Mark Wahlberg could be forgiven for being more than a little hurt by the academys ignoring of his performance in "The Fighter". Wahlberg has spent the better part of ten years trying to bring the project to life. The film as it exists today, and that it is as good as it is, is down mainly to Wahlbergs persistence. After going through a multitude of different directors and actors, and non stop grueling boxing training sessions, it looked like the film would never see the light of day on more than a few occasions. But his dedication paid off. In Wahlbergs career so far, "The Fighter" is his towering achievement. Sure, his performance has been unfairly overlooked elsewhere, but as producer the man can safely take credit for the films success. Make no mistake, this is a Mark Wahlberg film. Of course the hiring of personal friend David O. Russell to direct was a masterstroke. At one point Darren Aronofsky (among plenty of others) was tapped to direct, but his indecision at stepping back into the ring so soon after "The Wrestler" led to O. Russell taking over. He retains his executive producer credit here and looking closely it was probably for the best; would Aronofskys naturally dark and glum style have lent itself to an uplifting underdog sports drama? Russell and Wahlberg of course have worked together two times previously. "Boogie Nights" and "The Departed" aside, O. Russell has been the only director to consistantly have been able to get a performance out of Wahlberg. As frustratingly hit and miss as he is, it is easier still to dismiss his films. For every "Three Kings" there was a "Max Payne". Wahlberg is a better actor and more savvy than a lot of people give him credit for. A lot of his films certainly are lacking in areas, but it seems he knows fully what he is doing. His more recent attempts at blockbuster status could be seen as paving the way for "The Fighter". Without those, he could have not have made or funded it. The truth is that the fact that Wahlberg initially seems like an afterthought to this film, shows he has done his job as far as his role was concerned. The real life Micky Ward does always struggle to get a word in edgeways when surrounded by his Brother and Mother. If Wahlberg takes a step back and lets his co-actors take the glory, then it could be argued that thats only because that is what the real life Micky Ward has done. And by that measurement, Wahlberg gives quite possibly, the very best performance of his career so far.
What are all great boxing films really about. Certainly not boxing. Sure, the sport features, but it is not what the film is ever truly about. As a non boxing fan it seems odd that my possible favourite film of all time is "Raging Bull". I never watch boxing on television. This is because the idea of two grown men beating each other up holds very little interest to me. Not without knowing the background of these people. The psychology is incredibly engaging; why do these men willingly choose to spend their life taking a beating? Of course in the best sports films, the metaphor of the sport always serves as something else. "The Fighter" is not about boxing. It is about family. Managed by his all-domineering mother (a great Melissa Leo) and trained by his crack addicted brother Dicky(Christian Bale), Micky's commitment to his family was (again, like Wahlbergs commitment to his story) unwavering and seemingly at the detriment to his own career. They might all have noble intentions but they are dragging Micky down with them. At thirty something years old, Micky took his very last shot at becoming a success and went on to fight for the welter weight title. As the trouble making attention seeking older brother Dicky, Christian Bale is a revelation. Charasmatic but selfish; likeable but dishonerable, Bale nails the very conflicting mindsets. Bale has been much quieter in his roles in the past few years, so it's great to see he still has what it takes to be a method powerhouse when it comes to his parts. His dedication to Dicky is incredible and he completely immerses himself in his part. Much has been made of his repeated weight losses for his films, but here it only ever adds to the character. Of course looking at Dicky, it is obvious what he is, but Bale is pitch perfect in getting into the mindframe of the real life version. As strong as his competition will be on oscar night, he deserves to take home the gold statue. Speaking of which, it is safe to say he will be joined by Melissa Leo as the mother and manager of Micky, and the family. She reigns supreme and strictly governs and protects her family life as she does Micky. With her sprayed hair and venomous tongue, she cuts a very intimidating figure indeed for Mickys new love interest Charlene (AmyAdams). Not to mention Mickys seven sisters all holding a grudge against her and it takes a very special lady to stand up to them to protect Micky, but that is what Charlene does. Breaking type, Adams is fantastic; sassy, tough, but also nurturing and tender. The problem is that each member of the family has noble intentions for Micky. If only they can each let their egos from overtaking the spotlight, Micky could be the great success he has it in him to be. One of the treats of the film is rendering the family at all times loveable, in some warped way despite all the nefarious things they do and how they act. They all love each other and to them family is the most important thing in the world.
It might have been easy for some directors to go heavy on grittiness of our characters and themes, but very wisely O. Russell simply lets the characters be. Sure they are sometimes ugly but they are never less than real. The dynamic is the most important ingredient and O. Russell handles it wonderfully. Of course this also leads to some fantastic scenes of humour; with a family like this, how could it not be? He brings out the best of his cast and story and manages to keep the possibly too bombastic story on track. Bale and Leo offer incredible performances, but that is only because the film is anchored in Wahlbergs self assured lead. The central relationship of Micky and Dicky is what drives the film. While the films many fantastic HBO style boxing scenes will bring all the fireworks, it is the love between two brothers that will be the long lasting impression left on you. At the end it is there for all to see: it's easy to take a few punches, in time those scars will heal. The deeper scars caused by those you love in trying to keep everyone together is what will always cut deeper. And it is all down to Mark Wahlberg.
Verdict: 83%
A fantastic sports flick and the best boxing film seen in quite some time. The film is funny, touching and moving, all bolstered by stunning turns from everyone involved. A possibly predictable story is shot through David O. Russell's assured eye and long after the glare of the fights scenes have faded, it is the touching dynamic of the family that will linger inside.
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