There are few stories we as a society like more than comeback stories. Maybe thats because we love underdogs, or maybe because deep down we all know how hard it is to get something back that you ether lost or threw away, and when we see someone able to do that, it inspires us. For whatever reason, we do love our comeback stories.
2008 had a couple of remarkable comebacks in the entertainment world and Yahoo just did and interesting little article about a couple of them. Most notably Robert Downey Jr., Mickey Rourke and Britney Spears (Obviously I’m more interested in the movie actors.
MICKEY ROURKE: The 52-year-old actor more or less peaced out from Hollywood after squandering his early potential with bad-boy behavior. But thanks to his leading role in “The Wrestler,” Rourke is reliving the critical acclaim of his work in films such as “The Pope of Greenwich Village,” “Diner” and “Rumble Fish.” Director Darren Aronofsky fought to cast Rourke against the concerns of financial backers; Aronofsky forged a comprise by settling on a lower budget of $6 million. So far, so good: Rourke is getting strong Oscar buzz, and the poignancy of his heartbreaking turn as a down-and-out celebrity wrestler itching to make a comeback isn’t lost on him. As he told The Associated Press: “There were some broken pieces I didn’t know how to fix that made me behave a certain way. … I wish I knew differently, because I put myself and a lot of other people through a lot of hell that I regret.”
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ROBERT DOWNEY JR: The charismatic actor went from cautionary tale to bankable movie star last summer for his performance in the Marvel Studios blockbuster “Iron Man,” which grossed $318.3 million domestically. He also got raves for his risk-taking role as an actor in blackface in “Tropic Thunder.” Like Rourke, Downey had trouble finding plum roles that exploited the depth of his talent after some personal trouble — and Downey’s dark path included a crippling battle with addiction that led to stints in jail and rehab. Now clean, Downey proved he could draw millions to the multiplex last summer as billionaire genius-turned-superhero Tony Stark. That’s something new for Downey, who previously acted in smaller-scale movies. And he’ll do it again: Marvel has tapped him to star in “Iron Man 2” and “The Avengers,” respectively slated for 2010 and 2011.
Robert Downey Jr’s comebac. is probably the most surprising because this is really his second comeback. He ruined his career with drugs and other junk… started making a legitimate comeback a few years later… only the fuck it all up again with his stupidity. Now, he seems to have gotten his life together and is utilizing that mountain of talent and potential he has within him. It’s really great to see. I truly hope he doesn’t screw this up again, he’s got too much going for him.
Mickey Rourke may very well win an Oscar this year for his performance in “The Wrestler”. Once again, a man with almost limitless talent who has only ever been held back by his own vices and mistakes. I hope he sticks around.
What are some other comeback stories in the movies this year that you can think of?
