Rourke was terrific in the latter film, and was nominated by the Philadelphia Daily News Film Critics Society - unanimously, by its membership of one - for best actor that year.
Oscar voters ignored him, but that won't be a problem for Rourke in "The Wrestler," a tough, bloody, enthralling movie that makes Rourke a sure bet for an Oscar nod, and even money to win the whole thing.
"The Wrestler" is Rourke's "Wrasslin' Bull," a compelling portrait of a brawler's self-destruction that manages to be moving even without "Raging Bull's" offer of redemption (though the ending here is certainly open to interpretation).
Rourke is Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a washed-up pro-wrestling legend now eking out a living in North Jersey: making nostalgia appearances on the minor-league circuit, showing up at old-timers shows, posing for snapshots and signing autographs.
The violent (not for the squeamish) wrestling sequences that comprise the movie's first hour (some filmed in Philadelphia) are almost hypnotically good, as The Ram sacrifices what little is left of his body for the sake of a good show. The pain he endures, the pleasure it gives him to remain vital and relevant, register strongly via Rourke's performance.
To say that Rourke is perfect for this role is an understatement - wrestling sits at the nexus of fighting and entertainment, and Rourke, a lousy boxer and a great actor, understands both well enough to integrate them into a vivid whole.
And then there is the ravaged monument of his once-captivating face, which tells you everything you need to know about The Ram's many failures. All of the excesses, indulgences, sins, mistakes of a misspent life are written on that puffy, ruined visage.
