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Fox Searchlight Picks Up Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler
September 8, 2008
by Alex Billington
Last night was one hell of a good night for Darren Aronofsky's latest film, The Wrestler. I saw the film at its North American premiere yesterday evening and it was incredible (my review is on the way), definitely another Aronofsky hit. Luckily my wildest dreams were fulfilled as well when Fox Searchlight was announced today as the studio that won in an intense bidding war for distribution rights. The film played at the Venice Film Festival last week (where it won the Golden Lion) and yesterday night without an actual distributor, but now its got the best in the business. Fox acquired the film for roughly $4 million, the first big sale of the Toronto Film Festival so far. I hope this kicks off more great sales for films that deserve it, and Wrestler was one of them, so good luck to the remaining films here in Toronto.
"Buyers huddled on the street and made their way to the Four Seasons Hotel to offer bids and pitch release plans. An Oscar-campaign for Mickey Rourke's rough-and-tumble, vulnerable performance as a wrestler on the ropes was an essential component of the deal," comments Anne Thompson of Variety. I had heard rumblings of this sale earlier in the night and during the afterparty, and was glad to hear that The Wrestler, one of my favorite films from the entire festival so far, ended up selling to the very best indie distributor. Rourke will definitely get an Oscar nomination and I'm certain will definitely shake things up in this year's Oscar competition. Now Fox Searchlight just needs to ramp things into high gear and start marketing this film for a fall release. But before they do, let me make my own marketing pitch - this is a must see!
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Reader Feedback - 6 Comments »
1
Glad to hear this lived up to expectations. I see a mix of Cinderella Man and Aronofsky's unique style creating an emotional underdog tale which won't be soon forgotten.
Looking forward to the Aronofsky interview you promised us ;o)
Peloquin on Sep 8, 2008
3
I am very excited to hear that this movie is as amazing as I thought it would be…of course it still might 'suck' but I doubt it.
Kyle A. Koyote on Sep 8, 2008
4
Glad to here that it was picked up by SEARCHLIGHT b/c they are the only indie branch now that actually DISTRIBUTES movies to a wide audience. Fox is good at something 
Ryan on Sep 8, 2008
5
I'm glad Darren's new film got the best representation possible. I can't wait to see it. I've seen all his films.
Film-Book dot Com on Sep 8, 2008
6
I like Darren Aronofsky but this seems how should I put it, umm, GAY!(I'm not a homophobe)
vu on Sep 9, 2008