Short synopsis : One-time WWF star Randy The Ram, scratching out a living performing for diehard wrestling fans in New Jersey, is offered one last chance of love and glory. Darren Aronofsky presents a cast of battered dreamers and bravehearted losers in a powerful portrait of a hero despite himself, and a classic story of love, loneliness and the lure of the arena. In the tradition of Mike Figgis' ''Leaving Las Vegas'' and Clint Eastwood's ''Million Dollar Baby''.

Long synopsis : Once a hugely successful WWF wrestler, RANDY THE RAM now ekes out a living performing for diehard wrestling fans from the 80s in high school gyms and community centers around New Jersey. Estranged from his daughter, unable to sustain any real relationships, Randy lives for the thrill of the show, the adrenalin rush of combat and the adoration of his remaining fans. But when he suffers a heart attack in the middle of a bout, Randy’s doctor tells him he needs to lay off the steroids and stop wrestling. For good. Forced out of show business, Randy begins to evaluate the state of his life. He tries to reconnect with his daughter and strikes up a wary romance with an aging stripper, PAM. For a while, things work out. But try as he might to resist, the pull of the spotlight is too much for him and Randy attempts once again to fight his way back into the ring. Visionary director Darren Aronofsky (“Requiem for a Dream”) presents a tale of battered dreamers and undefeated losers, a powerful portrait of a hero despite himself and the odds stacked against him, and a classic story of love, loneliness and the inescapable lure of the stage. In the tradition of Mike Figgis’ “Leaving Las Vegas” and Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby”.

Cast

• Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Mark Margolis, Todd Barry, Wass Stevens

Crew

• Producer(s): Darren Aronofsky, Scott Franklin
• Director(s): Darren Aronofsky
• Screenplay: Robert D. Siegel
• DP: Maryse Alberti
• Editing: Andrew Weisblum
• Original Music: Clint Mansell
• Set Design: Tim Grimes

• Genre(s): Drama


• Production company: OFF THE TOP ROPE, INC
• Production date: 2008
• Language: English
• Duration: 105 min
• Image Ratio: 0.00

• Venice Film Festival 2008 - Competition
  Award(s) : Golden Lion
• Toronto International Film Festival 2008
  
• Academy Awards 2009 - Nominated
  Award(s) : Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
• Golden Globes 2009
  Award(s) : Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama, Best Original Song - Motion Picture
• BAFTA Awards 2009
  Award(s) : Best Leading Actor
• Screen Actors Guild Awards 2009 - Nominated
  Award(s) : Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
• Independent Spirit Awards 2009
  Award(s) : Best Feature, Best Male Lead, Best Cinematography
• Rome International Film Festival 2008
  
• Viennale International Film Festival 2008
  
• Stockholm Film Festival 2008
  
• Dubai International Film Festival 2008
  
• Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 2008
  Award(s) : Audience Award