The Fighter
Once a troubled Boston teen, now an A-list movie star – Mark Wahlberg’s career has seen the actor turn out some fantastic performances.
We take a look at some of Mark’s key roles throughout his career leading up to a powerful performance as real-life boxer Micky Ward in THE FIGHTER – in cinemas nationwide February 2.
THE FIGHTER (2011)
David O. Russell’s highly anticipated The Fighter sees Wahlberg put on his boxing gloves to bring the inspirational story of unlikely-hero Micky Ward to the screen.
Wahlberg plays “Irish” Ward with sensitivity as he navigates relationships with his opponent-turned-trainer half-brother Dicky Ecklund (Christian Bale), and girlfriend Charlene (Amy Adams), to strengthen the bonds of his family while taking a long-shot at the championship.
THE OTHER GUYS (2010)
Wahlberg took a starring role opposite comedy genius Will Ferrell in last year’s hit police comedy The Other Guys.
Will and Mark kept the laughs coming as the most dysfunctional partners to carry a badge.
This hilarious romp is proof that Wahlberg can hold his own when the script turns funny.
THE LOVELY BONES (2010)
Peter Jackson directed Wahlberg to an outstanding emotional and sympathetic performance as the grieving father of murdered Susie Salmon in The Lovely Bones.
In the film of the acclaimed novel Wahlberg conveys a father’s undying love to his daughter, who watches over her family from heaven.
MAX PAYNE (2008)
A rogue cop on a mad quest to avenge his murdered wife and child, Max Payne is a role that let Wahlberg show off his action credentials.
The video game movie may not have done too well at the box office, but it showed us that Wahlberg can play ‘angry as hell’ with aplomb.
THE DEPARTED (2006)
Legendary director Martin Scorsese cast Wahlberg in his epic remake of Hong Kong’s Infernal Affairs.
Staff Sergeant Sean Dignam is the by-the-book hard-ass cop running the undercover officers who infiltrate Boston’s underworld.
Nobody can forget Wahlberg delivering justice in the striking final scene.
I HEART HUCKABEES (2004)
The second David O. Russell picture on our list is 2004’s ‘existential comedy’ I Heart Huckabees.
Wahlberg shines as a firefighter with an overly enlightened take on the ways of the world.
From lecturing against ‘big oil’ to watering the grass while a house burns down behind him, Tommy Corn is certainly the most oddball character in Wahlberg’s portfolio.
PLANET OF THE APES (2001)
For a rare foray into science fiction, Walhberg took top-billing in Tim Burton’s Plant Of The Apes.
Wahlberg’s astronaut lands on a strange planet inhabited by intelligent ape-people. After much monkeying around a terrible truth becomes apparent.
THREE KINGS (2000)
The third and final David O. Russell film on our list is George Clooney led action/adventure movie Three Kings.
Set at the end of the Gulf War, Three Kings tells of a gang of US soldiers on a hunt for Iraqi gold.
Wahlberg’s Troy Barlow and his fellow adventurers encounter all manner of scenarios including one that has them questioning their quest, and changes their lives.
BOOGIE NIGHTS (1998)
P.T. Anderson’s take on the fledgling pornography industry in California in the 1970’s and ‘80’s gave Wahlberg a huge break out role.
Eddie Adams, or ‘Dirk Diggler’ as the industry knew him, has his tumultuous career traced through the lavish highs and gritty lows associated with the porn industry.
Yet another final scene we just can’t forget!
THE BASKETBALL DIARIES (1995)
While most people only know this film as an early step to stardom for Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg’s supporting performance as Jim Carroll’s buddy certainly flagged him as one to watch.
The Fighter is released nationwide February 2.
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