Colin Farrell, Jessica Brown Findlay talk "Winter's Tale" love scenes
Colin Farrell and Jessica Brown Findlay are keeping each other warm through the cold in "Winter's Tale."
The new drama is based on Mark Helprin's 1983 best-seller -- a story filled with romance, demons and a flying white horse. Set over three different time periods, Farrell stars as a petty thief in 1916 New York who tries to evade the wrath of a demonic gangster (Russell Crowe) working for Lucifer, played by Will Smith in a cameo role.
Findlay, best known for portraying Lady Sybill on the hit PBS series "Downton Abbey," co-stars as a terminally ill love interest for Farrell. There's also plenty of other recognizable names in the cast, including Jennifer Connelly, William Hurt, Matt Bomer and Hollywood legend Eva Marie Saint -- still acting at 89.
The script comes from Akiva Goldsman, also making his directorial debut. Goldsman won an Oscar for his script for "A Beautiful Mind," which starred Crowe and Connelly.
While certain plot elements had to be omitted when adapting the 768-page novel, the romance between the characters played by Farrell and Findlay remains a central focus of the film.The two actors engage in some passionate love scenes, but they admitted in a recent interview with CBS News that those aren't the most fun to film.
"They're technical," Farrell said. "There's never anything really sexy or sensual."
But the "Epic" actor did reveal that some emotions are involved.
"There can be just concern [for the actor]," Farrell added. "Because it's not the most natural thing. And it's not the most comfortable thing. So there can be mutual consideration."
Findlay said that the chemistry between her and Farrell had to come naturally.
"You can't really work on it. You have to just go for it," she said.
Connelly jokingly said that Saint was "obsessed" with the love scenes between Farrell and Findlay during shooting. The veteran actress, who starred with Marlon Brando in "On The Waterfront" and with Cary Grant in Alfred Hitchcock's "North By Northwest," described Farrell as a "gentleman" and a "wonderful actor" when we spoke to her.
She also offered some tips for longevity.
"Walk, walk, walk, walk, walk," Saint said. "My husband and I walk every day for an hour...And you need your sleep. I sound like I'm giving a physical therapy class. But…I'm giving my secrets away."
Watch video above to hear more from the stars and their director, who discusses what it was like having to make the film in the midst of Hurricane Sandy.
"Winter's Tale" opens this Friday.
