"The Wrestler" Trailer

I'm sure most of you have seen this trailer by now, but I wanted to post it in case you hadn't. I am also hoping to hear what you all think of it. Having seen the film already, I have some thoughts about what they are showing and what they aren't, but I don't want to go spoiler-tastic here. Just wondering how it looks from a different perspective... What do you think?



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Anticipated Winter Films Poll

Thanks to everyone for voting in our most recent poll regarding which films you are most looking forward to this winter. Its the most votes we have ever had for a poll! Although lots of people are saying this is a weak year for film (and I tend to agree as far as American cinema has gone) but it can turn around very quickly with the release of some of these films this winter, assuming that they don't get pushed back. Now that several other films have popped to prominence, some titles are notably absent, but this covers the bulk of the mainstream fare. I'm not really surprised by the films with the most votes, but was a bit surprised by the lack of votes for several Hollywood films that have some significant buzz. Just says something about our readership...and its something I am quite happy about. Thanks again for voting! On with the results!


Which films that open this winter are you most looking forward to?

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button- 31 (54%)

The Wrestler- 30 (52%)

Milk- 24 (42%)

Che- 20 (35%)

Synedoche, New York- 20 (35%)

The Road- 17 (29%)

W.- 16 (28%)

Australia- 14 (24%)

Quantum of Solace- 12 (21%)

Revolutionary Road- 9 (15%)

Changeling- 8 (14%)

Doubt- 6 (10%)

Frost/Nixon- 6 (10%)

Slumdog Millionaire- 5 (8%)

Valkyrie- 5 (8%)

Total number of votes: 57

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Darren Aronofsky Poll Results

Thanks to everyone for voting in our most recent poll selecting your favorite Darren Aronofsky film so far. The poll was inspired by Aronofsky's soon to be released new film The Wrestler, which is the Closing Night film at this year's New York Film Festival. I saw the film this week and, to really get the buzz really going, I have to say that The Wrestler is his most simple, straight-forward film but also his strongest. (Note that I voted for Pi in the poll as I find Requiem to be a one-time, one-trick pony and The Fountain totally ridiculous. I'm not saying that to knock The Wrestler though. Just admitting that I have liked simple more than flashy Aronofsky, and that trend for me here.) I'll save further analysis and discussion for my NYFF write-up and for when the film opens in wide release December 19th. I don't want to raise everyone's expectations too much, but The Wrestler is, without a doubt, one of the strongest American movies this year and should be a sure-fire Oscar contender.

Now on with the poll results! It was surprising to me how well The Fountain did in the poll (almost pulling a major upset!) Apparently many of them film's (small number of) advocates are dedicated readers here! Or am I just being mean? Do more people out there like The Fountain than I think? Even though I don't like that film at all, I'm glad you are all here reading and voting! We had one big time lover and hater of Aronofsky, which are always fun votes to see as well. Anyways, I'll stop explaining the results. You can see them yourself after the break.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DARREN ARONOFSKY FILM THUS FAR?

Pi- 8 (20%)

Requiem for a Dream- 16 (41%)

The Fountain- 13 (33%)

I don't like any of them- 1 (2%)

I love all of them- 1 (2%)
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Darren Aronofsky Poll

With its win at Venice and purchase to Fox Searchlight, Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated films of the New York Film Festival and the winter film season. In honor of this, we might as well get the hype going by having a new poll! You just have to pick your favorite of the Aronofsky's three previous films (unless you don't like any of them or love them all, in which case I won't make you pick.) We can use the comments section of this post to discuss your selection. In case you haven't seen it, Jim Emerson has a review of sorts up on his site. Well worth checking out, as well as the rest of his coverage of the Toronto Film Festival. Now let's get the hype and some discussion going!

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