VARIOUS: Mark Wahlberg is unexpected champion in "The Fighter"

Record ID: 375098

  • Title: VARIOUS: Mark Wahlberg is unexpected champion in "The Fighter"
  • Date: 9th December 2010
  • Summary: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (RECENT) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) MARK WAHLBERG, TALKING ABOUT WHAT ATTRACTED HIM TO THE FILM, SAYING: "I can't find a reason why I wouldn't be passionate about it. It's such an amazing story, Micky is such an amazing guy, I admire him in many ways. I've always said if I could change or trade all of my success and all of my a
  • Embargoed: 24th December 2010 12:00
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  • Reuters ID: LVA2FYIFNJ8SARXVU90R3LELLYGO
  • Story Text: Mark Wahlberg jumps into the ring in "The Fighter, "portraying one of the most unexpected of boxing champions.
    Micky Ward, played by Wahlberg, is trying to make his way to the weltweweight championship, following in the footsteps of his half-brother, Dicky Eklund. However, Dicky's increasing interest in drug abuse not only derails his career but threatens to destroy Micky's championship hopes as well. With the help of a new girlfriend and trainer, Micky separates from his controlling family and prepares for the fights to come.
    Wahlberg found the true story inspirational and similar to his own struggles to succeed.
    "I can't find a reason why I wouldn't be passionate about it. It's such an amazing story, Micky is such an amazing guy, I admire him in many ways," said the actor. "And, there are so many similarities between Micky's life and his journey and mine. And, I just thought it would make for a great movie."
    Starring as Dicky is current Batman, Christian Bale, who had to undergo yet one more physical transformation for the role.
    "I don't love them, no, I just happen to very much like some characters that require them, you know. I mean, Dicky and Micky were welterweights so, very different body types to my own, naturally," said Bale. "So, I had to do it for that and then also, you know, Dicky became a crackhead and we had to be able to hit a point where I could play him healthy after he gets clean and leaves jail but, he's still very wired and also when he's at his highest point as a crackhead."
    Bale previously scaled down his frame for roles in "The Machinist" and "Rescue Dawn."
    Co-starring are actresses Amy Adams and Melissa Leo, who play Micky's love interest and mother, respectively. Directing the film is American filmmaker David O. Russell. This film will be the third film collaboration between Wahlberg and Russell who previously worked together on "Three Kings" and "I Heart Huckabee."
    "The Fighter" hits US theaters December 10.
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