I should have learned my lessons. To stay away from films with reviews that mentioned "simply the best film of the year". I like American films when they are loud and brash. Like many in recent years, this one thinks it is indie but I can't help but to sniffed out the formulaic stories. An estranged family member, a less than affectionate love interest, a sordid life and let-us-throw-in-some-small -town-oddities. We've seen them repeatedly especially in those pre-Oscar season films. The story of parallel lives between Rourke and Tomei characters that director Aronofsky thought was a stroke of genius was really contrive. Instead of letting the viewers figure it out, he dropped many hints just to make sure we 'get it'. The film used the current popular formula that will secure critics approval (think last year Best Picture). If it is not an intelligent film, don't try to be clever at the end. The only star it gets is the film does not take itself too seriously.

Amazing film, I loved it, great acting.