Two years ago, Darren Aronofsky’s The Fountain bombed miserably at the Venice Film Festival. Then it was unceremoniously dumped into theaters a few weeks after Casino Royale and Happy Feet.
Where most men would have cowered and never come back, Aronofsky picked himself up and directed The Wrestler, which, like his 2006 effort, had to deal with a casting carousel. First Nic Cage was attached, but he later dropped out. Then came the most unlikeliest of stars: Mickey Rourke.
And if we are to believe the buzz in Venice, it seems like it could have been the most inspired casting of the year. There are those who believe Rourke’s performance is worthy of Oscar’s attention.
As for The Wrestler, it was awarded the Golden Lion, the award that recognizes the best film of the Venice festival.
