Academy Awards Best Picture Focus: 'The Fighter'

In Yidio's Academy Awards Best Picture Focus section, we take an in-depth look at all 10 films nominated for the 2011 Oscar. Today we take a look at Mark Wahlberg's pet project "The Fighter," directed by David O. Russell.

About the Film

"The Fighter" tells the true story of professional boxer "Irish" Micky Ward's (Mark Wahlberg) rise from never-was to Welterweight Champion, but focuses heavily on Ward's family, including his brother, former-boxer-turned-crack-addict Dicky Eklund. Along the way, director David O. Russell once again brings out his stunning ability to cover ground through comedy that would normally be accomplished with dramatic turns. The film is as hilarious as it is uplifting and touching, and all three aspects of the film work in unison in a manner rarely seen at the cinema.

"The Fighter" has had a long, long road to the screen. Star and producer Mark Wahlberg maintained an exercise regime for over four years while trying to get the film made, first with Martin Scorsese and then Darren Aronofsky, who also has some Oscar attention this year with "Black Swan." He eventually dropped out and was replaced, at the behest of Wahlberg and co-star Christian Bale, with David O. Russell.

Why the nomination for Best Picture?

Though clearly a film made for Oscar season, many thought in the run-up to its release that it would simply come-and-go as a familiar uplifting sports drama. That is, of course, until people actually saw it. While its inspirational ending is a major hook for voters, Russell does impeccable work with the cast, excellently establishing who these people are and their relationship to one another, and showing character growth without calling attention to it. As a visual stylist, Russell is pulling off entirely new moves, injecting much-needed visual energy into a familiar story.

The cast, for their part, is more than game, and the film's three acting nominations reflect that. Even the smallest characters distinguish themselves, and everyone works in concert with one another to create a true ensemble. Much is made in critical circles that the story should come first, but in their hearts, audiences will follow interesting, entertaining characters anywhere, and this film is absolutely stocked with them.

Other Awards Nominations

Christian Bale is considered the film's best chance on Oscar night in the Supporting Actor category, though Melissa Leo is picking up a fair number of Supporting Actress trophies herself. Amy Adams is also nominated for Supporting Actress, the screenplay (credited to Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson & Keith Dorrington) for Best Original Screenplay, Pamela Martin for the editing, and Russell in the directing category.

What are the chances?

Surprisingly high. While much of the Oscar talk has stayed the course in staging the battle between "The Social Network" and "The Hurt Locker," "The Fighter" has resonated strongly with audiences and much of the early buzz came from Academy screenings. While it would certainly be an upset, "The Fighter" is a huge contender this year, and don't be too surprised if it delivers the knockout.

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Watch the Trailer for "The Fighter"