Ben Foster, who has done standout work in such films as The Messenger, Alpha Dog, and 3:10 to Yuma, stars with Jason Statham in the action film The Mechanic, a remake of the Charles Bronson headlined film from 1972.  The picture centers on an assassin (Statham) who shares his trade secrets with the quick trigger son (Foster) of his late colleague (Donald Sutherland).  Foster brings a fierce intensity to his craft, and I asked the actor if he is able to leave his work on the set.  “In short, no.  For some actors it’s really easy. It’s not for me,” said Foster, who also produces and stars with Woody Harrelson in the drama Rampart, which just finished production.   “Some people can dunk basketballs.  I can’t.  You spend all day thinking about something and considering.  For example, the movie The Messenger…(exploring) grief, loss, the inevitable.  Something we all go through.  Something we all have experience with.  Making the phone call, receiving the phone call that a loved one is no longer with us.  You spend all day considering that - it’s hard to shake.  It’s natural.  I think it’s normal.  I would be worried about people who could turn that off.  Power to them.  I’m grateful for every experience, every film that allows a period of time to consider that and to feel these presented questions. But it takes a while.  And hopefully if you do ask these questions and you are truthful with yourself, you meet yourself along the way.”

Rampart, based on a story by James Ellroy (L.A. Confidential), reunites Harrelson and Foster with The Messenger director Oren Moverman.  Harrelson received a Supporting Actor Oscar nod for his work as a military vet in The Messenger, and Foster gives his thoughts on the actor’s performance in Rampart.  

Foster also talks about his role in the film, which co-stars Robin Wright, Sigourney Weaver, and Steve Buscemi.  The Mechanic, directed by Simon West (Con Air, When A Stranger Calls), opens nationwide January 28th.

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posted by Greg Srisavasdi