Review of The Fighter (2010) by Joanne G — 11 Apr 2012

Iâ(TM)m gonna look at the overall film and story, then assess the four main performances. With the film itself, I have to admit, at the beginning I wasnâ(TM)t enjoying it that much as I thought Christian Bale was being too focused on, but then I realised that was the point, Dickie was always more focused on and shuffled Mickey to the corner, the over-the-topness of Dickie in comparison to Mickey made them very interesting brothers, and the Mum was completely centred on Dickie, akin to the film and director, which made the film more believable with the story.

When Dickie goes to jail, this was where it became most interesting, I thought the relationship between Mickey and Charlene was fascinating, the film detailing the split between Mickey and his Mum, brother & 7 sisters, the relationships became centre stage as it did in the lives of the people themselves, Alice the mum and Charlene both trying to look out for Mickie at the same time as Dickie is shuffled to the side and has his own storyline, battling his addictions, the two storylines finally coming together in the final third.

The final third of the film comes back to the all the characters, Mickey has a chance at a Title shot but wants his family backing him, his girlfriend Charlene next to him, and his brother Dickie helping him train. It is here that Mickey finally steps out of the shadows and admits what HE wants, saying he canâ(TM)t keep on picking sides, and from here the ending shapes up. I wonâ(TM)t say anymore, except the way the story unfolded worked well because the film treated each character as they were needed at that point. At the beginning, Dickie was the main attention, as he was in that point of life; in the middle, you Have Mickey & Charlene sharing attention with Alice, and then in the end, Mickey takes centre stage with the other 3 firmly behind him. Really well made, however, overall, this is an actors film.

Melissa Leo possibly had the least likeable role, the mother Alice whoâ(TM)s love seems to revolve around Dickie whilst at the same time setting up Mickieâ(TM)s fights. The point where Dickie begins to question his life is when Dickie and Alice allow Mickie to fight a replacement fighter whoâ(TM)s a weight heavier. For a lot of the film Alice opposes Charlene and has as her back-up Mickieâ(TM)s 7 sisters, believing she knows what is best. Overall, you could tell Alice loved Mickey and Dickie, but just made mistakes, and in the end fight, you notice Charlene and Alice sat next to each other supporting Mickey, together, suggesting Alice really did want what was best for him. Overall, her role wasnâ(TM)t the most important, but was quintessential, and well acted.

Amy Adams, was the biggest shock, usually appearing either as innocent or loveable, this is possibly her darkest role, foul mouthed, sexualised, and even has a catfight at one point. However, as Charlene, she is brilliant, and fascinating throughout the film, in fact, the entirety of the film it was Charlene and Mickey who fascinated me most, their slow burgeoning relationship in the beginning becoming strong and vital by the end. It actually reminded me slightly of Helena Bonham Carter in âThe Kingâ(TM)s Speechâ?, wanting what is best for their love.

Christian Bale has achieved magnificent plaudits and many Best Supporting nods at Award ceremonies, and whatâ(TM)s more, despite him annoying me early on, by the end of the film, I thought he had earned it. Not only has he lost weight for the role and perfectly encapsulated the real Dickie and the crack addict style, but he develops through the film, the beginning scene shows him claiming credit for Mickeyâ(TM)s success, but at the end, he has bowed out to support Mickey, and you believe it, in his words, language, his facial expression. The role starts out as very over-the-top and gradually subsides until itâ(TM)s very subtle, wonderful by Bale.

However, the best performer, for me, was Mark Wahlberg, and yes, I am surprised to say these words. But from the very beginning, he has a serious and quiet intensity that radiates through the screen. At the beginning, his role revolves around Dickie, needing Dickie. It isnâ(TM)t until his hand gets broken he begins to separate himself, as well as get close to Charlene, and gradually build up his boxing career again. Mark Wahlberg even looks the part, his dedication meaning heâ(TM)s been training for up to TEN years, which is amazing. His role is in direct juxtaposition to his foul mouthed role in The Departed, in this he is quiet and modest, but as his journey continues, he draws you in, until at the final fight, you are behind him all the way, and that is a testament to Mark Wahlberg, Bale may be the excitement and fun, but Wahlberg offers the heart to the film.