Hopefully with The Wrestler director Darren Aronofsky can shake his association as “That Requiem For a Dream guy” (a movie that was, incidentally, a terribly over-the-top preachy wreck). Because The Wrestler is a magnificent piece of cinema, and it’s what Aronofsky deserves to have his name associated with henceforth. Focusing on the post-career life of professional wrestler Randy “The Ram” Robinson (a Mickey Rourke who may not be acting, so natural is his performance), The Wrestler is both depressing yet uplifting, and frustrating yet captivating. Ever since the glory days of his professional stardom in the 80s, The Ram has been washed-up –reduced to doing the circuit of amateur local wrestling, living out of a trailer, and forgotten by all but the most die-hard fans.

The movie follows Ram, often behind his shoulder with hand-held camera, as he attempts to patch his shambles of a life back together. The result is a captivating portrait of a man who is broken and stuck in the past, a Shakespearian figure doomed from the start by his own failings. Plus Marisa Tomei gets naked.