Recently, I was blessed to talk to Academy Award® and Golden Globe® nominee Casey Affleck (“Interstellar,” “Oceans 13”), about his role as Raymond Sybert a mid-level crew member aboard the Pendleton who suddenly becomes the man to whom everyone looks for guidance in the upcoming movie “The Finest Hours”. During my interview with the native Bostonian, I discovered some neat fun facts that I wanted to share with you.
The story really spoke to me about heroism and leadership,”Casey says. “These men were in a terrifying situation, yet they figured out a way to work together, ultimately bringing out the best in one another to accomplish the unthinkable.”
No Need to Pretend
Although water being thrown at a person doesn’t seem as pyshical as running or jumping, Casey Affleck did have to be a bit adjusted to gallons of cold water being thrown at him. Casey Affleck: “Having cold water thrown at you is much easier than pretending. All you have to do is get your lines out since you’re already shivering, and you can’t help keep your eyes half closed because you’re being pounded with water. Then you look like a good actor because you just stood there and took so much physical abuse.”
Teaching Position
If Casey decided to change his career direction he would not being a teacher like his mother. Casey Affleck: “My mom was a teacher, and I enjoy working with kids.”
No WetSuite
The majority of the scene in the film are done during the harsh winter in water. Therefore, I wondered if Casey wore a wetsuit to keep somewhat warm. Although other cast members wore wetsuits, Casey braved the cold.Casey Affleck: “I think Chris Pines and Ben Foster wore wetsuits. Others used little heating pads. But there were a few among us who braved it. Instead of trying to keep warm in between takes, I just stayed there until it’s over and then I took a hot shower at the end of my work day.”
Challenges
The most challenging aspect of his role as Raymond Sybert in “The Finest Hours” was controlling how much fear so it would look realistic.
Casey Affleck: “I think trying to figure out how much fear I should show is the most challenging part of this role.”
Concrete Steps
When Casey was in his early twenties, he did construction. Casey Affleck: “I did construction once on a building close to my house, and our job was to build these concrete steps. Every time I drive by the building, I think, I built those steps.”
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