The Wrestler

Winner of the Golden Lion at Venice in 2008, The Wrestler is the reference film on professional wrestling seen from the inside. Darren Aronofsky skips the big televised shows for New Jersey's independent circuit: local halls, shared locker rooms, cash payouts and autograph sessions where faded stars sell their photos.

How the business works

In the locker room, opponents agree on how the match will go and how it ends, then thank each other afterwards. Randy quietly cuts his forehead with a blade to draw blood, a real practice of the trade. The hardcore match against Necro Butcher, with a staple gun and broken glass, shows the physical cost of the show. Wrestling fans will recognise the scripting, and also the reality of the bumps, injuries and worn-out bodies.

Rourke trained by a former wrestler

Mickey Rourke, who boxed professionally in the early 1990s, trained for eight weeks with Afa Anoa'i of the Samoan Anoa'i wrestling family, along with trainers Jon Trosky and Tom Farra, who appear in the film. Real independent wrestlers take part, including Necro Butcher, Ron Killings, Jay Lethal, Austin Aries and Chuck Taylor. The final match was shot during a Ring of Honor show in Dover, New Jersey, in front of its crowd.

A celebrated comeback

Made for $6 million, it grossed more than $44 million. Rourke won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama and an Oscar nomination, and Marisa Tomei was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Bruce Springsteen wrote the closing song after receiving a letter from Rourke, and it won a Golden Globe. On Rotten Tomatoes, 99% of reviews are positive.