Best Picture This

2008: No Pain, No Penance in THE WRESTLER


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Mickey Rourke's return to stardom (you know -- the "Rourkessaince") began with him playing the title role in director Darren Aronofsky's "The Wrestler," also starring Marisa Tomei. But this feature marked a major turning point for Aronofsky, as well -- away from the big, showy spectacles of his two prior releases ("Requiem for a Dream" and "The Fountain") and demonstrating that he can also do intimate and self-contained. 

In this episode, Mike and Brian talk understated masterclass moments and stylistic shifts, they debate if the ending of "The Wrestler" hinges on hope or irony, play Keep It or Kick It and more.

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And for 16 years of Golden Takes, head over to Letterboxd.

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Best Picture ThisBy Mike Cavaliere & Brian McMillan

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