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Key Points

Colin Farrell opened up about his role in the new film 'Ballad of a Small Player' at the San Sebastián Film Festival. He explained how his own history with addiction helped him understand his character's internal struggles. Farrell described his character Lord Doyle as a self-centered gambler adrift in Macau with mounting debts. The actor also shared that he researched the role by spending time in real casinos to understand gambling addiction.

Key Points: Colin Farrell on Using His Addiction History for Ballad of a Small Player

  • Farrell discusses his personal history with addiction to inform his role as Lord Doyle
  • He describes his character as self-centered and lacking self-worth
  • The actor spent time in Macau's casinos to research the gambling addiction
  • Farrell explains his OCD helps him obsessively prepare for complex characters
2 min read

Colin Farrell reveals how addiction manifested itself on 'Ballad of a Small Player' performance

Colin Farrell reveals how he channeled his past struggles with addiction to play a self-destructive gambler in his new film with Edward Berger at San Sebastián.

"I don’t think you have to be an addict to play an addict. I found (Doyle’s) internal push and pull to be a lovely place to start - Colin Farrell"

Los Angeles, Sep 25

Hollywood star Colin Farrell is shedding light on the path he undertook to play gambling addict Lord Doyle in his upcoming film.

The actor is at the San Sebastián Film Festival with Edward Berger’s ‘Ballad of a Small Player’, reports ‘Variety’.

He spoke at the film’s press conference about the fast-paced thriller, as he said, “It’s pretty well-chronicled now my history with addiction, but I don’t think you have to be an addict to play an addict. I found (Doyle’s) internal push and pull to be a lovely place to start”.

He further mentioned, “He is somebody who doesn’t believe in his own worth, who is very self-centered to the point of being despicable. I still don’t have answers to anything in the script, I just have the experience of being in front of the camera with my fellow actors. As far as preparations go, I suppose I have some form of OCD that is given good life in regard to acting because you get to obsess about the characters and maybe imagine their history, their own personal kind of origin story”.

As per ‘Variety’, ‘Ballad of a Small Player’ is playing in official selection at the Basque festival just a year after Berger’s’ ‘Conclave’ bowed at the same event. Adapted from Lawrence Osborne’s novel, the film finds Lord Doyle adrift in the Eastern gambling mecca of Macau as his past and debts catch up with him. Close to breaking point, the man encounters a kindred spirit who might just hold the key to his salvation.

Speaking about the practicalities of playing a gambler, Farrell recalled spending time within Macau’s sprawling casinos and learning about an addiction he is “thankful” to not have experienced.

“Gambling is one affliction that never really came near me. I’m glad to say I only damaged my body and my brain, not my bank account”, he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Gambling addiction is becoming a serious issue in India too, especially with online betting apps. Good that films are highlighting these problems. Hope it creates awareness.
A
Aman W
His comment about damaging body and brain but not bank account hits hard. Many people don't realize how destructive gambling can be to families. Important topic for Indian audiences where gambling ruins many households.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the acting insights, I wish he'd spoken more about the research into gambling addiction itself rather than just his personal acting process. The character development sounds superficial.
V
Vikram M
Macau as setting is interesting! Many wealthy Indians go there for gambling. Hope the film shows the dark side properly. Colin Farrell is a good actor, should be worth watching.
N
Nisha Z
The part about "not believing in his own worth" resonates. Many addicts struggle with self-esteem. Hope the film handles this sensitively. 👍

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