The Wrestler

His sense of identity fading into nothingness after the spotlights dim and he experiences a close brush with mortality, a retired wrestler begins to evaluate his life while considering the comeback that could very well kill him in director Darren Aronofsky's poignant portrait of an introspective ...more

The buzz that's been building since The Wrestler won the Venice Film Festival's top prize earlier this year was that it marks Mickey Rourke's undisputed comeback as a serious actor, thanks to an Oscar-worthy performance. Possibly for the first time when it comes to anything involving professional wrestling, you can believe the hype. Rourke is heartbreakingly believable as over-the-hill but still-in-the-game Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a former champion reduced to appearing in cheap local ...more

You don't need to be a fan of wrestling or hair metal to enjoy The Wrestler -- director Darren Aronofsky's poignant glimpse into the life of an aging, broken brawler grappling with failing health and memories of fame long after his glory days have dissipated -- just great acting and assured storytelling. A variation on the Requiem for a Heavyweight model, only set in a different ring, the emotionally resonant drama finds former professional boxer Mickey Rourke lacing up his boots and following ...more

The Wrestler
Nominee - 81st Oscars®:
Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role - Mickey Rourke
Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role - Marisa Tomei