Director Darren Aronofsky discusses The Wrestler.

Acclaimed director Darren Aronofsky (Pi, Requiem for a Dream) discusses his new film The Wrestler, which has garnered Golden Globe 2008 nominations for acting for Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei. The film centers around Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke), a headlining professional wrestler. Now, twenty years later, he ekes out a living performing for handfuls of diehard wrestling fans in high school gyms and community centers around New Jersey. Estranged from his daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) and unable to sustain any real relationships, Randy lives for the thrill of the show and the adoration of his fans. However, a heart attack forces him into retirement. As his sense of identity starts to slip away, he begins to evaluate the state of his life — trying to reconnect with his daughter, and striking up a blossoming romance with an exotic dancer (Marisa Tomei) who is ready to start a new life. Yet all this cannot compare to the allure of the ring and passion for his art, which threatens to pull Randy "The Ram" back into his world of wrestling.  The Wrestler had its North American premiere at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival and won the Golden Lion at the 2008 Venice Film Festival,  and opened in theaters December 17, 2008.

The Wrestler: Meet the Filmmaker

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