There are VERY few people who I respect MORE than those who have been addicted to drugs or alcohol abuse and somehow find the guts and strength to beat their addictions and move on with their lives. Case in point… Mickey Rourke.
Rourke has had a very bumpy ride over the last 15 years… and let’s be honest… it’s his own fault. But huge Kudos to him for facing his problems and taking advantage of the opportunity when someone decided to give him another shot. There’s a really nice short little story on Rourke over at China View that highlights it:
The 48-year-old star turned every director against him during the 1980s, when his alcohol and cocaine habits prompted violent outbursts, which eroded the trust and patience of those around him. But director Robert Rodriguez gave him the opportunity to rebuild his acting career, by offering him the role of street fighter Marv in the big screen comic book adaptation – and Rourke is overwhelmed by his unexpected comeback.
He says: “Walking down the red carpet, I thought: ‘Is this really happening after all this time?’ I almost burst into tears. “I am so grateful for my second chance. I was finished, crazy, washed up. I don’t feel like I deserve it. I just feel grateful.”
Maybe that’s the reason he got zero publicity in the marketing of Sin City or the upcoming Domino. Perhaps the studios still just want to make sure he’s not about to blow up again an ruin the marketing campaigns. Fair enough.
I still say hands down Rourke was the best performer in Sin City (which is saying a lot when you consider who else is in it). I can’t wait to see how he does in Domino
