News for
Marisa Tomei More at IMDb Pro »

1-20 of 31 articles from 2008   « Prev | Next »

6 October 2008 7:21 AM, PDT | From ifc.com | See recent IFC news

By Matt Singer and Alison Willmore

Who would have guessed that Mickey Rourke would be hailed the comeback of the year, with his role in Darren Aronofsky's "The Wrestler" getting critical acclaim from all comers? It's been a tough road for the actor/former boxer, and he brings every bit of wear and tear to the film, which is all the better for it. In honor of Rourke, on this week's IFC News podcast we look at other actors who've faded from the spotlight only to make great comebacks, and a few who never managed to make their return work.

And don't forget to check out our footage of Aronofsky, Rourke and co-star Marisa Tomei at the New York Film Festival.

Download now (MP3: 35:53 minutes, 32.9 Mb) Podcast feeds: [Xml] [iTunes]

[Photo: "The Wrestler," Fox Searchlight Pictures, 2008]

Alison Willmore

2 October 2008 3:22 PM, PDT | From ifc.com | See recent IFC news

"If I knew it was going to take me 15 years to get back in the saddle and work again because of the way I handled things, I really would have handled things differently... Change, for me, didn't come easily. I didn't want to change, until I lost everything." Mickey Rourke's role as faded professional wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson in "The Wrestler" is rightly being hailed the comeback, and one of the best performances, of the year. At the film's U.S. premiere at the New York Film Festival, he, co-star Marisa Tomei and director Darren Aronofsky ("Requiem for a Dream") discussed what drew them to a wrestling picture and what goes into training to act as a wrestler (or, for Tomei, a stripper) on screen.

The flash 8 plugin was not detected.

For more coverage of the New York Film Festival, click here.

IFC

2 October 2008 11:02 AM, PDT | From Cinematical.com | See recent Cinematical news

"Darren did not put a strip pole in his office." -- Marisa Tomei.

Does the New York Film Festival still matter? The 46th edition opened last Friday, and while the fest may not have the celebrity cachet and discovery intent of Sundance and Cannes, or the welcoming populist mentality of Toronto, it stubbornly insists on being recognized as the gatekeeper for all that is worthwhile in world cinema.

Nonetheless, press conferences with a big-name American director and a resurrected American star (and his fetching, Academy Award-winning co-star) have stolen the spotlight during the first week of the festival. Looking somewhat like a guerilla himself, Steven Soderbergh arrived to promote his four-hour epic Che, starring Benicio del Toro as the revolutionary leader. According to the director, "There are a million Ches -- he means something different to everyone."

That attitude has irked some critics; Karina Longworth at Spout felt that Soderbergh's

Peter Martin

19 September 2008 11:13 AM, PDT | From The Hollywood News | See recent The Hollywood News news

Lionsgate Home Entertainment have announced the DVD release of the 15th ANNIVERSARY EDITION of CHAPLIN, a dramatized biography of the highs and lows in the life of one of the foremost comic geniuses the silver screen has ever known, played by Robert Downey Jr which earned him an Academy Award® nomination and BAFTA Award.  The film, directed by two-time Academy Award® winner Richard Attenborough (Ghandi), boasts a critically-acclaimed ensemble cast that includes Academy Award® winners Anthony Hopkins (The Silence of the Lambs), Kevin Kline (A Fish Called Wanda) and Marisa Tomei (My Cousin Vinny) ; Academy Award® nominee Diane Lane (Unfaithful) ; and Academy Award® nominees and Emmy® winners Dan Aykroyd (Driving Miss Daisy) and James Woods (Ghosts of Mississippi).

This 15th Anniversary Edition features a newly re-mastered widescreen version of the film and all-new bonus materials, including two featurettes that document Chaplin.s film legacy, a never-before-seen home movie of Chaplin

13 September 2008 2:59 PM, PDT | From TwitchFilm.net | See recent Twitch news

The plain, indisputable fact of the matter is that Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler goes only as far as Mickey Rourke is able to take it.  No offence to either Marisa Tomei or Evan Rachel Wood, both of whom turn in solid work, but either of them could be replaced by any one of a number of other actresses without doing any sort of damage to the film whatsoever.  Not so Rourke, who is present in vey nearly every frame of the picture and whose presence looms large over even those scenes that play out without him.  Even Aronofsky seems to be aware of Rourke’s huge importance to his latest creation, tossing his entire book of visual tricks out the window for this one, instead adopting the simple policy of simply follwoing his star wherever he may care to go.  The entire weight of The Wrestler rests enitrely on

Todd Brown

11 September 2008 3:15 PM, PDT | From MovieBlog.Ugo.com | See recent Ugo MovieBlog news

Review by Keith Uhlich Initially, The Wrestler seems to have little to do with Darren Aronofsky’s filmography thus far. There was an immediate freneticism to Pi, Requiem for a Dream, and The Fountain that the lulling lateralness of this new film’s credits sequence (despite the aural presence of a hard-rock 80s power ballad) almost entirely counteracts. The strange new world expands with the introduction of Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) who appears to have his own Dardennes Brothers cam floating at back-of-the-neck level (the film is shot, brilliantly, by Maryse Alberti, replacing Aronofsky’s frequent collaborator Matthew Libatique). But the old obsessions begin to creep in: a constant sense of forward momentum, a belief in simple (not simplistic) characterizations. For all his sins (drug use, alcoholism, familial neglect), “The Ram” is at heart a big softie, a terrific companion role for Rourke to his relentlessly driven Marv in Sin City.

11 September 2008 3:10 PM, PDT | From MovieBlog.Ugo.com | See recent Ugo MovieBlog news

Review by Keith Uhlich Initially, The Wrestler seems to have little to do with Darren Aronofsky’s filmography thus far. There was an immediate freneticism to Pi, Requiem for a Dream, and The Fountain that the lulling lateralness of this new film’s credits sequence (despite the aural presence of a hard-rock 80s power ballad) almost entirely counteracts. The strange new world expands with the introduction of Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) who appears to have his own Dardennes Brothers cam floating at back-of-the-neck level (the film is shot, brilliantly, by Maryse Alberti, replacing Aronofsky’s frequent collaborator Matthew Libatique). But the old obsessions begin to creep in: a constant sense of forward momentum, a belief in simple (not simplistic) characterizations. For all his sins (drug use, alcoholism, familial neglect), “The Ram” is at heart a big softie, a terrific companion role for Rourke to his relentlessly driven Marv in Sin City.

11 September 2008 1:08 PM, PDT | From MovieBlog.Ugo.com | See recent Ugo MovieBlog news

Review by Keith Uhlich Initially, The Wrestler seems to have little to do with Darren Aronofsky’s filmography thus far. There was an immediate freneticism to Pi, Requiem for a Dream, and The Fountain that the lulling lateralness of this new film’s credits sequence (despite the aural presence of a hard-rock 80s power ballad) almost entirely counteracts. The strange new world expands with the introduction of Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) who appears to have his own Dardennes Brothers cam floating at back-of-the-neck level (the film is shot, brilliantly, by Maryse Alberti, replacing Aronofsky’s frequent collaborator Matthew Libatique). But the old obsessions begin to creep in: a constant sense of forward momentum, a belief in simple (not simplistic) characterizations. For all his sins (drug use, alcoholism, familial neglect), “The Ram” is at heart a big softie, a terrific companion role for Rourke to his relentlessly driven Marv in Sin City.

9 September 2008 12:10 PM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Actor Viggo Mortensen was forced to apologise to the Canadian government, after mistaking the country with the U.S. and accusing officials of abusing their power.

The star appeared at a Toronto Film Festival panel discussion on Sunday to introduce the movie The People Speak, a film based on the book A People's History of the United States about dissent and resistance to power.

Mortensen, wearing a t-shirt that read "Impeach Remove Jail", complained to the audience about things "that have been happening in the last eight years in this country."

When pointed out he was in Canada and not the U.S, Mortensen replied, "My apologies."

The actor, in Toronto promoting his new movie Appaloosa, was joined on the panel by Matt Damon, Josh Brolin and Marisa Tomei.

Permalink | Report a problem

8 September 2008 9:04 PM, PDT | From Rope Of Silicon | See recent Rope Of Silicon news

Evan Rachel Wood and Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler Update: The Guardian has learned Fox Searchlight is the studio that has gained the rights to The Wrestler. We are still waiting to hear about a release date. In an attempt to score an exclusive video clip or something from The Wrestler I attempted to go through the back channels at Wild Bunch, the company in charge of international sales. Unfortunately they told me their tapes had all been sent to Venice and Toronto, but I did get the following bit of information and am currently following up to see if I can get anything further: The Us distribution deal has been signed last night and should be announced soon. Who's it gonna be that scored the festival favorite? Stay tuned I will let you know as soon as I know. The Wrestler stars Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood

Brad Brevet

8 September 2008 4:08 PM, PDT | From cinemablend.com | See recent Cinema Blend news

A week ago only the most diehard film festival followers were looking out for The Wrestler, Darren Aronofsky's follow-up to The Fountain, a drama about a wrestler whose glory days are long gone. But since the film took the top prize at the Venice Film Festival and debuted yesterday at the Toronto International Film Festival, it's a hot topic-- and now it will come to a theater near you. Fox Searchlight announced today that they picked up the rights to the film, and scheduled it for release this December, smack dab in the middle of Oscar season, of course. Mickey Rourke stars in the movie as the titular Randy "The Ram" Robinson, with Marisa Tomei as a stripper who catches his eye and Evan Rachel Wood as his daughter. I guess given how many movies have starred boxers, it's high time that pro wrestlers get their shot as well.

8 September 2008 1:35 PM, PDT | From Movie Jungle | See recent Movie Jungle news

Fox Searchlight Pictures announced today that they have acquired rights to distribute "The Wrestler" within the U.S. The film just had its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival and stars Rourke, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood. Winner of the Venice Film Festival Golden Lion Award, the film is helmed by Darren Aronofsky. Prior to "Wrestler," Aronofsky helmed "The Fountain," a romantic sci-fi drama starring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz. Story is based in the late 80s, focusing on Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was a headlining professional wrestler...

8 September 2008 6:30 AM, PDT | From Digitalspy | See recent digitalspy news

Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler has won the prestigious Golden Lion prize at the Venice Film Festival. The film focuses on a fading wrestler (Mickey Rourke) who begins to romance a stripper (Marisa Tomei) after being forced into retirement following a heart attack. Critics have lavished praise on the drama, citing Rourke's take on the lead role as the film's highlight. Variety called it "a galvanising, humorous, deeply moving portrait that instantly takes its place among (more)

By Simon Reynolds

7 September 2008 8:00 PM, PDT | From MoviesOnline.ca | See recent MoviesOnline news

Fox Searchlight Pictures President Peter Rice today announced that the company has acquired Us rights to the riveting drama The Wrestler, which had its North American premiere last night at the Toronto International Film Festival and won the Golden Lion at the 2008 Venice Film Festival. Directed by Darren Aronofsky and written by Rob Siegel, The Wrestler stars Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood. The film was produced by Scott Franklin and Darren Aronofsky thru Protozoa Pictures. Vincent Maraval, Agnes Mentre and Jennifer Roth served as executive producers and Mark Heyman co-produ...

7 September 2008 5:06 PM, PDT | From Rope Of Silicon | See recent Rope Of Silicon news

Evan Rachel Wood and Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler It's strange we still haven't heard any word on a studio snatching up Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler, a film getting high marks from all that have seen it including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. This is a film that can appeal to the Oscar crowd based on its pedigree, the Wwe crowd since it centers on a professional wrestler and the fanboy crowd since it is directed by the man who helmed The Fountain, Requiem for a Dream and Pi. I mean, this film has "Sold" written all over it. In all the excitement I have just added two new images to the gallery for the picture including the one teased above and another of Marisa Tomei sporting a "The Devil Made Me Do It" patch. Where will this film land and what kind of Oscar attention will it get?

Brad Brevet

7 September 2008 8:21 AM, PDT | From screeninglog.com | See recent screeninglog news

Darren Aronofsky’s “The Wrestler” took home the prestigious Golden Lion Saturday at the 65th edition of the Venice Film Festival.

Starring Mickey Rourke, the drama tells the story of a retired pro wrestler who risks his life by returning to the ring for one final match against his big rival. Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood co-star.

Ever since the film’s premiere at the festival, critics having raving about Rourke’s performance as lead character Randy “The Ram” Robinson. Some even speculated Rourke would leave the festival with the best actor award.

The Coppa Volpi Award for best actor, however, went to Silvio Orlando for his performance in “Il Papà di Giovanna” (Giovanna’s Father).  Directed by Italian helmer Pupi Avati, the film centers on the relationship between a father and his daughter, who is committed to a psychiatric hospital after killing her best friend.

Meanwhile, Dominique Blanc

Franck Tabouring

6 September 2008 4:49 PM, PDT | From Rope Of Silicon | See recent Rope Of Silicon news

Two brand new looks as well as some updates today in my "The Contenders" section. Click on any of the titles in this article for the full update. The pages for Appaloosa and The Burning Plain both now feature complete opinion pieces and the pages for Slumdog Millionaire and The Wrestler have been updated quite extensively as reviews have come out of Venice and Toronto. In the case of Appaloosa and The Burning Plain it appears Burning Plain doesn't stand much of a chance following mixed responses out of both Venice and Toronto despite a quick jolt of buzz after the early going in Venice. Appaloosa has received a couple of ho-hum reviews from a pair of bloggers, but Kirk Honeycutt at The Hollywood Reporter is sold on it calling it a "terrific Western that re-examines how things might have gone down in the Old West." Complete recaps of both those films have been posted.

Brad Brevet

5 September 2008 9:47 PM, PDT | From screeninglog.com | See recent screeninglog news

Darren Aronofsky's "The Wrestler" premiered at the Venice Film Festival this week, and the first reviews are quite positive. Starring Mickey Rourke, the film centers on a pro wrestler who risks his life by challenging his big rival for one final match. Evan Rachel Wood and Marisa Tomei co-star. Here's a summary of what the press is saying about it:

• "Rourke dispenses with all vanity to plumb the depths of this well-meaning but severely damaged man," writes Stephen Farber in The Hollywood Reporter.

• "Physically imposing at 57, with a face that bespeaks untold battering and alteration, Rourke is simply staggering as Ram," says Todd McCarthy in Variety.

• "Rather, it’s tender, finely detailed and moving - aided in no small part by Aronofsky’s feeling for the disorder of ordinary lives, and his elegant visual sense," writes Shane Danielsen over at Times Online.

So far, this sound awesome. Let's hope

Franck Tabouring

14 August 2008 4:04 PM, PDT | From TwitchFilm.net | See recent Twitch news

The latest film from Darren Aronofsky has just been announced at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival and what better way to celebrate than with new stills!  There were a pair of images from the film released earlier, but those were both quiet shots taken from a relative distance.  This new trio gets much more up close and personal, including close up images of Rourke in full on wrestling mode and Tomei ‘dancing’ for the ‘gentlemen’.  Hit the link below to check them out!

A once hugely successful professional wrestler in the late 80’s, Randy “The Ram” Robinson now ekes out a living performing for diehard wrestling fans in high school gyms and community centers around New Jersey. Estranged from his daughter, unable to sustain any real relationships, Randy lives for the thrill of the show, the adrenalin rush of combat and the adoration of his remaining fans.

But, when

Todd Brown

13 August 2008 1:51 PM, PDT | From QuietEarth.us | See recent QuietEarth news

The Toronto International Film Festival keeps bringing the pain with the announcement of 20 new films as part of it's special presentations lineup. I really wish I could hit the fest, but ahh well. The films which really interest me are John Crowley's (Boy A) Is There Anybody There? which is about " an unlikely friendship between a scruffy former magician and a little boy with a morbid streak. Ten year-old Edward has become increasingly obsessed with death and the afterlife since his parents turned their house into a retirement home. Edward's is a lonely and peculiar existence – until he meets Clarence who introduces him to wonders in the here-and-now." Hints of Harold and Maude? Next is Bruno Baretto's Last Stop 174 , about "young Sandro who lives in the slums of Rio de Janeiro where corruption and violence are the norm. Orphaned, alienated and fearing for his life, Sandro falls into a life

1-20 of 31 articles from 2008   « Prev | Next »