‘The Wrestler’ really rings true

I was rather annoyed at Kenneth Turan’s review of “The Wrestler” [“As Fake as Wrestling,” Dec. 17]. I saw the film at an academy screening and to dismiss this fine piece of work by the director, Darren Aronofsky, as an “essentially fake film” does a major disservice to the daring and creative director, but to the L.A. Times’ readers as well.

To see and experience the degrading quality of the lives of these hulking wrestlers was a revelation, and the powerful performance by Mickey Rourke in the lead role was more than astonishing -- it was lived-in and honest and touching.

Peter Mark Richman

Woodland Hills