Wrestling Masculinity: THE IRON CLAW
The Iron Claw explores the impact of familial expectations, the burden of legacy, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of traditional ideals of masculinity; and its harmful consequences.
The strangling Iron Claw, the Von Erich’s signature move, poses as a poignant metaphor for the mental pressure and physical toll of wrestling and a physical representation of the emotional and psychological hold it has on the boys. The film delves into the complexities of family dynamics, exploring how the choices of one generation can reverberate through subsequent ones.
Zac Efron puts on a show as the lead and gives the audience something to hold onto throughout the film. The film’s supporting cast is also a hit, including outstanding performances by both Allen White and McCallany, who most definitely deserve more Hollywood traction.
The pressure on the brothers to perform at the highest level, not only for their father but for what they believe to be their destiny, highlights the psychological toll that such expectations can take on individuals. Mike Von Erich feels like an outcast in his family for pursuing music rather than wrestling, adding a layer to explore individual identity within the constraints of familial expectations. The connection between the father's past as a musician and his abandonment of that pursuit to conform to societal expectations of masculinity associated with football adds a tragic truth to the narrative. Durkin’s writing suggests a cycle of unfulfilled dreams and the wrestling of societal norms that may not align with personal passions.