Continuing my quest to see all of the (potential) Best Picture nominees, tonight I saw THE FIGHTER, starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adam and others. I knew next to nothing about this film going in except that it was about boxing, Christian Bale played a crack addict, and it got a rave by Sports Illustrated. Whether or not my knowledge going into the film was a pro or a con, I am not sure.
To start with the positives…. the performances. Oh my, the performances. As a whole, quite possible the best ensemble performances I’ve seen in a movie this year. Mark Wahlberg, whom I’m usually not a fan of, fits this role perfectly - he’s neither too tough nor too soft, neither too loud nor too soft. Amy Adams, playing completely against type, is also fantastic (as always). I truly love when actors and actresses pull a complete 180º and play roles the exact opposite than what they are known for. Adams does it here, and is superb. The real star of the film, however, is Christian Bale. If Bale does not receive recognition for his performance in this film, there is absolutely no justice in Hollywood. Fully committed, fully invested, a complete character arc… Oscar needed now.
Even with a laundry list of truly magnificent performances, I can’t say I loved this film. I’m not sure if my problem lies with the direction, the screenplay, the subject matter or what, but I did not love it. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it, because I did, but… I’m not sure. Not my favorite, by any means.
