost ended up playing the lead role. Can you even imagine that?

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.