The Wrestler Is A Contender
September 5th, 08'

 Over the last several months we have defended Mickey’s role in “The Wrestler” while a select few other Rourke sites and self-labeled “Lover’s of The Man” tore him apart for taking on this role - Heather and I stood behind him all the way. These cretins are so blinded by the fact that he was going to portray a redneck wrestler (their words not mine) that they forgot that Rourke is one hell of a fuckin’ actor. Something that never escaped Heather or myself. The lack of support for Mickey’s decision to STAR in this film has been evident by comments they have made over the last several months. Fuck only a couple of weeks ago, one Rourketard exclaimed... ‘I’d rather see Mickey in Sin City 2 (at the moment, a movie that is someone’s wet dream) or The Informers - than in a wrestling movie'. This ignorant Rourketard didn’t stop there. It went on to say – ‘I don’t want to see Mickey get an Oscar nomination for this role - there are so many stories out about this movie - I’ll have to wait and see’  GRRR! Dipshit! Heather was there, she watched Mickey in action. She thought his performance was fuckin’ phenonminal. Like watching a master at work - he was the consummate professional. Heather knew she was witnessing something special. The energy he exuded during his scenes was contagious. How many of you out there would have wanted to be in Heather’s shoes?

 As for where I get my enthusiasm from this film it’s simple...  I'm a long time wrestling fan, always have been, always will be. Thus I knew about this flick long before any other Rourke web site or message board. Once I read the synopsis of the film, my first thought was...this character has Mickey Rourke’s name written all over it.

 Ya know, why is it some Rourke fans can’t seem to move forward? They are stuck in the past, all they can do is talk about the Mickey Rourke of the 80's & 90's. Hello, this is the 21^st century and that is where Rourke lives, not in the past. Mickey has always been a man ahead of his time and he was never rewarded for it. Regardless of his behavior or the disdain folks have expressed for what they consider his less than stellar performances in a select few flicks. Here is one thing that Mickey has continually resonated throughout his career: He has always wanted to make GREAT movies that are meaningful and transcend time.

 I’ve said this before and I will say it again.... The people who supposedly admire him have shit all over him. Watch closely over the coming days, as more and more positive reviews are written about Mickey’s depiction of Randy “The Ram” Robinson - that redneck rasstler (lol) Seriously, their tune will change from slapping Rourke in the face to suckin’ his ass, because they want to ride the wave of Rourke’s good fortune.

We know why his friends so ardently defend him, and love him. Heather and I have been, and continue to be a part of his generosity and you will learn more about that eventually. The sad part about his taking a chance to reach out to his fans via uniquelyrourke has been the verbal abuse he has taken at the hands of bitter people. Just days ago, someone who hates our site stated that Mickey was a fool and an idiot. I wonder if this bitch would have the balls to walk up to Mickey and call him those names. Most likely.. Not... Only cowards go around to message boards calling Mickey names. Outta respect for the site owner and his Rourke space, we didn’t comment on this vicious attack on Mickey or ourselves. However, we wanna thank our friend LaShane (owner of MR WALLS) for setting this whack-a-do straight. She is a member of his message board. So Ms. LaShane spoke up and laid a smack down on this poser. I’m quite sure this dink wasn’t expecting it cuz LaShane is a mellow kinda chick. Honestly this person went too far – It (yes I refer to the poser as IT on purpose) brought up LaShane’s family. Hmm, that behavior sounds familiar. Something is smellin’ kinda fishy! I know, I got off track, what else is new? Hahaha!!! 
(Heather here...Stephy..NO MORE political television for you. It gets your RPM's up! LOL)

 
The Wrestler Review
Please read the KICK ASS review that Variety wrote about Mickey’s role in “The Wrestler”. Heather and I are so thrilled for him. I know you may think we have Mickey on a pedestal, but you would be wrong. We understand Mickey has weaknesses and faults like we all do. Fuck, he ain’t no damn choirboy. (Haha)

 Talk about comebacks. After many years in the wilderness and being considered MIA professionally, Mickey Rourke, just like the washed-up characterhe plays, attempts a return to the big show in. Not only does he pull it off, but Rourke creates a galvanizing, humorous, deeply moving portrait that instantly takes its place among the great, iconic screen performances. An elemental story simply and brilliantly told, Darren Aronofsky's fourth feature is a winner from every possible angle, although it will require deft handling by a smart distributor to overcome public preconceptions about Rourke, the subject matter and the nature of the film. Click HERE to read the article in it's entirety!

 New Skinz
Go check out Miz Heather Leather’s new wallpaper on the skinz page. Not only does it rock, but there is something very rare and special connected to it. You’ll only find it here on uniquelyrourke. We gotta give props to Mickey, cuz if it weren’t for him, Heather wouldn’t have been inspired....Tell us what you think..

Before I sign off I wanna make something clear - you can hate me, Heather and uniquelyrourke all you want. We don’t lose any sleep over it...  With that being said, this night owl is going in search of some prey...  

 Ciao,
Steph

 Mickey Speaks And Then Some....
September 5th, 08'

I just got off the phone with LaShane. She called me to let me know there is footage of Mickey at the premier of The Wrestler in Venice and also a short clip from the movie....Thanks for the heads up LaShane!

ENJOY!!!!

 There’s more to come later ... See ya then...

Ciao,
Steph

Mickey Is Up For Top Actor & Received A Standing Ovation
September 5th, 08'

 Mickey is tearing down the roof at the Venice Film Festival. He is a fave for Best Actor and I don’t need to tell ya’ll for which role he is being nominated....or maybe I do need to tell ya..(lol)... You know the one where he portrays a redneck wrestler...lol!!! (I know a couple of (IT’S) who are eating shit right now for calling this a redneck wrestling movie)   Remember folks, you heard it here on uniquelyrourke way before all the hoopla started about the film festivals - that his performance and this flick -  was going to be GOLD. Funny, everyone is talking about Mickey’s comeback and it’s like HELLO!!! He’s been here - where the HELL have you been???

Here’s what Mickey had to say about his this film:
"I can honestly say right now, the best ... movie I've ever made is this," Rourke told Reuters before attending a press briefing where he received a rare standing ovation.
Let your fingers do the walkin' and CLICK HERE to read more!

Stay Tuned - There’s more good SHIT coming.... cuz now that Mickey & Aronofsky are openly talking about certain aspects of the film and their personal observations, Heather and I can now give all our site visitors more info behind Heather’s visit this past March to the set of The Wrestler. Along with more of her conversation with Mickey, and a few other diddy’s that have transpired over the last couple of months - involving Heather, myself, uniquelyrourke and some fella named
 Mickey Rourke... (buhahahaha!!)

I’ve included a few of pics of Mickey at the photo call of The Wrestler today.... Yum! Yum!!! :)

Pictures courtesy of Getty Images (hint, hint...wanna see TONS more pictures? Click the link!)

He Owns This Movie
Shane Danielsen, from timesonline has written a really moving review of Mickey’s Role in
 The Wrestler. I got goose bumps and a few tears in my eyes after reading this article, especially the ending, it totally mushed us hard bitches out. The article speaks volumes of Mickey’s long road to get where he’s at. He has taken all the hard knocks and cheap shots that in most cases would make a lesser person throw their hands up in the air and say FUCK IT!!! Instead he stayed focused and followed the light at the end tunnel he has so often spoken of in his interviews. Mickey deserves every ray of light that shines on him and then some. Shine On You Crazy Diamond!! :)

Ciao,
Steph

 This Is It...
September 5th, 08'

The final Skinny of the evening. .... or is it?

Ram might be the ultimate loser, but Rourke scores a winning tour de force

So says Stephen Farber of the Hollywood Reporter. Here’s yet another appraisal of Mickey’s acting chops, the film itself and the rest of the cast. Sorry, I just couldn’t tick out the name of that movie again today...lol I just know when I go to bed tonight I’m going to have whacked out dreams about typing the name of this film over & over again ; ) Oh well, tomorrow is another day. Click HERE to read the full article! Ya know what to do... Whenever you see blue - click it & read it.

 Thorn In Our Ass’s
There is a new Flip Side up called - Fame Whadda Bitch or just call Heather and myself, The Fame Fucker Twins.. Buahahaha!!

Alrighty, this night owl is not feeling nocturnal tonight. I am beat and need to rest.

I wanna wish everyone a good night!!

Ciao,
Steph

 The Wrestler Wins
September 6th, 08'

The prestigious Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival. Congratulations to Darren Aronofsky, Mickey Rourke, the cast  and the crew of The Wrestler.

 Mickey Dishing It To Aronofsky
"Darren Aronofsky came here a couple of years ago and fell on his ass," Rourke told the packed Sala Grande theatre, referring to the director's critical flop "The Fountain" which premiered in Venice in 2006.
"I am glad he had the balls to come back. I don't think he wanted to come, I said, 'You've got to come'."
Click HERE to read more!

Here's something else for your eyes to feast on!

 Later all...

Ciao,
Steph

 New Video Of  Mickey in Venice
September 6th, 08'

Thanks Rob & LaShane!

Ciao,
Steph

 Our Heads Are Spinnin’
September 6th, 08'

 Woohoo!! It’s been a HELL of a ride over the last few days. We should be saying PHEW!! The Venice Film Festival is over and we can chill for a bit but, oh no - there is more to come.
Darren Aronofsky, Mickey Rourke and the rest of the cast should be arriving in Toronto within the next 24 hrs. HELLO! Did ya’ll forget The Wrestler has a run at the Toronto International Film Festival. The movie will be featured at the Elgin Theatre Sunday, Sept. 7^th @ 6pm. I’ve been asked how can things get any better than the success of The Wrestler in Venice? Good Question. The answer is - Toronto is the place for films to pick up a distributor, which The Wrestler needs. HELLO!!Ya gotta know, there is no way in fuckin’ HELL a distributor won’t lay down the green backs to pick up this dynamic film.
Source: Toronto Sun

Also, folks have been asking specific question’s about Mickey’s interviews. For instance, why was he always going to the doctors office and about the physicality of his role. Here’s the deal: If you go to the top of the navigation bar and click on Rourkes Realm, you may get the answers to some of your questions.  Who knew that when Heather shot the shit with Mickey on the set of The Wrestler in March, we would have the scoop before anyone else. Thanks Again Mickey!!! You always come through for us!!! YAY!!!

As for the questions about where one can hear the song Bruce Springsteen wrote for the movie; all I can say is - at this time - there is no place you can hear the song. I checked Springsteen’s official Myspace page and web site. Nothing yet, hang tight, ya know it will hit the net soon.

Even though there is no Springsteen available at this time, take you ear for a walk over to
Clint Mansell’s Official Myspace page and listen to the music from The Wrestler. Mr. Mansell has also written music for such films as The Fountain, Requiem For A Dream, Murder By Numbers, Man On Fire, Definitely, Maybe, to name a few. To get the complete lowdown on Clint Mansell go to his official web site.

Rourke Chatter
Aaah, I wouldn’t really call this next diddy gossip, as does the The Guardian, but I reckon since it involves Mickey, it’s been deemed as such.( I mean that in a good way)  According to:
 The lowdown from the lagoon (I love it)

The Rachel Getting Married party was only the second big party to be held in Venice, and though it was pretty quiet, it attracted one of the few Hollywood stars on the Lido this year - Mickey Rourke, who's here with The Wrestler, in which he gave a fantastic performance. 'I threw my career away 15 years ago... It's almost better to never have achieved nothing than to be a has been. It's such a small feeling. And you have no one to blame but yourself', he said at the press conference. Rourke had arrived with co-star Evan Rachel Wood, and was on very good and friendly form: when I declared myself a fan, Rourke beamed, 'Thanks, man, I need all the help I can get!' He hadn't seen the film yet but surprised me by saying that he never sees anything he's just finished. 'I'll leave it maybe two or three years,' he added. However Rourke recalled the strong sex scene in the film, which came as news to Wood, who seemed totally unaware. 'Oh, yeah, he's takin' her from behind,' Rourke grinned. The little bucking motion he did at the same time is still burned on my memory.

 Ooh lala.. Seems like Mickey’s character’s name Randy “The Ram” has a double meaning. (Buahahaha) HELLO !!! It’s a joke!! :)

My Brain Is Fried
Fuck Me!! I don’t know if I put this up or not. If I did too bad. Read the damn thing again. (lol) Oh wait, I need to tell ya’ll what the fuck I’m talking about. It’s an interview with Mickey titled:
Rourke seals comeback in “iconic" wrestler role.

The End
I’m fuckin’ done. Don’t bother me anymore Heather you slave driver!!! Cuz I have a list of things to do and slapping the hell outta you is one of em’... hahaha!!! (Heather here...Stephy I know you love it when I crack my whip! I should slap that ass of yours into gear ya naughty girl! muwahahahaha!!!)

This night owl will now fly off in to the darkness. Hoot!! Hoot!!

Ciao,
Steph

 Mickey & The Boss
September 7th, 08'

Our friend Raymond Stolp left us a kick ass comment on our Myspace page. We’ve mentioned Ray on uniquelyrourke several times, in fact, I have called him my Bitch. And to prove it, my Bitch has done right by his Mistress. I trained this boi well (buhahaha) I’m gonna let Ray tell ya what’s going down in his neck of the woods, which happens to be Amsterdam (and we ain’t talkin' the Red Light District)

"Here's some more about Mickey and Bruce Springsteen and his song for The Wrestler: Mickey's all over the news and in the papers here in Holland. On the evening news they showed some more of that scene from The Wrestler that moved me so much, and there was also footage of them getting the Golden Lion. Visibly moved and triumphant, Mickey told the crowd 'I'd like to really thank the jury for making the right decision’, to which he got loud applause".

 Here’s a taste of the article Ray sent us...
Rourke: "I've known Bruce for a long time now, since the 80's, I think. I hear from him a lot, he supports everything I do, especially now I'm on the road to recovery. Sometimes he calls me to [find out] about my projects, what I'm working on and things like that... I called him when one of his friends [Danny Federici] passed away, he had played with him for 40 years, they were like brothers. I called him as soon as I knew, to see how he was doing. I was a little embarrassed and didn't know what to say... but even in such a situation he was great. He was trying to make it through. Then I heard from him this summer when he said he had this song for me. Anyway, Bruce is a great person, one of the best I ever met, and I feel honored to be his friend".

Read more HERE

Thanks Pookie Bear - We love ya!!!!!

Ciao,
Steph

 Killshot Back On?
September 7th, 08'

 While going through our mailbox here at uniquelyrourke, Katrina from Washington wanted to let me know that Killshot now has a release date of Nov 7^th. She said she read about it on Wikipedia. No offense to Katrina, but when it comes to release dates & Killshot, I need a bit more than a source like Wikipedia. So I went to The Weinstien Co. web site to see what the fuck they had to say about it. Low & Behold, on the front page of their site was the announcement for Killshot with a release date of Nov. 7^th.  I’m sure some of you out there may have the same hesitation for celebration about this movie as I do. This isn’t the first time The Weinstein Co. slated this movie to open in theater’s on a specific date. Fans have been waiting for - what?- over 2 yrs. Only last month the rumor mill had it going to DVD, which I could see happening. In fact, Killshot’s author, Elmore Leonard says in his blog “The film is still most likely to be released directly to a video outlet, other than theaters". Furthermore, the blog states that the trailer on youtube does not represent the current version of the film. Even Thomas Jane, one of the stars of Killshot, stated in an interview that he did a few weeks ago: “ I did a movie called Killshot that looks like it’s going straight to DVD. “It didn’t turn out so hot, I guess.” 
Check out more info HERE

So what has changed? Well, I lay dollar to nothing it’s the success of Mickey in The Wrestler. It’s a good business move, especially when Killshot cost millions to make. Let’s face it, the film is not earning any dineros just sitting on the shelf collecting dust. Off the top of my head, if this release date is a definite thing - I’d look for a quick theatrical release - then straight to DVD. Will I go see the film? Sure I will. And we all know it will be for one reason and one reason only.. Mickey Rourke. Otherwise, I’d wait for the DVD. (Maybe)

 In the last couple of years, there is no doubt I’ve gotten one HELL of an education from the people I’ve met in the film industry. Prior to getting to know these people, I had foolishly coaxed myself into believing I had a good grasp of what went down in the industry, simply because I had worked for Universal Studios.  Holy fuckin’ shit was I wrong. While it was no news to me that the business is cutthroat and it’s all about the green (And don’t let anyone tell you any different) Brrrr!! It’s vicious. It’s hard to get a good quality movies made. Studios want a blockbuster. No wonder there is so much disillusionment among actors, producers, directors, blah blah. Ya know, there is a reason why this flick wasn’t released in a timelier manner. Come on’ the fuckin’ trailer has been out for what? Over a year or more. There’s no denying all roads were pointing  to a straight to DVD release. It’s very interesting to me that the movie is slated for release in November. 

(There will be more on this subject later- on the Flip Side )

Aronofsky Speaks...

OMG!! I dig what Darren Aronofsky had to say about Mickey, after receiving the Golden Lion award...
"I need to thank Mickey Rourke for opening up his heart and soul for the camera, for trusting me and giving me the honor of reminding the world what great talent he is”

"Darren could make other kind of movies if he wanted to, make a lot of money in the United States," Rourke said. "I love and respect him because he doesn't compromise and he wants to make movies that are not that expensive, that have a lot of integrity."  - Mickey Rourke

 Read all about it :HERE

Woohoo!!! Ya know there will be more later. OMG!! We need coffee IVs to keep up with all the news. LOL!

Ciao,
Steph

 The Wrestler Has US Distributor
September 8th, 08'

After an all nighter it looks as though Fox Searchlight won a bidding war for the US rights to The Wrestler. The price - 4 million dollar range.  Get more details here at the Hollywood Reporter.

Toronto’s O8 Critic’s Notebook
Another good review...
by Anthony Kaufman (September 8, 2008)

On Sunday night, hours after winning the top prize at Venice, Darren Aronofsky's "The Wrestler" premiered for North American audiences here in Toronto, riding a wave of positive buzz and critical approbation. But standing in front of a revved up crowd at the majestic, cavernous Elgin Theater, director Aronofsky wisely tried to tamp down the hype, jokingly calling the film "crap"; more seriously, he told the crowd, "This is a gentle, small film."

Indeed, "The Wrestler" is neither the revelatory masterpiece some have claimed, nor is it, of course, crap. Rather, it is a tender, compelling portrait of a man on his last legs, played memorably by an aging Mickey Rourke. Employing repeat handheld following shots, Aronofsky subtly and skillfully imagines the life and times of Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Rourke), a wrestler 20 years past his prime, living in a trailer park who still performs body blows in small arenas for a few bucks at a time. While the backstage antics of the professional wrestlers planning for their bouts are as funny as they are revealing, Aronofsky credibly stages the fights, which are both amusing and grotesquely violent.

"The Wrestler," at its best, focuses on Randy's desperate attempts to take control of his life, and how the magic allure of Guns 'N' Roses tragically pulls him back into the ring. The film falters, however, in attempting to round out Randy's character with a rushed drama involving a long estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) and a brief romance, handled somewhat better, with a stripper-cum-mom (played by Marisa Tomei). We've seen much of this before -- once renegade, now over-the-hill protagonist tries to reconcile with his past and present (there's one effective, direct nod to "Raging Bull"). But in its evocative depressed New Jersey milieu and Rourke's sad tour-de-force performance as a man literally bloodied and beaten down, "The Wrestler" is a strong and intimate work that should go far.

Source: Click Here

That’s it for now

Ciao,
Steph

 More Review From The Toronto International Film Festival
September 8th, 08'

 While the reviews are excellent & sincere - take some of what they have to say with a grain of salt. A good review with the LA Times is big deal...

The critics’ for La Times & Entertainment Weekly have given their take on “The Wrestler” .

The Wrestler: Triumph For Mickey Rourke
(Patrick Goldstein)
In Darren Aronofsky's "The Wrestler," Mickey Rourke is an over-the-hill grappler whose best days are way behind him.  Complete article just a click away LA Times

Entertainment News
(Owen Gleiberman)
Less Oscar mania, and Mickey Rourke in 'The Wrestler'
Has any actor in Hollywood been through as dramatic a transformation as Mickey Rourke? In his youthful prime -- in movies like Diner, The Pope of Greenwich Village, and Angel Heart -- he was a soft-voiced, bow-lipped, twinkly-eyed cherubic bad boy: a super-cool leader of the pack whose seductive secret was that he could also be the sweetest guy in the room. 

For the rest of the article - read

Ciao,
Steph

 HELL YEAH!!!....
September 8th, 08'

Rourke positive press..  What more can ya ask for!! Woohoo!!! 

Is Mickey Rourke TIFF's Little Mr. Sunshine This Year?

TorontoSun

Oooh Heather here... I got a warm 1 for ya on the BLOG page. (Play clicky-clicky with the blue, or just hit Bolg in the top navigation.)

Ciao,
Steph

 United States Release Date For The Wrestler
September 9th, 08'

 According to the San Francisco Gate business section, distributor Fox Searchlight is looking for a December 2008, release date for The Wrestler. It would make sense for Fox Searchlight to release this movie before the end of the year, considering that in order for the film to be nominated for an Oscar it must be done before December 31, 2008.

 Details HERE

Good Night!!

Ciao,
Steph

 
Where Art Thou??
September 9th, 08'

 Fer fuck’s sake!!!  I’ve gotten some mail from some folks (you know who you are) bitchin’ cuz we haven’t posted any new stuff today. HELLO!!! We do have shit in our own lives that need to be done.. :) LOL ...We’re not pissed or anything. I hear what you are screaming and that is why I’m on here now. Giving you a bit of info. I’ll be back later....

The Business End Of The Cinema
Reuters latest article is on distributor Fox Searchlight and what sort of marketing strategy - they may use - in order to get The Wrestler out in a timely manner. Keep in mind, Oscar deadline is just around the corner therefore everything needs to go off without a hitch. Read the rest HERE

I’ve also included a column from the Guardian UK that gives both a review of the film and some info on  Peter Rice, the man at the helm of Fox Searchlight. Read it HERE

 Hot Damn, I Dig A Good Smack Down...

 Coz I gotta dish one out every now and then - right here on the Skinny (lol)

 Tom O’Neil, of the LA Times gives us the lowdown on what went on at the Monday afternoon screening of The Wrestler in Toronto. There is something about wrestling that gets the manly juices flowing.

 "In the actors' derby, the mega-buzz was over Mickey Rourke in "The Wrestler," which spouted a testosterone gusher among the mostly male film critics and industry gang that threatened to drown the lot, especially when word broke out that it had just won best picture at the Venice Film Festival and got picked up for distribution by Oscar-savvy Fox Searchlight.

Scores of irate late-comers had to be turned away from "The Wrestler" press screening at the 600-seat Varsity 8 theater Monday afternoon, and there was almost a real smackdown in my aisle when, 10 minutes after the pic started, the chap next to me had to dash out to answer his humming cellphone and somebody nabbed his seat in the dark. When my original neighbor returned to claim his spot and saw it occupied, he tried to wrestle it back but got hustled out by a fest usher.

Based upon audience reax afterward, Rourke seems like a sure bet for a lead actor nod, but it's still unclear if "The Wrestler" can strong-arm a bid for best picture or director (Darren Aronofsky). It certainly won over the film critic crowd, which is likely to heap kudos upon it in December.

Cinematical was among the media hailing "The Wrestler" as "flat-out one of the best American movies of 2008." More HERE. But those pampered Beverly Hills snobs in the motion picture academy are sometimes less fawning over celebrations of trailer park dudes. One strong plus in its favor: Oscar voters are overwhelmingly male — and macho and love a good comeback story."

Source: LA Times

 Ciao,
Steph

 Mickey Rourke is the Comeback Kid: Part 1
September 9th, 08'
(By Patrick Goldstein)
From the Toronto Film Festival
LA Times

 Mickey Rourkes’ time has finally come. More than a quarter of a century after he catapulted to stardom in Barry Levinson's "Diner" and Francis Ford Coppola's "Rumble Fish," the man who never won an Oscar but pretty much retired the trophy for America's Craziest Living Actor, may get that second act that few artists who self-destruct at an early age ever live to see.

   When I had dinner with Rourke in L.A. a few years ago, he spent two hours at a crowded Sunset Strip eatery, virtually unnoticed. Here in Toronto, after getting raves for his tough-but-tender performance in Darren Aronofsky's "The Wrestler," Rourke is the center of attention again. The film was the big sale of the festival, going to Fox Searchlight for roughly $4 million after winning the Golden Lion in Venice last week. And wherever Rourke has gone here, he's drawn a crowd of photographers.

Nearly back to his regular 190-pound fighting weight after gaining 35 pounds to play the part, wearing a blue pinstripe jacket with little blond ringlets in his hair, he's hard to miss. As we sipped coffee in an upstairs lobby at the Four Season Hotel here, actors, producers, agents and wannabe screenwriters all stopped by, eager to offer hugs, congratulations or pass along hand-written notes, hoping to interest him in one new project or another.

Maybe this time Rourke can handle the spotlight. Earlier in his career, he fumbled the ball, taking horrible parts, partying all night, spending years fruitlessly trying to revive his schoolboy boxing career and telling anyone who would listen how much disdain he had for the art of acting. Although he's still as eccentric as ever--taking his favorite Chihuahua, Loki, whom he also calls "No. 1," with him nearly everywhere he goes--he says he's been in therapy for 13 years and can finally control the anger he'd carried around after surviving a turbulent and violent childhood.

In "The Wrestler," Rourke plays Randy (The Ram) Robinson, a beaten-down wrestler 20 years past his prime, his body scarred and gone to seed, unable to sustain any real relationships, least of all with his daughter, played by Evan Rachel Wood, who wants nothing to do with him. The part hit home.

"Let's put it this way, Randy the Ram was somebody 20 years ago and so was Mickey Rourke," he told me. "When you used to be somebody and you aren't anybody anymore, you live in what my doctor calls a state of shame. You don't want to go out of the house. You hate just going to the store and having to stand in line, because inevitably someone will stare at you and say, 'Hey, didn't you used to be someone in the movies?' "

Rourke doesn't mince words: "I lost everything. My house, my wife, my credibility, my career." He shrugs. "I even lost my entourage, which is when you know things are really bad. I just all had all this anger from my childhood, which was really shame, not anger, and used it as armor and machismo to cover up my wounds. Unfortunately, the way I acted really frightened people, although it was really just me who was scared. But I was like this person who was short-circuited and I didn't know how to fix myself."
So how did Rourke turn his life around?

Rourke finally found a therapist in Los Angeles--he simply refers to him as Steve--who helped him deal with his issues. "I started going to see him all the time, at first three times a week. He was great. Even when I didn't have the money, he kept seeing me. It was like he believed in me. I wouldn't be in the business if it wasn't for him and my agent, David Unger at ICM. I was done. Everyone but them thought I was too difficult, too crazy."

Rourke says he finally figured out how to let go of his anger and shame. "You just can't go through life holding on to all that stuff. I just couldn't live with that boulder on my shoulder." He points toward his heart. "There's still a little man inside of me with a big ax who watches everything. If someone tried to kick my girlfriend's ass or started messing with one of my friends right here, that little man would come out and show himself. But I've learned to keep him inside of me."

Even though it seemed at the time to be the most ruinous escapade of a career filled with ruinous escapades, Rourke firmly believes that, by going back to boxing in the middle of his career, he actually regained his equilibrium. He worked with Freddie Roach, Oscar De La Hoya's fight trainer, who wouldn't put up with the antics Rourke had gotten away with on film sets. "Freddie was no-nonsense," Rourke recalls. "When I started staying out all night, fooling around, he quit. He said, 'I'm going back to Vegas. I don't train fighters to lose.' I had to beg him to stay. I cried like a baby before I could convince him I was serious."

Rourke ended up losing most of his fights, but he found a focus he'd never had. "I started training the way I should and I demanded a discipline of myself that I'd never had. And I've been able to use that ability to concentrate in my acting. It's almost like a kind of self-survival. I was Little Mickey, angry, screaming and yelling, punching at ghosts that weren't even there, saying things I now regret. But I shaped up and look at the great part I got to play in this movie. It really makes a difference having a second chance to do something I once loved but told everyone that I hated."

Rourke said when he walked down the red carpet last week at the Venice Film Festival, he never felt happier. "It's really a nice feeling to be proud of the work you've done. Second chances are a great thing."

Coming soon: How Darren Aronofsky laid down the law with Rourke before filming began.

Source

Ciao,
Steph

 Buzz, Buzz, Buzz
September 10th, 08'

I ain’t talking bout the sound bee’s make ..   lol

Rourke, Back From Oblivion Gets Oscar Buzz For “The Wrestler”
Bloomberg Press. Ca
(by Rick Warner)
“When I die, my ashes are going to mixed with my dogs.”  More here

Ebert Speaks
Chicago - Sun Times
Rourke ready to climb off mat with “Wrestler”

Renowed movie critic Roger Ebert - gives a two thumbs up ( in my opinion) review . Ebert has always seemed to be a supporter of Mickey Rourke. There is no doubt he has always appreciated his talent.
Read his review!

The Wrestler
The star.com wrote this little diddy... don’t blink or you will miss it!!!

Believe the hype. Mickey Rourke's performance as a washed-up wrestler who is still a fighter defines passionate acting. The Wrestler shows the men behind the curtain in the world of pro wrestling. Rourke, with his mane of streaked blond hair, fake tan and battered face, is like the tortured bull in the last moments of the fight, barely able to stand, yet unable to quit.
Source

Rourke make a comeback in “Wrestler”
San Francisco Gate
(by Ruthe Stein)

 Looking all grown up in a strapless black cocktail dress, Evan Rachel Wood told a Toronto International Film Festival audience that it was her 21st birthday. The crowd burst into a round of "Happy Birthday."
The best present she could have received had come over the weekend when "The Wrestler" - a gritty movie about an aging wrestler in which she plays his neglected daughter - was awarded the Venice Film Festival's highest honor, the Golden Lion. As hard as it is to imagine Mickey Rourke as fathering the delicately lovely Wood, the two pull it off.

"The Wrestler" is a comeback for Rourke, who took a bow at the Toronto screening. Director Darren Aronofsky told the audience that before hiring him he heard "a lot of baloney" about how problematic Rourke was to work with. There's Oscar buzz about his unsparing performance. Before Aronofsky learned that Fox Searchlight had bought the American rights for the film (news that came later that day), he joked that if anyone wished to talk to him, he would be available after the screening.
Source

Off to eat dinner...

Ciao,
Steph

 I Need A Stiff One
September 11th, 08'

 I was fishin’ round the internet this evening in hope’s of finding Bruce Springsteen’s song from
 The Wrestler, when I stumbled upon a site that claimed someone sent them a bootleg copy of the song today. Oooh, I’m was thinkin’ to myself, wait till Fox Searchlight, the distributor, get’s wind of this diddy, cuz they will yank that song off the net quicker than white on rice.

 As I came to the end of the article there it was, the link to click over to the EVIL bootlegged song. Ya know I clicked the fuckin’ thing - HELLO!!  I’m only human. (lol). Once over there I started reading this person’s post and it stated that Fox Searchlight had asked him to take down the song, which legally they had the right to do. DUH!!

 Make no mistake, even if the song had been there, I don’t believe I would have posted it on the site. Why? Because it’s not right, uniquelyrourke doesn’t swing that way. Besides, Mickey most likely wouldn’t be too happy if we did that. My questions is - if I posted the link to the lyrics to the bootlegged Springsteen song, would I be committing some sort of bootleg sin that could possibly send me to bootleg purgatory for an undetermined amount of time when I die? Ya know I don’t wanna mess with “The Boss”. After mulling over the thought for a mere nanosecond - these words popped in my head: Fuck me! Who knows! I don’t have time to worry bout that shit... Listen up, I’m going to give ya’ll the link to the site that has the lyrics. As for the validity of the words - who knows, but it’s worth a look-see. If you’re curious as to what the song sounds like, someone over there wrote - and I’m paraphrasing - it’s reminisce of old school Springsteen. More

 Comeback Kid Pt 2
This is the 2^nd installment of the kick ass LA Times article written by Patrick Goldstein. It’s aptly titled: Actor vs Director. Before I send your ass’s over to read the rest of this killer piece - I want to say, Heather and I dig hearing Mickey tell his stories. Always have. I’ll tell ya what, the dude leaves you wanting more. For instance, Heather had the opportunity to call me from the set of The Wrestler in between Mickey shooting his scenes. And the first thing that came outta her mouth besides can you fuckin’ believe I’m talkin’ to Mickey face to face is: he’s a great a story teller - he’s telling me all this stuff and I am like  WTF!!! The best way to describe it is - his outward appearance is deadpan, but what he’s saying is hilarious. Now you can go read the damn thing.

 ** this is a special note for all you peeps out there who have ties to other Rourke web sites & message boards: Heather wasn’t lying. She was there. Some of what Mickey discusses in this article is the same thing he told Heather back in March. So all I gotta say is - Fuck You!!! You Mutha’ Fucka’s!! **

Just A Tidbit Or Two Or Three

Mickey signing autographs at the Toronto Film Festival

 

 Head on over to our friend - LaShane’s web site Mickey Rourke Walls. She has quite a few new creations - so go check em’ out... 

 Thats all for now folks. I gotta call it a night (I hope).  I have to be up at 4am. A friend of mine is having surgery. Holy shit, how I hate getting up that early…..

Ciao,
Steph

 All You Need Is Trust and A Bit Of Pixie Dust
September 12th, 08'

 I gotta be up front with ya’ll. My day has been a never ending story. (lol) Simply put - I’m exhausted. Not only have I been up since 4am yesterday morning; but I also had the not-so-wonderful privilege of sitting through Peter Pan - 2 times today. To make this long story short, I was taking care my friend’s 3 year old daughter. If you know anything about that age, repetition is part of the norm, especially when they are fixated on one thing and today it was Peter Pan. That’s how I got the title for the Skinny. That line in the flick just wouldn’t leave my head, so I figured  - what the hell... Use it.

 Is There Going To Be A Sin City 2?
If you are Mickey Rourke and the script is right - maybe it will happen. I haven’t really talked about this flick on uniquelyrourke because there have been so many rumors about it being in production  this year (2008)  then it was changed to the year 2010.  WTF!! Straight up, I’m not one to work with whispers of a possible Rourke role when I have nothing solid to work with. I dig facts. That’s how I work. My reasons for bringing it up now - won’t be a mystery once you finish reading this. In this Mickey morsel, he was asked about whether or not he would sit in the make-up chair for 3 hours to bring back Marv to the big screen.. And here is his response @ Splash Page MTV.

 Aronofsky Talks Wrestling
This next article is from the an very popular Canadian web site called Cano Slam! Sports. In the world of Pro Wrestling sites this one fuckin’ hit’s it outta the park or should I say ring  ; )  There is no half ass bullshit written on Slam!. That’s why this sit down with Aronofsky rocks. More here

Mickey Rourke - Ready To Rumble Again
I do believe the title says it all. You know what to do - hit up the blue. The Independent (uk)

 Alrighty, I can’t type another word.. I’m going to crash, I'll leave you with a visual. It's Mickey promoting The Wrestler at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) Photo by Carlo Allegri.

Ciao,
Steph

 December 19^th....
September 15th, 08'

 Is slated as the U.S. release date for The Wrestler. As I have stated numerous times on previous Skinny’s, all release dates are subject to change, however, I don’t see this one changing unless some unforeseen problem arises.This is definitely not a Killshot situation. Everyone connected with
The Wrestler wants the movie to be considered for the Oscar, therefore, this tentative date prior to the Academy Award deadline of  December 31, 2008 should be solid.
Source more sources..hehe

Rourke wrestles with success
Susan Wloszcyna
USA TODAY
“How much does director Darren Aronofsky love Mickey Rourke?”
Read all about it here

Ciao,
Steph