Who would think a character study of a beat up professional wrestler would get the attention of the Academy? Sometimes making a good movie is rewarded. Mickey Roarke is stellar. He’s had a lot of personal experience to draw on for this role. He’s been down and forgotten a few times only to come back and surprise me. Sin City was the last surprise from him and The Wrestler is Oscar caliber in my unprofessional opinion. (Much more deserving than Brad Pitt in Benjamin Button!) Marisa Tomei is excellent as well. She is gorgeous and gives depth to her role as a middle aged stripper. The film is shot largely in a hand held style that gives the picture a documentary feel that makes it seem more real. Anyone working through middle-age will see plenty of themselves in this film. The movie made me think and that is, to me, a sign of a good movie.