Last week we told you that Nicolas Cage was in talks to star in Robert Siegel’s The Wrestler, which is in development at Darren Aronofsky’s Protozoa Pictures. ComingSoon is now reporting that Aronofsky is actually going to direct this film, which is targeted for a January 2008 start.
I had actually heard that Aronofsky’s The Fighter is scheduled to go into production early next year. So it’s likely that Aronofsky will film the movies back-to-back. The big Hollywood strike was the best thing to happen to Aronofsky, who is coming off a box office failure with The Fountain (which to be fair, was one of the best movies of last year, but a hard film to market). Aronofsky is one of the best visual directors of this new generation of filmmakers.
The Wrestler follows a 1980s-era pro wrestling star named Randy “The Ram” Robinson who has become a burnt-out shell of his former self. Ram has a heart attack in a small-time match, and his doctor warns him that if he ever fights again, he would be risking his own life. In an effort to build a new life, Robinson takes a job at a deli, moves in with an aging stripper and tries to build a relationship with her son. But the prospect of a rematch with his old nemesis the Ayatollah proves too tempting to resist, even if it means risking his life.
October 18th, 2007 at 11:06 am
I read your website everyday, I am a HUGE movie fan as well as a studying actor. I like to think my taste for movies is impecable therefore incredibly perplexing to me that you make the statement that The Fountain was one of the best movies of last year. Please tell me you were being sarcastic, that movie was the worst movie I have ever seen, EVER.
You might try and tell me I didn’t get it blah, blah, blah but that just isn’t true. I hated this movie, from the cinematography to the acting. It was the 2nd worst movie experience I’ve ever had, 2nd to Batman & Robin. Both movies were a complete waste of life’s precious time.
Maybe explain to me why you felt so differen’t OR confirm it was in sarcasm.
October 18th, 2007 at 11:55 am
Brody,
The Fountain is the type of film that polerizes audiences. Either you loved it or hated it. And like a good joke, it would be impossible and counterproductive for me to try to explain why it is funny or in this case, a masterpiece.
But for me, I related heavily with the symbolism of loss and being unable to accept that outcome. I loved the cinemotography. Sure, if Aronofsky had a bigger budget, some of the more minimalistic sequences could have looked better (for example, the fight sequence int he beginning). I really dugg the trippy apce effects near the end of the film, it was so 2001ish. And Clint Mansell’s score was beatiful and breathtaking. I even have it on my iPod.
And I’m not one to use the lame excuse: “You just didn’t get it” but I do think The Fountain has layers of depth that need to be fully explored for you to fully enjoy it (like a good wine). For me, I believe that the Mayan story was from her book, and the Future spaceship story was his attempt to finish her story, and to accept her death (while at the same time, trying not to let her go).
October 18th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Completely agree with you on this one Peter, The Fountain is a masterpiece, and while I can’t agree with your interpretation of the “future segment”, I do agree with the one of the best films of 2006 statement.
October 18th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Peter,
Thankyou for the in depth breakdown, very nice read as per usual. I am going to attempt another look at the movie tonight. When something is spoken about in such grand fashion and 2nd look is warranted, I’ll keep you posted.
Regards.
October 18th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Yes, The Fountain is a masterpiece ahead of it’s time. That film is so filled and detailed with incredible meaning and scheme, it’s just genius. But THE Fighter and The Wrestler….see a recurring theme there? I don’t care what Aronofsky does next, I’m there opening day but I’m intrigued to see what he does with these otherwise generic sounding films.
October 19th, 2007 at 8:32 am
i think this is all bogus, misinformation. i’ll wait for DA himself to announce what he’s working on next.
November 8th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
God help us all. Cage. Why? WHY!?!
Someone must stop him.