Darren Aronofsky Reveals Where His Dark Side Comes From

We saw "The Wrestler" f0r a second time at BAM last night and were treated to an incredibly open, revealing discussion with (Brooklyn-born) director Darren Aronofsky about his experience working on the film.

Aronofsky discussed the challenges he faced directing Rourke, saying everyday was a pain since Rourke fought many of his lines, required constant pushing, and ended up only giving about 30-40% of what he was capable of. Aronofsky even had to call the bars that Rourke visited nightly to tell the bartenders to cut him off or serve him 90% water, 10% alcohol so that he would wind down and be able to come into work the next day.

The crowd's favorite moment came when Entertainment Weekly's Owen Gleiberman, who hosted the discussion, drew a parallel between the darker elements of "The Wrestler" and Aronofsky's previous films, particularly "Requiem for a Dream."

Gleiberman: I'm curious, you're also such a nice person, I've known you for a very long time. Where does the dark side of Darren Aronofsky come from?

Aronofsky: Brooklyn.