Brainbell Jangler wrote on Feb 8
th, 2009 at 12:01am:
Voodoo Scrounge wrote on Feb 3
rd, 2009 at 4:08am:
I personally think that the weakest contender for the best actor Oscar is Mickey Rourke. Im not saying that the film was bad, it was just a little predictable.
It certainly was predictable, particularly if you've ever seen "The Champ"; either the 1931 original with Wallace Beery or the 1979 remake with Jon Voight. Except that "The Wrestler" changes the aging, washed up boxer for an aging, washed up wrestler and the son for a daughter, it's the same story.
I havent seen "The Champ".
I dont want people to think that I am having a dig at Mikey Rourke, because I am not. I think he plays the role of Randy really well. I cant think of anybody who was better suited to that role in fact.
But when you watch "The Wrestler" and then watch "Milk", there is a huge difference in quality of performance.
What helps "The Wrestler" is that it was shot very well. The close ups of Mikey Rourke emphasise the scale of his (Randy) downfall. He quite clearly shows the scars of life.
"Milk" however is all about two people. Penn and Brolin. Penn just domintes the film from begining to end. His performance is one of the best I ahve ever seen in my life and I am not exagerating. He has evolved a huge amount as an actor. You really couldnt have foreseen Penn playing a character like Harvey Milk 15 years ago.
Sean Penn is one of the most talented men in Hollywood. The first time I realised just how good he was, he was even in a film, he directed it. The film was called "The Pledge". If you havent seen it, do so, its very good.
I really do think that Heath Ledger is only being considered for an Oscar because he passed away and I dont think that is right. Phillip Seymour Hoffman would win best supporting actor if Ledger wasnt in the running. He possibly deserves it a lot more too.