With writer-directorBen Younger’s(Boiler Room) boxing dramaBleed for Thisopening this weekend, I sat down withAaron Eckharta few days ago to talk about playing renowned trainerKevin Rooneyin the film. If you’re not familiar with this incredible true story, after winning two world title fights and shooting to stardom,Vinny“The Pazmanian Devil”Pazienza(played byMiles Teller) was in a brutal car wreck that left him with a broken neck and was told that he may never walk again. Against all odds and doctor’s orders, Kevin Rooney (Eckhart) agrees to help Vinny return to the ring, just a year after the accident, for what could be the last fight of his life.Bleed for Thisalso starsKatey SagalandCiarán Hindsas Pazienza’s parents. The film was produced byBruce CohenandMartin Scorsese(full list of producershere).
During the interview, Eckhart talked about the challenges of only having 24 days to make the movie, how they had to pull back on the truth to make it believable, why Vinny Pazienza deserves a movie about his life, wanting to direct in the near future, why President Benjamin Asher won’t be making a return in the nextOlympus Has Fallensequel, and a lot more.
Check out what he had to say in the video above and below is exactly what we talked about followed by some images.
Aaron Eckhart:
