Colin Farrell: Hard Work And Luck
In the new movie, "S.W.A.T," Colin Farrell plays an officer given a second chance as a member of an elite LAPD law enforcement team trying to deliver an international mobster into the hands of the FBI.
The Early Show co-anchor Julie Chen sat down with Farrell to talk about his life in the Hollywood spotlight and his role in this new movie.
"S.W.A.T." is based on a 1970s television series, but Dublin native Farrell says he didn't know it existed until he read the script for the movie.
"I had never heard of it," he says. "I heard of [the theme song] pretty quick. [Director]Clark Johnson walked on the set every day [singing the theme song]. It's running through your brain."
Farrell says the movie focuses on a S.W.A.T. team and its focus, loyalty and friendship.
"And you can say it's about passion," he says.
Farrell's character, Jim Street, was a former S.W.A.T. officer who was reprimanded and demoted after making a controversial call during a bank robbery and hostage crisis. Farrell believes Street loves what he does for a living, and would rather face prison than turn his back on the team.
"[Street will] clean rifles, and he'll do it with the same amount of dedication [as he would] to clear a building in a hostage situation," Farrell says.
Now, Street is given a second chance with a newly formed S.W.A.T. squad. Sergeant "Hondo" Harrelson, played by Samuel L. Jackson, believes Street deserves an opportunity to redeem himself, plus add to the talent of the new team.
"[Jackson is] such a brilliant actor and strong as an ox," Farrell laughs. "It was great just to be around him and work with him … and everyone else. You know, everyone from Brian Van Holt to Josh Charles, Jeremy Renner, Olivier Martinez, Michelle [Rodriguez]. And we've got a great bunch of people around. So, I mean, we had a laugh for four months."
Farrell credits his success, so far, to working hard and some luck.
"I know the stars aligned in a certain way [so] that I was given every opportunity to still be here," he says. "I'm not saying that to be Mr. Modest-Guy."
The Irish-born actor recalls that it was strange when he worked on a film set in America for the first time because he came from such humble beginnings. Now, the actor says he feels he is lucky to have the fame and money and all the other perks that comes with being a celebrity.
The worst part of notoriety, he explains, is not being able to enjoy his time with friends in public.
"Being in a pub and with your mates and you get one picture taken and then the next thing there's a line," he says.
The picture taking with strangers and fans is something, Farrell says, he hasn't gotten used to.