Review:
The Wrestler, directed by Darren Aronofsky (2008), tackles the developmental issue of finding a new life after resigning from a passionate career. As a retired professional wrestler, Randy confronts hardships that attack all facets of his being, leaving his life unfulfilled. His physical body torn up by a heart condition, Randy passionately reconnects with his past wounds. By visiting his daughter, he struggles with the guilt and shame of leaving loved ones to follow his career. Taking mediocre jobs to merely survive, Randy’s true desire and passion remains wrestling. Randy reconciles with his core self, reliving his glory days in the ring with the family who appreciated him most - the fans.

 

The consequential hardships that Randy faces from his life choices in The Wrestler relate to the audience via the emotional, social, and physical affects hardships we all experience in life. Without requiring any knowledge of or preference for wrestling, clients can find hope and desire from Randy’s struggles and experiences, and also connect with the tormenting pain and disconnection from the outside world. The captivating search to find his true and fulfilled self while connecting with his core being is a journey in which clients can identify. Counselors could use this resource with almost any age group, but most especially with middle-adult individuals who may be experiencing similar struggles with life purpose. While laboriously living out their lives, clients may desire to find a new purpose, or reestablish a current one, from which to grow and prosper.