The first trailer for 2009 movie The Wrestler has arrived, providing a closer look at Mickey Rourke as Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a professional wrestler trying to piece his life back together.
The Wrestler, directed by Darren Aronofsky, recently won the Golden Lion at the 2008 Venice Film Festival and is already being pushed as a front runner for the 81st Academy Awards. In particular, Rourke's performance as Robinson is gaining as much acclaim as Ledger's depiction of The Joker in Chris Nolan's Dark Knight.
Rourke is joined by co-stars Ernest Miller, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood. The movie is scored by Clint Mansell, and the title track is performed by Bruce Springsteen. Check out the trailer below on HEXUS.tv, or in high definition at Apple.com.
Official plot synopsis:
Back in the late ’80s, Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was 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. Director Darren Aronofsky presents a powerful portrait of a battered dreamer, who despite himself and the odds stacked against him, lives to be a hero once again in the only place he considers home – inside the ring.
It looks as though Randy "The Ram" Robinson could take his place as the Rocky of the 21st century. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the HEXUS.community forums.
The Wrestler will reach UK theatres on January 16th, 2009.
