Set to hit theaters in just a few weeks, we now have our first clip from David O. Russell‘s “The Fighter,” a film that may end up factoring into this year’s Oscar race.
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Melissa Leo and Amy Adams, the film is based on the true story of boxer ‘Irish’ Mickey Ward (Wahlberg) and his half-brother and trainer Dickie Ecklund (Bale). Early response from critics has been good, though not overwhelmingly strong, though most agree the performances are ace with some predicting acting nods for Amy Adams, Christian Bale and possible Melissa Leo (though some say her performance veers into camp at times). In the clip below, we see Mickey Ward pleading with those around him get along as he gets in shape for a match. Boston accents are thick and thrown around hard. We’re digging the verité style and climactic fight is said to be one of the film’s highlights.
“The Fighter” gets in the ring on December 10th.
I think you\’ve got to throw 127 Hours into the Best Pic race, along with Social Network and Black Swan and this.
Mark Wahlberg seems too gentle a person to be a boxer. Can\’t wait to see this one.
Caught a screening of this the other night. It\’s very good. Of the movies I\’ve seen, a pretty even three-way race for best American movie of the year between \”Social Network,\” \”Black Swan\” and this. In the end, whichever of those three very different movies suits your tastes is what you\’ll end up picking.
They all bow down before \”Enter the Void,\” however.