Timberlake: Class Clown Of 'Alpha Dog'
Justin Timberlake's new film, "Alpha Dog," is a dark tale, inspired by a true story about a drug dealer who kidnaps the brother of one of his deadbeat customers.
Timberlake plays Frankie Ballenbacher, a member of the dealer's gang who befriends the kidnapped teen.
The singer and actor said he was attracted to the role of being a feel-good character in a far-from-feel-good film.
"What I felt like I brought to the character that was unique to the film was assuring the audience that everything was OK," Timberlake told The Showbuzz's Karina Mahtani-Mitchell. "Like having a sense of humor and making everything light. That's who Frankie is in that group of people. I think he's sort of the class clown."
The film's director, Nick Cassavetes, thought Timberlake would be perfect for the film.
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"To me, the toughest character to embody in the story is Frankie, because he befriends the kid and allows these events to happen," said Cassavetes. "I told Justin that I wanted him to do it, and he called me back a few seconds later and said he was in."
"Alpha Dog," which opens Jan. 12, was written and directed by Cassavetes and stars Bruce Willis and Sharon Stone.