Top 100 Most Anticipated Films of 2010: David O. Russell’s The Fighter

#57. The Fighter

Director: David O. Russell
Writer(s): Paul Attanasio, Lewis Colick
Producers: Dorothy Aufiero, David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman and Paul Tamasy
Distributor: Paramount Pictures.

The Gist: This is the powerful true story of professional boxers Dickie (Christian Bale) and Micky (Mark Wahlberg). Although they are half brothers, their careers take very different courses. Older brother Dickie does not suffer from a shortage of talent or confidence, but his lack of judgment and humility lead him down a path of self-destruction. After blowing his shot against one of the greatest fighters of his generation, Dickie descends down a dangerous road of drug addiction that robs him of his career, alienates his brother, and eventually lands him in jail…(more)

Cast: Amy Adams, Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg and Melissa Leo.

Why is it on the list?: The rags-to-riches boxing ring narrative has been overdone, and while nothing has come close to stealing the title away from the Jake La Motta biopic (Million Dollar Baby was crap folks), if the performances are spot on, if Russell gives this biography a different tapestry (apparently he shrunk the timeline from 30 to 3 years) then we’ll gain more insight in why this originally attracted the Darren Aronofskys and the Brad Pitts). This one might be Oscar-bait.

Release Date/Status?: Paramount Pictures will choose a wise date to bring in box office dollars and pander to critics. A major film festival release is not out of the question.