today i finally get some rest. it's been a crazy few days filled with press and screenings. folks seem very supportive.
mickey and evan are here and it's been a thrill showing them off.
tomorrow i fly to toronto. hopefully the hurricane doesn't make us miss the premier! anyone have any idea when and if it'll hit toronto?
see you all in north america soon.
dsa
138 comments:
The last hurricane to hit Toronto was man-made... by Norman Jewison :) Can't wait for the Sunday screening!
congrats dude
good luck in toronto!
Congratulations!!!
Your name was even mentioned here in the saturday evening news! That`s really great! I`m excited to see your new movie! Your movies are so special! Take care!
Golden Lion!!! Wau!!! That's great news. Congratulations aswell...
Congrats on the Golden Lion! I'm crossing my fingers so that you bring the Wrestler to the Chicago International Film Festival like last time around with the Fountain.
Congratulations, Darren!! Golden Lion!!! Yay!!!
Golden Lion!!! whooahoo ;]
Congratulations ;]
Congrats on the Golden Lion Darren!
We all are looking forward to seeing the film and wish you the best in the festivals to come!
-Blake (The Film Critique)
Congratulations!!!
Any chance to see THE WRESTLER on Haifa film festival this October?
Love your work!
Ohad, Israel.
Congratulations on the Golden Lion Darren!
I saw some clips earlier today that looked great. Can't wait to see the movie.
Have fun in Toronto!
Concrats! I'm looking forward to see this movie.
Greetings,
Vincent (Dutch tv/filmmaker)
Congratulations for the LEONE D'ORO. Bravo Darren!!!
Your italian fan, Nik
Congratulations on the Golden Lion, Darren!
I'll be seeing The Wrestler at TIFF tomorrow; I can't wait to see another brilliant chapter in your career.
Darren!!
I am beyond excited to see The Wrestler. I am a huge, huge fan and give much credit to Requiem for inspiring me to realizing what it is about the art of film that I love so much. The perfect blend of emotionally driven visuals with perfectly fitting music.
What started as a crazy idea to go to Toronto just to see The Wrestler has morphed itself into reality and will serve as a business affair as well.
You see I am currently producing a feature film called FORGETTING THE GIRL here in NYC. And when I was reading you blog and caught wind of The Wrestler showing at the TFF is when I was inspired to bring up to the other producers and director that we must go to Toronto to network, and meet other filmmakers so we can hopefully find the remaining means to produce our film. They approved. It is a dream of mine to meet you, and possibly work with you someday. Our casting director is actually Ann Goulder who worked on no other than Requiem for a Dream. You can imagine my excitement when I knew she would be doing casting for our film!!!
Unfortunately, I my flight gets in after the Tuesday showing and I will be leaving before Sunday! BOOOO!! But I will do everything in my power to see The Wrestler at the NY Film Festival.
Sorry for such a long comment. I just wanted to congratulate you on your art thus far. It would be amazing if I could have a word with you either this week at TFF or in NY. Sounds like a crazy request. But then again, without my crazy ideas, I wouldn't be going to Toronto next week or working with Ann Goulder. Hope all is well on your travels and I hope no hurricane slows either one of us down.
PS My e-mail should you be open to talking, or if you ever need any help on projects in the NYC area is:
NeonSapien@gmail.com
Congratulations! You deserved something like this after all the fight to carry on with "The fountain".
Dear Darren, i have no idea if the Hurricane will hit Toronto, i don't think so but can check this out for you. I deeply wanted to congratulate on the award! you really deserve it! The readers of your blog, know the hard work you've done on this project and the passion you have for all your movies! you are a true artist! And a wonderful example for all young film makers and screenwriters out there!
Jordan.
congratulations Darren!! I just see you on the spain tv!
Lots of LOVE toni
I've read only a summary of the movie; I can't wait to see it. I am not quite sure about this comment but anyway we will prevail the Ayatollahs. Please accept my congratulations from Iran!
Congratulations from Faroe Islands (where we have ONE cinema :)!
Congratulations Mr Aronofsky!!
All the best from France
Ehi Darren!
Congratulations for the Leone d'Oro!
It's me, the guy you pointed as Orlando Bloom! Ah ah ah! Great job man, it's good to see a young filmaker winning the Golden Lion.
Have a good trip to Toronto.
See you in Venice for an other great movie.
Michele
congrats on the golden lion also
Congratulation Darren for the Golden Lion! I'm very very happy for you and Mickey Rourke. I'm the journalist who made the first question during the press conference in Venice after the Golden Lion. I told you that The Wrestler was the movie that I loved more than anyone and I think this is one of the best Golden Lions seen in Venice. Good Luck for Toronto.
like everyone else, i'm here to congratulate you on your win in venice.
and the fountain still remains to be one of my favourite movies of all time, and i still return to it often as an inspiration.
all the best!
Congratulations, Darren!
Just wanted to say I saw The Wrestler earlier this evening in Toronto.
The Golden Lion was well deserved, and thanks for trying to lower our expectations. ;)
Sounds trivial, but congratulations on the Golden Lion!. I have being following your work since Pi (i ve seen the greek title in a newspaper miss-translated btw :P, i wonder if you can make a post regarding movie titles and distributing them to foreign countries)
I would be really interested in a short summary on the movies you 've seen/enjoyed at the Venice Festival
cheers!
george
congrats man!
waiting for the Paris premiere...
Well done dude. Keep up the good work. Am still over the moon that Clint Mansell works over in your neck of the woods and the music he's been doing for your movies is out of this world - now going to run back and listen to Box Frenzy by PWEI and dream of getting out of this office. L8r
Felicidades desde España!!!!
Congrats from Spain!!!!
one of you spanish fans
Congratulations on winning the Golden Lion!!
Your biggest fan from Singapore.
Danny
I stood in line for three hours at the rush line hoping that there would be empty seats for the North American premiere of The Wrestler. By the time I got into the theater I was just glad to have sat down. Then Aronofsky walked on stage to introduce his film and I was back on my feet again, clapping as loud as I can. He was friendly, funny and at first sounded humble when he explained to the audience that the film would in no way live up to the hype the audience had just created since the theater was just recently filled with non stop applaud for what seemed to be twenty minutes. He told us that we were going to be disappointed and we all thought he was joking or being humble, but we were wrong. The Wrestler tries so hard to stay away from the clichés of sports films i.e. the ones created by the Rocky franchise. But by the end of the film you are left with a watered down version of Rocky Balboa (the 2006 Sylvester Stallone film) without the training montage. The jokes in the film were lackluster, dull one-liners, as was most of the script. There is a scene where Rourke’s daughter tells him that she never wants to see him again and kicks him out and it was very badly acted by Evan Rachel Wood. I almost burst out laughing; she brought absolutely NOTHING to this film. The film takes about twenty minutes screen time going through how wrestling is fake, but people do get hurt, and they do bleed, while performing stunts. And by the end of the film you are like I already knew that wrestling was fake, but who really cares about how they get it done and you are left thinking about how empty this film was. The film is about Rourke’s character a washed up wrestler who is dealing with life after being on top, the issues of being alone, finding someone to love, trying to patch things with his estranged daughter, and finding the strength and courage to fight his last match (20 years in the making). I can see that he has a tough life, and has to sleep in his van at times, patches his coat with duct tape, spends most of his money on performance enhancing drugs, strippers and booze. But this doesn’t make you pity Rourke’s character, you just feel like he is an idiot and this is all his fault. If Rourke did not have such a lovable personality this film would not have worked at all. The two other sub stories of his daughter and stripper are both clichéd and you don’t really care for them or their stories. The final match that the film is supposed to be leading to, Rourke’s last match, there is almost no build up to it and there is really no climax either. The film will probably be dubbed as the best wrestling film thus far created, but that doesn’t say much. There are only a handful of wrestling films, what are you going to compare it to? No Holds Barred, Ready to Rumble or Nacho Libre? Aronofsky is a very talented director and it feels like he just coasted through this film. The film was definitely not hard to direct, there was no complex characters, shots or scenery. It looked like a made for TV film, no wonder he didn’t find a North American distributor. Aside from everything that was horrible about the film I do have to mention that Rourke was not bad. I liked his tired/nostalgic character who didn’t complain, but try to live with his mistakes. He gave one of his best performances in a long time, but that doesn’t say much cause Rourke is not a great actor and he will in no way collect an Oscar for this. Everybody in the audience laughed at all the jokes and clapped very enthusiastically at the end of the film, and I was like what is going on, is everybody here retarded? I didn’t know if they were cheering to be polite because Aronofsky and Rourke were there or if they were just afraid of offending Rourke, because he is a big guy. I turned to my left and found one of my friends clapping along with the audience and I asked him if he liked the film and he shook his head to say no and kept clapping. I guess he and everyone else felt obligated to fall in line with the crowd or whoever that one person was who initially started clapping or maybe it’s because Canadians are generally polite, I still can’t understand the ovation. I would give the film a 6 out of 10 because I really like Arnofsky. The film will probably take in 25 or 30 million max, when they find a distributor and I say when because its only a matter of time the studios realize that there is a large wrestling fan base (WWE) and this will probably be like Pulp Fiction to them, (keeping in mind the only other wrestling films that made it to theaters were Ready to Rumble and Nacho Libre otherwise I would not compare this film to Pulp Fiction unless I was talking about how much better Pulp Fiction is). I hoped that Arnofsky would be taking questions after the film, but he hastily left. I wanted to ask him what the hell happened. Aronofsky is, or now was by far one of my favorite directors. Pi was amazing and actually inspired me to make a low budget film to get myself out there. Requiem for a Dream and the Fountain (which is my second favorite film of all time) were also just as groundbreaking even though the Fountain wasn’t as well received as it should have been, probably because it was too complex for the general public, but The Wrester? Come on! What made him make this movie? Did he feel that he was obligated to make a mainstream film after the box office failure of the Fountain? I guess directors have to pay property taxes too. But instead of complaining I should also be thanking Arnofsky because when I left to theater I was motivated to start writing again and pick up on my script, because if a talented director like Arnofsky can pick a horrible script like The Wrestler and put it on film, I am sure I can get some of my thoughts and ideas onto the silver screen.
The poster above me is insane, and kind of a jerk for posting a negative review on the director's personal blog.
Fantastic work; the film exceeded all of my expectations last night.
Congratulation for the Golden Lion!!
I can't wait to see this movie!
I am happy for Mickey too!
congrats!! are you going to be at the Montreal film festival?
Hello,
just want to congratulate you, the Golden Lion is really something. I actually saw you at the Toronto premiere (I also saw you in Poland when you were promoting "Requiem..."). The new movie is amazingly different from what you have done before but it still has that indy-kick that I love. Anyway, I'am a fan of your work since I saw "PI" and I'm just wandering what are you up to next. There are a lot of rumors about your next movies so maybe you could clarify some of them?(Robocop?, The Figther?, etc.)
Am very excited for this new masterpiece. I am wondering if Eric Watson is involved in The Wrestler in anyway?
Hi, Darren - I'm a writer here in Venice (by way of NJ, NYC & LA). I had a chance to speak briefly with Robert Siegel at the press conference. I blogged about The Wrestler, etc. over at http://venetiancat.blogspot.com.
Thanks, you guys, for coming to Venice with such an explosive film. We REALLY needed some kick-ass American energy here, and it was great to see Mickey Rourke in such fine shape.
Ciao,
Cat Bauer
Congratulations!
I am so very glad to hear how everyone is appreciating this film. I can't wait to see it. I tried to get tickets to see it at the NY Film Festival, but alas, it is sold out!! [sniff] I was fortunate to watch the filming in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ (I was the tall blond who did look like she had never been to a wrestling match!! - but now I have), and I can honestly say I thought Mickey looked hot!! Everyone around me kept arguing about whether it was really him.
So Congratulations to everyone! If you happen to find an extra ticketlying around(?), I'd love to get to see the film in NYC.
And send my wishes to Mickey for a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Both of our birthdays are next week!
Most Sincerely... robin
Congratulations on all the good news. Someone finally figured out how to let Mickey's star shine.
Congratulations
golden lion for "THE WRESTLER"
wow!
I wish mickey's performance will be nominate for academy awards too
I left a private note for you in guestbook I hope you got it already.
wish you best and waiting to see wrestler soon.
rza
Saw the movie at the Ryerson today and it blew my mind. I've been a fan of Darren's work since Pi and this is his best, most mature work... by a significant margin. The visual pyrotechnics have been toned-down and replaced with incredible heart and insight. Rourke and Tomei are both great. And the climactic use of Sweet Child O Mine is inspired. Congrats, Darren. I can't stop thinking about this beautiful movie.
The Wrestler is easily shaping up as my most anticipated film of the Fall/Winter movie season. I'm sure that's both the first and last thing you want to hear from people, but there it is. Regardless of what I end up thinking of the movie, I'm thrilled to see a forgotten actor getting the chance to remind the world he's still here. And I'm doubly thrilled that Aronofsky has finished what will likely be his fourth stellar effort. Kudos, DA!
congratulations!!!! can't wait to see the movie!
Congrats man, on the GOLDEN LION!!! and why didn't come to Toronto? I was waiting for a "The Wrestler" gala screening, didn't happen.
Hey, i went to the screening of The Wrestler, and I found the movie brilliant. Mickey Rourke did a fascinating job and also, you and Clint Mansell make a perfect team, and i hope you guys stick together in your next movie, be it The Fighter or Robocop.
Brilliant job once again, congratu-fucking-lations on the Golden Lion, and i cant wait to see the movie again in the theatre.
It sucks though that I want able to meet you, since i was busy and went for the Sat 13th screening, but I heard you had left the country by then.
I really wanted a photograph/autograph.
Also, are you going to re-release The Fountain on DVD with proper commentary and all?
Cheers.
Congratulations on the Golden Lion...
For a second, when I stumbled upon this blog, I thought it was a hoax...that the director of one of my fav movies ever (requiem..) couldn't be in blogspot...but then...well, your posts made me realize... :)
You're one of my favourite directors! Keep it going with the great work and congratulations!
Greetings from Portugal,
Victor
Mr A
I am so proud of you, congratulations! All the best.
Dr A from Columbia.
Hey Mr. D
We impatiently wait your film in Romania, you have at least one fan here (who's writing now). But as far as I know you have a cult status somehow in Romania (Requiem for a dream is a film widely known and praised around by students, intellectuals, etc). I even liked The Fountain (wooden as it is at some points, but the beauty of it made me forgive it). Can't wait to see The Wrestler!
Dear Darren,
in the french movie magazines, there is already a great buzz around your movie, and it seems that people love Mr Rourke!
Justice to the king!
Now, is it time for you to think about Robocop? Will you make a drama, a tragedy?
I still thinking that Dexter's actor would be the best!
Feel free to check my designs:
http://a.tuis.free.fr/AlexTuisRobocopPoster.jpg
http://a.tuis.free.fr/AlexTuisRobocop1.jpg
I know that someone already sent you something about this!
I think it will be a challenge to find the good part between an heavy robot and an Iron Man suit.
Maybe the new Robocop will be much more a cyborg than the last one!
All the best!!
Alex
Hi 8)
I'm a fan of you, and of "Masters of The Universe".
I'd like to know what do you think about its mythology and symbolism?
Do you like it?
Can you direct the upcoming film?
Sorry for this questions,he-he... realy I'd like to know.
THANK YOU!!!
the fountain was the best movie I have seen on the big screen.
can't wait to see this
Really looking forward to seeing The Wrestler, anyone know when it's released in Ireland?
Darren, your films are amazing dude, keep it up.
Just saw the Wrestler tonight! I loved it! What a great film!
One of my favorite directors has a blogspot account. wow now that's something!
I can't wait for "The Wrestler" to be released! Golden Lion! Congratulations. I was thrilled to hear about that. Don't know why critics call this a 'come back' though, since "The Fountain" was one of the best agnostic films produced since "2001".
I am really interested to know if "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" influenced you in any way for "Pi". Despite being a spaghetti western, I really found some similarities at symbolic level regarding the significance of perfection, in the form of an equilateral triangle, extanding towards a forth perspective, just to destroy the concept of perfect balance. I've noticed this symbol in Alejandro Jodorowsky's early surreal underground flicks and was really wondering if that was an influence.
Anyway, big admirer of your work. Best of luck with any future projects. I would call you the next Stanley Kubrick, but I think you've established yourself with unique trademarks to limit your renown to the name of another director, even a genius as Kubrick.
I would be delighted if you'd take a look at my website for film criticism, named after Marsilio Ficino's 1462 philosophical academy.
All best
One of my favorite directors has a blogspot account. wow now that's something!
I can't wait for "The Wrestler" to be released! Golden Lion! Congratulations. I was thrilled to hear about that. Don't know why critics call this a 'come back' though, since "The Fountain" was one of the best agnostic films produced since "2001".
I am really interested to know if "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" influenced you in any way for "Pi". Despite being a spaghetti western, I really found some similarities at symbolic level regarding the significance of perfection, in the form of an equilateral triangle, extanding towards a forth perspective, just to destroy the concept of perfect balance. I've noticed this symbol in Alejandro Jodorowsky's early surreal underground flicks and was really wondering if that was an influence.
Anyway, big admirer of your work. Best of luck with any future projects. I would call you the next Stanley Kubrick, but I think you've established yourself with unique trademarks to limit your renown to the name of another director, even a genius as Kubrick.
I would be delighted if you'd take a look at my website for film criticism, named after Marsilio Ficino's 1462 philosophical academy.
All best
Hello sir,
I'm a huge fan of yours. Loved 'The Fountain'.
Keep up the good work.
regards,
moz from Pakistan.
while i was personally pulling for mr. rourke's comeback (primarily for his work under mr. aronofsky) i think that i'm letting the reins go on this one and will stop mentioning 'the wrestler' to people in conversation and promoting this film word-of-mouth. that is, until mr. rourke takes the opportunity to set the record straight about something. what?
as of this posting news is currently making its way around the net (via an latimes blog site, tmz.com, bgay.com, and other bloggers) along with footage of mr. rourke uttering violent threats against a "faggot" who's been spreading misinformation about him.
just do a google news search on mickey rourke and 3 of the top 10 items about him are relating to this incident.
now, mr. rourke is entitled to his opinion and personal frustrations but there's no need to color it with such spiteful and damaging remarks especially when media scrutiny surrounding the release of a new film he's starring in is going to be at a higher pitch.
while i don't rely on tmz or bloggers to report accurately, they often do capture the flavor of the moment as far as entertainment news goes and i wouldn't doubt that something like this could harm the opening of 'the wrestler' (not to mention the hopes for a hollywood walk of fame star and an oscar nomination for mr. rourke). that said, this is the second such incident recently where mr. rourke has uttered such ugly words that could very well misrepresent some of the people supporting him and his efforts. in an interview with time out new york he defended his use of the word "fag".
whatever gay friends or family you got it's just one of those things that's not used smartly by anyone, and mickey rourke is no exception.
i hope someone pays attention to these remarks--although it's not anyone's responsibility but mr. rourke's--and to consider how such unbecoming behavior can undermine the efforts he's undertaken in the last year working with mr. aronofsky and a host of other dedicated and talented individuals.
one slip of the tongue was a public relations disaster most recently for isaiah washington. and look at what happened with duane chapman aka "dog" the bounty hunter...
considering the political climate in and around hollywood and california right now, and across the country--imagine--i wouldn't doubt that this has the potential to cast mr. rourke's most recent and perhaps most lauded effort in a negative light.
i have been a supporter of mr. aronofsky's brilliant and dazzling contributions to cinema and have championed this film since it first won the golden lion in venice. but if this momentum is hobbled by something as seemingly insignificant as public indiscretion we're compelled to consider: at whose expense is mr. rourke going to bankroll his comeback?
i just hope that mr. rourke does the right thing, be a man, and take responsibility for what he's said and stop trying to excuse it as acceptable to denigrate a group of people just because some are okay with that. a lot more of them, mr. rourke, are not.
peace. love. respect.
-brian
Darren, Kudos Kudos Kudos!! I saw the advance screening last night with a couple of friends in SD of "The Wrestler" with your Q&A after...
We REALLY enjoyed the film!!! It was poignant and touching and looked so real. I appreciated the edginess and "grit" that the movie showed....
As a teen in the early 80's, I had seen Rowdy Roddy Piper and Andre the Giant doing the small circuits in south Georgia when I was in the military there.. It DEFINITELY brought back the memories. :)
I saw the film at an LA screening and it is amazing. Truly a classic that stays with you for many days. It's an inspiring and beautifully written, directed and acted piece of art and I'm very glad I saw it. It has elevated my personal goals as a filmmaker and who could ask for anything more?
Thank you Mr. Aronofsky!
Darren: I´m an argentinian fan, your movies are a trip man!
I love "Pi" (i have the diary) and i´m waiting to see "the Wrestler".
www.maurodibuja.blogspot.com
Darren: I´m an argentinian fan, your movies are a trip man!
I love "Pi" (i have the diary) and i´m waiting to see "the Wrestler".
www.maurodibuja.blogspot.com
james fox here: was the accommodations grunt at the Edinburgh film festival when you showed pi. thrilled about this movie. unabashed mickey fans...we never gave up on him. best
As a fellow New Yorker (Brooklyn Tech) who grew up with the drama of wrestling, I CANNOT WAIT to see your take on it all. As a writer the credo "write what you know" is quite probably the wisest piece of advice imaginable. Have you read Brett Hart's biography? It is exceptional.
Ron Mwangaguhunga
I am surprise to do not see any links about it:
http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox_searchlight/thewrestler/
Love how you film faces, the light and all the tiny things of every day life.
Mickey seems to be amazing!
Well, I just found out that I may be able to go to a screening of the "The Wrestler" in Jan( i think the 10th) at Fox little theater, brother in-law works for foz and can bring up to 3 guests....and that my friend made my day.
Congrats to Mickey and to Mr. Aronofsky.
hey, I can't wait to see your movie, but I'll probably have to wait for DVD :( I love your movies, they really great and I love this how u r doing this. This inspired me to choose studding film. I'm dreamer :) I have all time a lot of ideas, including a lot ideas for movies :) I'm going to study in NYC (I had born in this city, but I was living all life in Poland). I'm looking forward to see this city again.
Can you contact with me and give me some help with choosing school in NYC? It would be great, I don't want to waist time in some school that will kill my way of thinking :) my e-mail is gugix.waw@gmail.com
Im looking forward to seeing "Wrestler". I've watched Pi at least 20 times, and all your other films. Let me know if your interested in getting a custom made blog. - John (BannerBlindness.com - online marketing and web development)/
This is so awesome, a director as busy and successful as yourself...yet you take the time to reach out to your fans and let us know what you're up to. Love it! You're my idol as a filmmaker.
-Giovanni Tartaglia-
www.giovannitartaglia.com
Hello Darren, watched The Wrestler last night at an advance screening (thanks Hopscotch Films) - its due out in Australia in January - Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei were AMAZING.
Congratulations on putting this film together. I have written a written a small review online and would love to have your feedback.
Regards, Robert
Your interview on Howard Stern this morning was great. Best of luck with "The Wrestler". I can't wait to see it.
Holy shit, dude. The Wrestler was amazing. I don't even like wrestling, but since I love your films, I went to see it anyway, and I'm so glad that I did O_O
I'm still pimping The Fountain to everyone I know. I hope The Wrestler's success nets you the financial backing for larger budget films since you're a goddamned genius and I have a medical need to see more of your films.
Thank you so much!
Did Artie Lange punch Darren in the Face?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hz3nBsZEWzY
I really wanted you to personally check out my project direct submission. I did it in 48 hrs with my webcam. My main problem was that it was a little too deep and hard to convey in 5 min...so u might need to read the intro on the right. LOL.
Good job with The Wrestler!!!!!
Good luck, I loved the fountain and pi.
Did you ever consider about filming one of Arthur C. Clarke's Space Odyssey books?
well !!!!!!!!
I'm a new reader ..
Just wanted to sat the your THE FOUNTAIN was the best movie i have ever seen in my life .....
I hope you will continue to make such movies in the future too....
http://www.awakentotransform.blogspot.com/
Mr Aronofsky..i am a student of Manipal Institute of Communication. Manipal, India. I was wonderin how i could get an internship in Protozoa Pictures and get a chance to work with you...
Sameer Deshpande
sameer3671@gmail.com
Are you serious?! Are you going to make Robocop?!?! Please, please... keep your style... you are doing good stuff right now, don't mess up.
Don't get me wrong... I'm sorry. May be i'm wrong. May be it turns to be a great work, somehow. But you know that this kind of movies are only made to make money... far away from making art.
Sorry, my english is terrible, :D.
Congrats on the 'Globes'. The movie was fantastic. I gave it a good write up here: http://thunderbucketnews.com
Best of luck in all future endeavors.
Hey Darren,
Read the interview with you today in the Santa Barbara Independent .... my own backyard, and it was too much to resist. This character that I inhabit in relation to the Aronofsky name is always searching for forgiveness and redemption. Lately many of my stories have melted, collapsed upon themselves in no small way aided and abetted by the sudden appearance (and success, congratulations!) of The Wrestler. Life is wonderfully peculiar. Mickey Rourke always reminded me of Randy Savage with whom I had a very bizarre run-in back in the day .... brilliant casting. You're ever back in Santa Barbara say hello, your holotropic breathing's on me.
much love to Patti
http://wrestlingclassics.com/.ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=9;t=042944
your interview in the Santa Barbara Independent was too much to resist .... congratulations .... and thanks for the unexpected final straw ..... my character in relation to the Aronofsky name has always been in search of forgiveness and redemption ..... Mickey Rourke always reminded me of Randy Savage, with whom I had a run-in back in the day .... life is wonderfully peculiar
love to Patti
http://wrestlingclassics.com/.ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=9;t=042944
Just saw "The Wrestler" and thought is was fantastic! Simply a strong raw emotional feeling emerged that has lingered all day! Can't stop thinking about it!
Fantastic job Darrin! Your work is a breath of fresh air! I have been so inspired from Your INTELLIGENT film making since Pi!! I look forward to many more films from you in the future!
All the best to you and yours,
Torrey Desmond Rogers
www.TorreyDesmondRogers.com
I just saw "The Wrestler" and thought it was FANTASTIC! A strong Raw emotional feeling has gripped me since watching the film...it's been on my mind all day!
It is so refreshing watching your work through the years and your INTELLEGENT film making has been a source of mind blowing insperation! I have been following since Pi and greatly admire the sourch material you choose! The Fountain is way ahead of its time and is a work of art like a fine painting...it was simply breath-taking!!! I wept and wept after viewing this master work of art!
Could go on and on but I won't....simply thank you Darrin for making the decision to make films....I feel you will be remembered among the greats!
All the best to you and yours!
Torrey Desmond Rogers
www.TorreyDesmondRogers.com
Hello!!I'm Javier Pereira, a professional actor from Spain (you can see my work in my agent's website: www.kurandaweb.com). I'm writing to you via your blog because, for the past six months, I've tried without luck to get in touch with the person or company that owns the rights to the script of the movie "Requiem for a Dream" in order to obtain permission to adapt the movie script into a stage play in Spain. I am an absolute fan of your movie -as I'm sure anyone who's seen it is- and I believe it has great potential to be represented on stage. In addition, I feel a personal connection to the movie's plot, for I lived and suffered the consequences of an addiction in a loved one, which is why I feel deeply motivated to carry on this project. In fact, if I can get the necessary permission to take the movie to a Spanish theater, I would not be directing the play, but would rather like to play the role of the son (Jared Leto). Besides acting in it, I would make sure it got the best production level in Spain. I would greatly appreciate if you could help me or let me know who I should contact in order to obtain the rights of the script,and if you like or not the idea,or if this is impossible, to get it out of my mind once and for all. I hope this project can come true one day so that Spanish people can get acquainted with this cruel and real story! Thanks in advance, Javier.
Hello!!I'm Javier Pereira, a professional actor from Spain (you can see my work in my agent's website: www.kurandaweb.com). I'm writing to you via your blog because, for the past six months, I've tried without luck to get in touch with the person or company that owns the rights to the script of the movie "Requiem for a Dream" in order to obtain permission to adapt the movie script into a stage play in Spain. I am an absolute fan of your movie -as I'm sure anyone who's seen it is- and I believe it has great potential to be represented on stage. In addition, I feel a personal connection to the movie's plot, for I lived and suffered the consequences of an addiction in a loved one, which is why I feel deeply motivated to carry on this project. In fact, if I can get the necessary permission to take the movie to a Spanish theater, I would not be directing the play, but would rather like to play the role of the son (Jared Leto). Besides acting in it, I would make sure it got the best production level in Spain. I would greatly appreciate if you could help me or let me know who I should contact in order to obtain the rights of the script and if you like the idea or not or, if this is impossible, to get it out of my mind once and for all. I hope this project can come true one day so that Spanish people can get acquainted with this cruel and real story! Thanks in advance, Javier.
Congratulations Mickey!!!
This is from your sister Mary.
I am still in Fla..how about dropping me a line, would love to catch up.
sportylady969@yahoo.com
this is not spam..its really me!!
Janet called me last week..I didnt know about Gramma..so sad
Darren..please give this message to Mickey..
thanks so much,
Mary Addis
can't wait to catch your latest movie 'the wrestler'.
desperately want to see it in the theatre.
being in India esoteric movies find it difficult to run here.
so had to be satisfied with your previous movies through downloads..
your visuals and clint mansell's scores create magic which truly bring out the best a cinematic experience can offer!
keep enthralling us always!
This isnt related to your post, but i hope this finds you. The commentary track for the fountain seems to have disappeared from the internet. The link on your web page is broken, and I cant find it anywhere. Now, I didnt know it even existed until recently, and its a shame if its been taken down.
This isnt related to your post, but i hope this finds you. The commentary track for the fountain seems to have disappeared from the internet. The link on your web page is broken, and I cant find it anywhere. Now, I didnt know it even existed until recently, and its a shame if its been taken down.
Darren,
I'd
Darren,
Congrats on everything. Huge fan of your work. I do alot of work with my painting clientele from "The Sopranos" and I have an exciting project for you to check out. If interested e-mail me back through: info@mbellart.com
Best wishes and much continued success,
Michael Bell
http://mbellart.com
I suppose you are not checking the comments since there has been so much going on with The Wrestler but anyway I wanted to congratulate you and that fantastic actor for making such a great movie. I just saw it today; it was like the sadness of Mickey Rourke's eyes penetrated in me and I just can't take that away of my mind. Thank you for keep telling stories...
Seduced by all the accolades you have been receiving, I was going to see The Wrestler. Then I read the Armand White review and saw that the film is "anti-spiritual." Then I discovered that you are an atheist, which I sort of suspected after hearing you on Fresh Air: where puerile nihilism reigns supreme. So let me ask you one question, this matter/energy you claim we all came from and will return to- where did it come from?
I wrote a little something...
"Mr. Aronofsky, what can I say? During the viewing of every one of your films the theaters have always befallen to silence as the credits begin to make their way up screen. Moments go by before friends turn to one another expressing their praise or bewilderment to what they have just experienced. Demonstrated in these moments are examples of what it means to have just witnessed a great film. Just as if you were staring at Pollack’s No. 5, each observer can take away a different sensation and presumption from what the artist was trying to portray. If a film can stimulate the kind of conversation that calls for stories to be elaborated upon, cultivating a deeper insight, then it’s done something right in either a form of entertainment or emotional exciter and The Wrestler has done both."
The rest is here: The Wrestler
Mr. Aronofsky, every time I have seen a movie of yours, I am moved beyond words. Thank-you for making the greatest movies my boyfriend and I have had the pleasure seeing.
Mr. Aronofsky: The thing I love the most about your work is that it's populated by pathetic, self-hating losers. No matter how bad I may feel sometimes about my own life, the characters in your films--run down by self-loathing brought on by an accumulation of horribly self-destructive personal choices--always manage to cheer me up and brighten my attitude towards life.
Keep up the good work! Can't wait to see "The Wrestler." Based on the previews I've seen so far, Mickey Rourke should make me feel like the Prince of Wales.
Are there any chicks double-donging a dildo in "The Wrestler" like there was in "Requiem for a Dream"? Just curious.
I just saw the film, premiere in Paris, you came in the theatre with Mickey Rourke. I was a little bit afraid, but the film surprised me. I was waiting for the stupid and easy big emotional stuffs, like "here is when you have to cry", the good ending. But no. Good. I think it's a very simple and realistic film about a wrestler, that's it. as an artist you were able to put off your ego to just shoot this incredible performance, like Steve McQueen did in the second part of "Hunger". Great job. But I hope as a fan of you that you will write your next film (or your next next film) and do something more personal.
Seeing you, even if it wasn't planned (I so wanted my dvds ad blu-rays signed by you, I like to have signed dvds and have some of my favorites directors like PTA or Martin Scorsese), was artistically refreshing: I'm on an artistic nightmare right now, my brain is like in a coma; but seeing you, knowing how you realized what you wanted despite the difficulties, was quite nice and made me wanting to write again. THANKS.
Vincent Galiano
Darren, i'm a an upstart writer from the world of advertising. Ive been doing this for 10 years and ive been a photographer for about 25 years.Its my ambition to be a director of photography and perhaps a director after that. Most important, I know I am a poet- who is here to show the world how they look. Obviously right now is not a great time as you get ready to accept some Oscars- but man is there any way I can work with you on your next feature? I dont care if i have to take out the Dp's trash I just want to learn from one of the best. I am deeply committed to telling stories and am doing everything in my power to move in this direction.But the truth is its a wild game and i need some help. I know this is not a great forum to talk business but i absolutely am trying to get in touch with you however i can. Thanks for the inspiration.
Milesigo
Dear Darren, I've listed you in the Creatography section of my new book under the section 101 of the Most Creative Inpirations (Heroes) and under the section Most Creative Artists. The books's title is, The World's Most Creative (And Dangerous) Quote Book. I collected these over the 30 years I taught in Richmond, Virginia and Edinburgh, Scotland. Go to my website to see the book: www.knowords.com. (I also designed the book.) I just saw Mickey being interviewed on Charlie Rose. When he met you it was the best day of his last 15 years. The Wrestler was wonderful. The Fountain I loved because of the fantastic lighting! And for many other reasons. Because of the unusual nature of my
book and the insane economy, I'm getting what I call Beta-Blurbs to take to an agent with a recommendation I already have from a famous writer. I just got a blurb today from a noted heart surgeon. The first copy of my book I sent to my hero, Ray Bradbury. He's 88 and still writing every day. If you have any suggestions after seeing my website, call or e-mail me. I eat and sleep creativity. May all your ideas find funding. N.Wylie Jones Feb.12
2009. "DARE TO BE NAIVE." R. Buckminster Fuller. "Truth is not a crystal that you can stash away in your pocket, it is an infinite liquid into which you fall."
Robert von Musil When I watched the Fountain I remembered this quote: "Time is the music of our being. It is to us what water is to fish." Jessica Julian
Dear Mr. Aronofsky,
Not all of us are "closet" Mickey fans. I'm sure there are many more like me who thought Mickey was absolutely the cat's pajamas way back in the 1980s. He was truly Marlon's heir; only he and Marlon acted with such phenomenal credibility. It's only because he's been inactive that it seems like suddenly fans are coming out of the woodwork.
Congratulations on your success and thank you for giving Mickey his comeback role.
Hello. The film was released in Sapin this weekend. I finally saw it and its fantastic. There's been a release of a videoclip of Springsteen's song past week also. It was quite cool ¿Did you direct it or where you involved on it?
Just in case you let yourself hang around here.
Hello. The film was released in Spain this weekend. I finally saw it and it's fantastic. There's been a release of a videoclip of Springsteen's song past week also. It was quite cool ¿Did you direct it or where you involved somehow?
Just in case you let yourself hang around here.
We want to know what's next :-)
HEY !!!
I'm a huge fan of you since 'Pi', I don't know how to thank you for being there...
I just saw 'The wrestler' and loved it...I wanted to know if you considered to make another film,covering the same among of time but from Pam's point of view ?
friendly yours,
HEY !!!
I'm a huge fan of you since 'Pi', I don't know how to thank you for being there...
I just saw 'The wrestler' and loved it...I wanted to know if you considered to make another film,covering the same among of time but from Pam's point of view ?
friendly yours,
HEY !!!
I'm a huge fan of you since 'Pi', I don't know how to thank you for being there...
I just saw 'The wrestler' and loved it...I wanted to know if you considered to make another film,covering the same among of time but from Pam's point of view ?
friendly yours,
HEY !!!
I'm a huge fan of you since 'Pi', I don't know how to thank you for being there...
I just saw 'The wrestler' and loved it...I wanted to know if you considered to make another film,covering the same among of time but from Pam's point of view ?
friendly yours,
Mr. Aronofskv
I am Mehrzad Azghandi from IRAN, the ancient country of Poem and Love. Sometimes I write something in poem and text, about my sense and experimental way of life. Now this comment is just my first try, might be a way of opening a dialog with you about the idea of a story of a man with 3 balls in colors of Red, Blue, White (Love, Freedom & Truth) in his bag, going to acquire his salvation as a humankind. The story starts and ends with a kiss of love, a unique kiss, for one time, one chance ...
Anyway, It would be my pleasure if you were interested to have more details, please let me have your email address. My email is : mehrzadpf@gmail.com or mehrzad@irsat.com
I hope you check this comment, because I trust and like your visions (Specially in your Fountain)...
Happy days to you
DARREN...you must need a motivated assistant; take me under your wing. I'll do coffee runs and errands in LA traffic for free. Watch my first short film before you decide: www.zaration.com/TheLyrist.mov
Sincerely,
Cooper
cooproberts@gmail.com
Saw "The Wrestler" yesterday for the second time in cinema and it blew me away as all your other movies did and still do as well. I always get goosebumps watching them again. =)
You made me want to become a director myself. I will start making no budget short movies very soon. Even if i don't have a clue, i'll just try it and see what comes out. ;-)
You are an inspiration to me, i just want to thank you for this.
I'm excited for the next movie! :-)
Nici
www.myspace.com/lucid_nici
(all aronofsky lovers should add me :) )
Hey Darren, I just got back from seeing "The Wrestler" and I am so sorry I waited so long. Tonight I ended up just going by myself on a whim because I couldn't wait any longer. That was one of the best movies I have seen in a while. Thank you! I knew going into it that you directed it so I was confident it was going to be flawless. All of your films are amazing and you are so talented. You are an inspiration for any film maker. Every emotion you made me feel for each character was so powerful. I was so pleased and I thank you again for making the most amazing movies of our time.
Hello Darren,
My name is Cristen Charles and I am a filmmaker in Brazil. At this moment I am working on a documentary named “Muita luta” Much wrestle, which also would mean in Portuguese “Hard work”. This documentary has as the subject the realm of the Brazilian wrestle and all the difficulties to keep the wrestle fire alive. Through interviews, file scenes and a deep immersion into the national scenario of this sport, that on the opposite of the United States reality, it is not somewhat charming, but is done with much care.
The documentary started to be make by the beginning of January 2009, facing a lot of hard work, sacrificies and limited financial support, aside the fact that we have a reduced technical team.
The reason that I am getting in contact with you is that the movie was been pre-produced since 2007, however if hope ought to come from Brazilian government would be impossible to be made.
When I watched “the wrestler”, I have been inspired by the movie to shoot my movie because I think that is a history worth to be told.
The wrestling in Brazil, even though was important when the TV channels were at their beginning, has been forgotten and there is a group of good people “wrestling” to keep it alive, through small shows and fighting for a TV space.
As you can see, the wrestling in Brazil is left aside and it is been lost, thus no new generation would be growing for this sport. By that you can figure the hard work we are having to perform this documentary.
What we would like to ask you is that you come on board and support our project, not with money, but with your involvement, advices and comments. Would be very interesting if we could show through your interview for the movie the contrast between the American wrestling, surrounded by the glamour and the Brazilian wrestling, where it is fading away.
And finally a “Darren Aronofsky – presents” would give a huge projection for this movie in Brazil. More than ten hours of material has been captured so far, we would like to send to you for evaluation and if you like it and think it is worth a while, would be awesome to have you on this project. You more than anybody know how hard it is to shoot a film independent.
I am sacrificing relationships, financial health, luxury, family quality time and whole lot more just based on the belief that this project is for a greater good. What I need is just one shot.
My apologies for to be sending this email to you uninvited, however I got your email from my good friend Naty Neidhart, who is one of the persons that believe on this project.
Keep me posted on your advisement.
Thank you and best regards,
Enjoyed the Wrestler.
awww, man; wish you were blogging.
I just read in wikipedia that you were supposed to make a movie from frank miller's ronin and well it is quite a pitty that you did not so.
I wish one day saw a comicbook movie from you.
you are the best for such thing man
i will say one thing, i just watched the fountain and it changed my life, at the least for the moment, seriously tho thank you, you put into words the suffering and acceptance of life. cheers Anna
Hi Mr. Aronofsky,
My step father Stephen Pearlman appeared in "Pi," and I recently watched the director's cut for the first time. I was so touched by your kind words about Steve - really blew me away - and have been meaning to contact you in order to let you know how much Steve enjoyed working on that film (he loved going in each day, and came home at night utterly turned on) what a really amazing experience it was for him, and how impressed he was by you in particular. He thought you were an amazing and gifted filmmaker - hugely talented - and was excited to see where you were headed (and please believe me - it took a lot to impress Steve - he was fairly jaded and did not hand out praise lightly). He would be utterly thrilled to see how well you are doing.
So, there you go. Congrats on the "Wrestler," and thank you for providing Steve with such an excellent, exciting and satisfying last project. And thanks again for your praise in the director's cut. It is a lovely tribute to Steve, and we treasure it.
All the Best,
Leah
When are we going to hear more from you Darren?
more blogging!
Hey, don't know if you are reading comments or not, Mr A, but I wanted to tell you how much I liked The Fountain, on dvd. As noted elsewhere, the transfer seemed really dark in spots, but man, the look of the film was great, and the lead actors really sold the romance. I think the film will gain status as time goes on, and I really don't get the negative reviews. I was intirgued by the ads for the film originally, but the overwhelming negative reviews just put me off seeing it. But thanks to Netflix, it popped up as a recommendation, and it served to remind me I wanted to see it. Anyhow, best of luck on all future projects, and thanks for The Fountain. Best, JER
hello sir,i am an iranian(persian)woman.i am not religeous and humanity is very important in my opinion. i watched your film"the wrestler" i think you make film for money and politic. i think the world will be more beautiful if we think to people and their culture and their thoughts. you donot know persian, your actor in this film had wear Arabian cloth with iranian flag, excuse me sir, i do not like politic or my religious goverment in persia,i know situasion of iran now is not perfect for petrol... but our problem is for us and please respect to our flag and please conocer our persian cultur. your friend,nazi Amiri(an iranian worldtraveler)persiantravelers@yahoo.com
Just wanted to say thank you, sir. The Fountain is possibly the best movie ever made. No movie, or book, has ever moved me the way it has.
That is all. And please don't stop.
Hi Darren:
I heard you have a house in Puerto Morelos Mexico for vacationing. Is that true? I'd like to invite you to a local, new film festival in Playa del Carmen. Not a lot of press, not a lot of pressure, just sun, beach and relaxation. Thank you very much!!
Hi there, Mr. Aronofsky. Couldn't think of any other way to contact you. I know that this really isn't the way to do this, but I can't think of any other way to say what I want to. I watched 'Requiem for a Dream' tonight for the second time in my life. This is one of those movies that i want to recommend to everyone, but I can't say that I like it. It's one of the best-made films I've seen, with incredible acting, but I don't want to watch it again. Anyway, great job. One question I have, though...
What happens in Spring? I admit I haven't read the novel, or if it is set up in this fashion, but in your opinion, what happens in Spring of these lives?
UPDATE ALREADY. It's been months since you've said anything!
....Please?
Hello, my name is Sofía Ferrero and I write for a european online magazine called www.filmconductor.eu.
we want to get in contact con Darren Aranofsky for an interview and searching on the web I found this site. Maybe you know the way to contact him?
thank you very much for your time
my email is sofiabari@gmail.com
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