'Morning, Sir Slope!

While I have seen neither, there is big part of me that is sympathetic towards Rourke as compared to Penn. I admire both, but Rourke went through a period in his personal life when failure was at his doorstep. Performances in Nine and a Half Weeks and Angel Heart marred and tarnished a perfectly solid career that came from portrayals in Diner and The Pope from Greewich Village. He's struggled with this checkered career and I understand this latest bit (The Wrestler) is indicative of a real comeback.

Penn is also immensely talented, and while his life has endured many torments, I see his career as being more charmed. I don't think--and I could be wrong--he suffered the indignity and disgrace of making flawed choices and letting a libidinous Id get the better of him. His performances in Dead Man Walking and Bad Boys were riveting, but I wonder if I am more swayed by the stories and not necessarily the actor. As a director, Penn is quite deft, and I would be happy see him apply his energy there. I do admire his work, but as a card carrying member of the School of Hard Knocks, my sentiments lay more alongside the debauched and resilient Rourke.