Wrestler Rourke hits red carpet

US actor Mickey Rourke took to the red carpet in London on Monday night to promote his latest film, The Wrestler.

The 52-year-old stars as has-been professional wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson who is reluctant to throw in the towel.

The movie won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and Rourke is also tipped to be nominated for an Oscar for his role.

The Wrestler will be released in cinemas across the UK on 16 January.

Rourke gave up acting for more than a decade to take up boxing.

But speaking in London's West End, he said he had to forget his fighting background for the role in the The Wrestler.

"It got in the way because wrestlers don't move like fighters, and fighters don't move like wrestlers - it was really more like I had to get my mindset out of that," he said.

"In boxing, you move very gracefully. These guys move very hulkingly and you can read their punches."

'Emotional scenes'

Rourke struggled to get Hollywood roles following his acting absence, but came back into the limelight with a part in Sin City in 2005.

"I had 15 years to think about what I was going to do when I got a part I could sink my teeth into. So you just step up to the plate, or you go get a job," he said.

There had been reported rumours about a clash between Rourke and co-star Marisa Tomei, who did not attend the premiere.

Rourke said working with her was "an experience", and added: "The more heavy emotional scenes were with the very young and talented Evan Rachel Wood.

"They were the hardest to do, it was all about a father and a daughter.

"He was more concerned with being on the road and wearing his tights than he was with bringing up his daughter."