The Wrestler

MICKEY ROURKE

A Darren Aronofsky Film

Mickey Rourke is back in his rightful place once again.. the lead! In "The Wrestler", he
takes on the persona of retired 1980s-era star professional wrestler yearning for the
feeling he once knew while in his prime. The film tells the tale of former larger-than-life
wrestler, 'Randy "The Ram" Robinson', fighting his way back up the independent
wrestling circuit to chase away old ghosts which continue to haunt him. Robinson is
driven to settle a score and unfinished business in the dangerous squared ring of
glory.

Years have passed since the heyday of “The Ram.“ The splendor, fame, fortune and
applause have all faded away. Only the man behind the façade remains. Randy
Robinson’s personal life is clouded with hard luck, personal demons, and the troubles
of his past and present. Not all his battles are contained in the ring. Subsequent to
being evicted from his trailer, he finds himself lost, despondent and living in a van. The
relationship between Randy and ‘Stephanie’ (Evan Rachel Wood), his disgruntled,
estranged 22 year-old daughter and recovering alcoholic daughter, is damaged and
broken.

Trying to build a new life, he takes a job at a deli, moves in with aging stripper ‘Cassidy’
(Marisa Tomei) and attempts to develop a relationship with her and her son. ‘Cassidy’,
also known by real name ‘Pam’ has great difficulty becoming physically and
romantically involved after hours. Although battling issues of her own, she
encourages Robinson to reconnect and bond with his daughter.

After a heart attack in the midst of a hardcore match, on his successful and impressive
come-back trail, the wrestling legend is firmly warned by a physician to make drastic
changes. If Robinson wants to continue to live much longer, he must abandon
smoking, cocaine and wrestling. But when the prospect of a grudge rematch in an
ultimate showdown with his former arch nemesis, ‘The Ayatollah’, (Ernest 'The Cat'
Miller) presents itself, Randy is far too tempted to refuse. He accepts the challenge.
The aging former wrestler returns to the ring for one final shot glory even if it means
risking his life..

Video captured from the Set Published With Permission

Based on the screenplay of Robert D. Siegel

Directed by:
Darren Aronofsky

Donated to Mickey Rourke Online and MickeyFanBase from our friend "Philly Bill Kerns."
Many thanks to Bill from all of us at Mickey Rourke Online and all true Rourkians at heart!
All Rights To Images Belong to Mickey Rourke OnLine, Mickey Fan Base and Bill himself.

MEETING MICKEY.. as "Randy 'The Ram' Robinson"

Jess Ragni, a Mickey fan of 20+ years, who "started by watching "9 1/2
Weeks" atthe age of 15. LOL.", was taken by quite pleasant surprise by
her encounter with the larger-than-life persona. After she got back
home, Jess sent the photogragh (above)of herself with Mickey to me
when she returned and told me how she came to meet THE Mickey
Rourke!

While searching locations and events regarding “The Wrestler", I was
fortunate enough to learn taping was being done here. I called a friend
with the PennsylvaniaAthletic Commission (which over-sees wrestling
events at the arena). He made one of life long dream come true.

We waited patiently in back with my father who came to take pictures.
Fifteen minutes later, there he was.. Mickey Rourke was standing on the
side getting ready for his nexttake. I edged my way over to him and was
able to catch my first good glimpse. We wentback in the locker room
area to wait. He did his scene and came back to his room. I wassitting
outside waiting.

Finally, his body guard came out. Behind him came Mickey. He was one
of the sweetestmen I have ever met. He was under the impression my
father wanted to meet him, "Goodevening sir. I understand you wanted
to meet me." as he extended his hand to my father,my father replied,
"Mick, sorry not me, but my daughter has waited 20 years to meet you."
Immediately he turned to me and asked if that was true. I, of course said
"YES". He cameover to me, shook my hand and asked my father if he
was ready with the camera. I got twopictures with him, one of which I
have on my MySpace page and is now set as my desktopbackground.

We talked for several minutes. I was able to get him in touch with an old
friend,. Randall"Tex" Cobb who is also friends with my husband (who
is a former wrestler himself) and theAthletic Commissioner. I received a
t-shirt from the Wrestler movie as well. He was so sweet. He held my
arm the whole time he spoke. When I apologized for bothering him
during hiswork he graciously said, "This is no bother at all". We had to
stop talking as they were readyto film him in his next scene at that point.
Needless to say, I have been on Cloud 9 ever since.