1. TO BE COMPLETED BY CANDIDATE
Referring to the research you carried out for your chosen film, list the most important
elements about production, distribution and exhibition you have found out.
Film: The Wrestler Year: 2008/9
Production Details
The film was produced by Protozoa Pictures, Wild Bunch and Saturn Films with an estimated budget of 7
million dollars, financed by Winchester Capital Partners. It was filmed between January and March 2008 it is
an American film and is an original screenplay written by Robert Siegel. It was produced by Darren Aronofsky
and Scott Franklin. Darren Aronofsky (The Fountain) also directed it, Maryse Alberti did cinematography,
Andrew Weisblum edited and Clint Mansell (Pop Will Eat Itself) did the music. Its main stars are Mickey
Rourke (Randy ‘The Ram’ Robinson), Marissa Tomei (Cassidy) and Evan Rachel Wood (Stephanie
Robinson).
Nicolas Cage was originally set to star in the movie. On February 9, 2008 filming took place in the New
Alhambra Arena for the upcoming movie which included many CZW (Combat Zone Wrestling) alumni, along
with the Necro Butcher, who will be playing a major part in the film. Reportedly, both Bruce Springsteen and
Mickey Rourke were paid no money for their contributions towards the film. Due to the film's modest budget,
W. Axl Rose donated the use of Guns 'n' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine" free of charge for the final match.
Distribution Details
The UK distributor is Optimum Releasing and Fox Searchlight Pictures in the USA. I could not find
details of its marketing budget, probably as it is still out and they are still spending. I did find out it
cost Fox Searchlight $4m for the distribution rights when they saw it at the Toronto film festival. I did
not find any mention of test screenings other than the film festivals. It was released in the USA in
December 2008 and nationwide release in the UK in mid January 2009. It has been promoted with
posters (see below) magazine articles and the cast and crew attending premiers, festivals and
interviews, although this has created a ‘buzz’ it is still ongoing and there may be more activity if it
wins an Oscar. The Wrestler won the Golden Lion for best picture at the Venice film festival. It also
appeared at the New York film festival.
Exhibition Details
The Wrestler was shown in all three kinds of cinema (multiplex, independent and art-house). Its
success in festivals/awards and subject matter gave it a wide appeal. It has been on for nearly a
week and may last past the Oscars on the 24th February.
So far its box office has been $2,822,431 in the US, UK figures are not available yet. It is classified
as a 15 in the UK. As already mentioned it seems to have a wide audience appeal as it is a story
about an underdog and is showing in all kinds of cinemas. I think it is a successful film as it will
probably cover its production and marketing costs and has won many awards: 2 Golden Globes, 1
Golden Lion Award (Venice), and 5 critics awards. It has been nominated for 2 Oscars which might
keep it in the cinemas a bit longer. The taglines on its cinema posters were – “Never Give Up
Without A Fight” and “Love. Pain. Glory”.
I used the following websites: imdb, wikipedia, yahoo! Movies & launchingfilms.com.