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September 7, 2008


Darren Aronofsky's drama “The Wrestler,” starring Mickey Rourke as a washed-out pro grappler in comeback mode, pinned down the Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion.

“We need to thank Mickey Rourke for opening up his heart and soul for the camera and reminding the world what a great talent he is,” said Aronofsky amid cheers on the Sala Grande stage. A beaming Rourke stood by his side, even though he did not nab the Venice thesping nod.

It was soon clear, however, that Rourke failed to receive the Coppa Volpi due to a technicality. Jury prexy Wim Wenders criticized rules that prevent the Golden Lion winner from also picking up acting prizes --suggesting Rourke should have scooped it.

“Thank you for inviting us to the dance,” said Rourke in a gray suit and a pink polka-dotted tie.

“Darren Aronofsky came here a couple of years ago and fell on his ass,” he said referring to Aronofsky’s “The Fountain,” which premiered in Venice in 2006 and subsequently flopped. “I am glad he had the balls to come back.”

Rourke also thanked the jury “for making the right decision.”

As cocky as that may sound, it was a widely shared sentiment among attendees at an edition of the fest that was heavily criticized at first but gained steam in its second half, though it still badly needed the headlock blow delivered by “The Wrestler” on its final day. The prize is likely to bolster Venice’s cachet.

A U.S. distribution deal for “The Wrestler,” which is co-produced by Gaul’s Wild Bunch, is now deemed imminent in Toronto. Andrea Occhipinti, topper of Lucky Red, the pic’s Italo distrib, said he was eyeing a January release date “after the Oscars campaign.”