Boxing film is a real contender...
> The Fighter
4 stars (out of 5)
Director: David O. Russell
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, Mickey O'Keefe, Jack McGee
Rating: (R16)
The art of pugilism has produced some fantastic stories, many of which have made even better films.
So, with a lengthy shadow cast by the indomitable Raging Bull, actor Mark Wahlberg went directly to the godfather of boxing films, only to have Scorsese politely decline to direct The Fighter.
Darren Aronofsky then dropped the ball, which proved to be a blessing in disguise.
Eventual director David O. Russell, a maverick with wry black comedy (Flirting with Disaster, Three Kings), was not a natural fit for this warts-and-all boxing drama. However, Russell brilliantly teases out the feeling of lurking tension that makes The Fighter, and the characters in it, such compelling viewing.
Mark Wahlberg captures "Irish" Micky Ward's impressive physicality; he is the perfect foil for Christian Bale's unhinged brilliance as "Dicky" Eklund, Ward's crack-addled older half-brother.
Plaudits must also be shared with the brilliant Melissa Leo who summons up a character as distasteful as she is mesmerising.
Amy Adams goes toe to toe with Ward's wickedly coiffured and potty-mouthed seven sisters and the family friction spills over into the ring. With its carefully re-created boxing scenes, The Fighter is a bona fide contender.
Best thing: Christian Bale's amazing transformation into a drug-addled Bostonian.
Worst thing: Not getting to see any action from the infamous three fights that Ward had with Arturo Gatti.
See it with: Anyone who has seen Raging Bull, The Wrestler or even Rocky.
- Mark Orton.
