THE WRESTLER — NYFF 2008

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After disappointing audiences with "The Fountain" (2006), Darren Aronofsky bounces back with an affecting portrait of an aging wrestler (brilliantly played by Mickey Rourke in a career topping performance).

coming to grips with his waning health and need to reconnect with his daughter Stephanie (Evan Rachel Wood).

Years of working in the wrestling circuit have taken their toll on Randy "the Ram" Robinson's heavily scarred body, when he takes one last stab at the pro wrestling circuit.

Broke and lonely, Randy frequently visits stripper Cassidy/Pam (Marisa Tomei) at the club where she dances to woo her into his life.

With limited options available to him, Randy reaches out to his disenfranchised daughter Stephanie, who he has never been able to support.

Aronofsky invokes a fierce blue-collar integrity that supports the idiosyncrasies of the story's pro wrestling milieu.

Marisa Tomei gives a fearless performance as a nude dancer whose days of entertaining are winding down.

"The Wrestler" is a gem of independent Cinema.

Rated R. 109 mins.